World Cup fever!

Although The Hague is a really international city, I think I’ve told you that my little neighborhood - Duindorp - is very Nederland. There was a burst of orange penants to observe Kings Day back in April. I was happy to have some strings of them strung around my yard, although in the (constant) wind, they are pretty noisy.

But here we are, almost 2 months later, and not only are they still up, they have multiplied! And added red, white and blue - the colors of the Nederland flag to the mix. My neighborhood has exploded with flags,

banners,

and window dressings

covering the walls of buildings,

strung across the streets,

and in the windows.

My neighbor is making sure out building is not left out, and asked me to put balloons on my door

And this evening, I got totally into the spirit, dressed myself up, and went to a sports bar to watch the Netherlands play Sweden

Check out my orange earrings, and my red, white, blue and orange scarf.

It was a very happy crowd, singing along to Who Let the Dogs Out, and other Nederland classics, and raising the roof whenever our team scored

The noise was crushing! Partly the enthusiasm of the crowd, and partly the tin ceiling

which reverberated with the joyful noise. (Turn down your volume before playing!)

I was having a great time; there is wonderful 0 alcohol beer here, on tap! And the NL team scored the first goal about 5 minutes after the start, and then a second goal 10 minutes in. And then two goals in quick succession before the second half was even really started. But then I remembered - I had left a dog and a cat at home. And Duindorp loves to celebrate. So I hopped on a bus, and headed home.

When I got off the bus, the air was ripe with cordite, and by time I’d reached my front door, there had been 5 explosions. Plus the sirens of several police cars. Flynn is away, and I’m the human contact for Ophelia (the cat), plus I’d left Midge home with nothing but a few kongs, a full water dish, and some blankets.

After reassuring Ophelia that she had not been abandoned, I rushed downstairs, and tried to comfort Midge. She was bouncing around, barking at every sound, and I was glad I’d rushed home. The Netherlands won, 5-1, so my absence did not cause any bad luck.

I had a really fun evening, but I think I’ll stay at home for any future games. I’m not much of a football judge; most of what I know I learned watching Ted Lasso, and I remember a few things from Flynn’s soccer games which were about 35 years ago. But it does seem that the NL team is really good. They have a strong passing game, and the goalie is amazing! I expect there will be victory fireworks again, and I’ll celebrate by cuddling Midge under the covers.