Excitement in the Air
June 10, 2006 by kate baggott
Filed under Mental Health
I was pregnant with my first son during the last World Cup four years ago. After every game, the streets came alive with a cacophony of cheering, car horns and sheer joy. Germany and Turkey both played well and there was both tension and celebration. Inside, the baby would react to the noise, kicking and rolling. I am not sure if it was out of approval or protest.
My son and husband are both huge fans. Yesterday, both kids and adults had their faces painted with national flags and wore their fan jerseys everywhere.
We live very near Frankfurt, where as I type this, England and Paraguay are playing just a few kilometers away. All of us are thinking of going downtown to see the crowds gathered down by the River Main. I actually feel more at home here in Germany than ever before. Everyone is going out of their way to welcome the tourists. The radio is even doing an additional traffic report in English.
Normally, there would be no question about going out and jumping in. We are an adventurous family. But, for an event on this scale, I am a bit nervous about taking the baby out in the thick of it. Then again, I don’t want to stay home with the baby while father and son get to have all the fun.
What would you do if you had a baby and the World Cup on your doorstep?
Strap the baby in a Snugli or backpack and wade in slowly! A few snapshots to record the moment and you can head back to the safety of home.
I love the word “cacophony.” I just never realized it would become a daily description of my home.
get that baby björn ready!
I am envious, as well. I won’t survive because of the heat and the fact that I am heavily pregnant
I stayed yesterday at the Fressgass but only until the end of the opening. Bummer to live in Frankfurt and not be able to “join” in all the celebrations.
Did you notice all the police?! And the hubschrauber constantly hovering over the city?! It’s so crazy. And fun to live in Frankfurt! haha
Hi Kate, I dont know whether to say how lucky you are or how hectic things must be around there just now. I dont follow the football scene at all but living in here in Geordie Land that is practically a mortal sin so we go along with it all around world cup time and even ( for the first time ever ) have an England flag on top of our car at the front.
Here in Newcastle the scene is electric with large screens in most places showing the matches of the world cup and people talking about it everywhere you go.
I cant imagine what it must be like over there in Germany at the moment. Exciting yet scary at the same time.
If I were there and this magnitude was going on just near my door step I would go with baby and any one else who wanted to come along. It is after all a time when people come together and unite in their opposides of support for each team. A highly spirited event which comes around every four years. Make the most of it and grab loads of pictures. Your children will be so proud one day to have them
Helen