The Symi World Cup!
9 June 2006
The Roloi strikes 7pm in Symi-land and the World Cup is under way... in Germany! It is pleasantly breezy tonight, and the sun still shines on the Pitini side of the Harbour.
Symi was preparing all day today for the "big event" and you could see the big screens being put up at cafés down in Yialos (I am sure something very similar happened up in Chorio and over the other side to Pedi). After the delights of Eurovision (for me anyway!), there is now a whole month of sitting out and enjoying the football if you are amongst the "billions" of people who like watching a ball being kicked about by hunky men in shorts!
Greece is not competing this time (just so Brazil doesn't get upset by losing to Greece in the final) but most Greeks are big football fans and have already taken their place in their favourite bar watching the kick-off. It is Germany v. Costa Rica.
Symi was preparing all day today for the "big event" and you could see the big screens being put up at cafés down in Yialos (I am sure something very similar happened up in Chorio and over the other side to Pedi). After the delights of Eurovision (for me anyway!), there is now a whole month of sitting out and enjoying the football if you are amongst the "billions" of people who like watching a ball being kicked about by hunky men in shorts!
Greece is not competing this time (just so Brazil doesn't get upset by losing to Greece in the final) but most Greeks are big football fans and have already taken their place in their favourite bar watching the kick-off. It is Germany v. Costa Rica.
I decided to turn back and go to see what is happening on the other side of the harbour. On the way back, I heard that someone called Lahm from Germany has scored a goal at the 6th minute. It is now 1-0.
At The Roloi Café Bar in Mouragio a priest was sitting down in front of another large projector TV.
At The Roloi Café Bar in Mouragio a priest was sitting down in front of another large projector TV.
Just before the bridge, an England-supporting beach towel showing the brand-new English flag was waiting for its new owner tied up securely at a pole.
By the time I reached the Town Hall square cafés, Costa Rica has equalised and it was now 1-1!
By the time I reached the Town Hall square cafés, Costa Rica has equalised and it was now 1-1!
At the Pitini side of the Harbour, a TV was put out at Portokali and Lemoni Bar, which was still enjoying a gorgeous evening sun.
It was half-time by now and I went to do a bit of shopping for tonight's dinner (which is almost ready!). I got distracted by chatting with a few people but I didn't feel guilty as I have taken most of the photos for my report. By the time I was back by the bridge, it was almost dark, and the new "Gefyraki" restaurant was getting busy.
Just before kick-off the anthems were played by Aris Taverna (photo on your left).
Stella café put up a projector and a big screen which was well supported to sustain the strong-at-times evening breeze.
Stella café put up a projector and a big screen which was well supported to sustain the strong-at-times evening breeze.
I turned the corner towards Harani and passed by Café Avra next door to Nireus Hotel. A good crowd were watching the first few minutes of the match.
Beyond Café Avra, things were a lot quieter. Just after Hotel Aliki, the newly done-up waterfront looked rather nice. It seems there will be another nice-looking café there in the next few days!
Beyond Café Avra, things were a lot quieter. Just after Hotel Aliki, the newly done-up waterfront looked rather nice. It seems there will be another nice-looking café there in the next few days!
The evening colours were nicely reflected on a very inviting sea and I suddenly realised I haven't been swimming for two whole days.
At Pat's bar, Ali was reading his paper. I guess most of the regulars must be up in Chorio at Jean's bar, but it is too far and I am too lazy to go find out!
Another projector screen was up at Evoi Evav Café, where you could find the information of today's matches (and flags) on the blackboard. There is another match tonight at 10:00 - Poland v. Ecuador.
At Kantirimi, people were too busy watching Germany scoring another goal that only a couple of kids noticed the flash from my camera. It is now 2-1 to Germany!
At Kantirimi, people were too busy watching Germany scoring another goal that only a couple of kids noticed the flash from my camera. It is now 2-1 to Germany!
Yannis Taverna next door was getting busy too, with people enjoying their evening meal and watching the footy from Kantirimi's telly.
I crossed the bridge and went towards the front of the Harbour. A lot of people were in front of the projection telly at Aigialos enjoying the last of the evening sun.
Next door at Pacho's, Lakis was not interested in football. He was day dreaming of yummy kotopoulo souvlaki for dinner with a nice beefsteak for afters. He was particularly upset to witness as I was being harrassed by an Australian Proprietor... I told him it was OK and that he shouldn't care about sad and desperate people shouting abuse in public!
Around the corner at Vapori Bar, the TV was inside while a very nice Haris Alexiou song was playing outside - a very welcome distraction to the football chanting!
I crossed the bridge and went towards the front of the Harbour. A lot of people were in front of the projection telly at Aigialos enjoying the last of the evening sun.
Next door at Pacho's, Lakis was not interested in football. He was day dreaming of yummy kotopoulo souvlaki for dinner with a nice beefsteak for afters. He was particularly upset to witness as I was being harrassed by an Australian Proprietor... I told him it was OK and that he shouldn't care about sad and desperate people shouting abuse in public!
Around the corner at Vapori Bar, the TV was inside while a very nice Haris Alexiou song was playing outside - a very welcome distraction to the football chanting!
I ended up at Kantirimi for a quick drink before going back home to write this report. There, I found out that Germany has scored again and it was now 3-1. This may well have been an interesting game after all!
A beautiful moon was looking down on Symi as I was climbing up the steps. I love this time of night especially when you can hear the live music coming through your balcony door.
PS. I almost forgot... the final score was 4-2 to Germany. It took me so long to write this, that the other match has finished too. Ecuador beat Poland 2-0.
A beautiful moon was looking down on Symi as I was climbing up the steps. I love this time of night especially when you can hear the live music coming through your balcony door.
PS. I almost forgot... the final score was 4-2 to Germany. It took me so long to write this, that the other match has finished too. Ecuador beat Poland 2-0.