Italy Takes the World Cup

Italy beat France in a very close game to take the Soccer World Cup. It was quite exciting here in Rome. Before the game cars waving flags honked their horns as they cruised around the city. As we walked around shortly after 8:00, the streets were virtually deserted, except for police and emergency vehicles at the ready. Cars were banned from the center of Rome and everyone seemed to be watching the game. Bars had TVs outside and were packed with cheering fans. Many fans went to Circus Maximus and other public squares where large TVs broadcast the game. People yelled out the score to us as we passed below their windows. All we heard was the sound of TVs and occassional loud cheering. We watched the end of the game on our TV in our hotel room, luckily equipped with sound proof windows. Even so, we heard lots of noise as firecrackers exploded, horns honked, and fans cheered following the game. In the morning things looked back to normal, despite the fact that our morning guide said there had been problems including fires in trash bins in the piazza near our hotel.