Euro 2012

We had high hopes for Thursday’s game against Italy, but it didn’t work out. Ah well.

More important is the ritual of watching the football/soccer matches in Germany: outdoors with many strangers on summer nights when daylight stretches to 10pm.

Beer gardens, restaurants, bars—even convenience stores—all put tables and chairs on the sidewalks and hook up a television to show the game. The streets fill with the sound of thousands of synchronized TVs, cheers, singing, and conversation. It is an atmosphere that is relaxed but full of excitement—a rare moment when people here mingle with unknown neighbors just because it’s more fun to watch together.

Photos by Anthony