What was I thinking?! Fact was, I wasn’t. I was supposed to meet a German friend to watch the World Cup France Vs Germany. She knew a nice German pub, she said. I didn’t think it would be a problem to cheer for the French, even in a German pub. I’ve watched the Netherlands Vs Chili game in a Dutch bar with a Chilean, but the Dutch supporters didn’t mind him. They even bought him a beer after the Dutch victory, to soothe his damaged soul.
Well… Germans don’t. My friend was late, so I walked in to get a good seat. Without realizing, I was wearing a shirt with French writing on it. I guess having my German friend to have my back (or front in the case of my shirt), it wouldn’t have been an issue. But she wasn’t there yet. So the first greeting I heard was from a stern German woman. “You’re in the wrong place”, she said with a grin. “You’re not cheering for France, are you?” Being a bit intimidated by her size, I mumbled that I was waiting for a friend. I looked for a place and ordered a German beer to not fall out-of-place too much ( it was 11.30 am). I thought taking a coffee would’ve been even more suspicious.
It took my friend some time to get there. The game had already started. I felt trapped like in the lion’s den. Rather quickly I had to feign enthusiasm as the Germans made their goal.
Eventually she showed up. And I slowly came out of my shell. Not that is was really necessary, except for one or two moments. unfortunately Au revoir Les Bleus. Now I’m off to cheer for the Dutch. So Costa Ricans can come join me, and they’ll be certain of a friendly beer after their losses.
Dit-oui 