The football jerseys worn by my neighbors gave it away: today was a big football day. Little did I know that it was the Final Game of FA Cup (Note: this means something to people that follow soccer and to nearly everyone who lives in Europe). The game was Chelsea vs. Everton. Walking along every street, and filling every local pub, Chelsea fans were supporting their favorite team. Not being a huge football fan, I went about my day, enjoying the blue skies and 24 degree Celsius air (77 F), forgetting about the game.
I wrote postcards in the park, had brunch at the Diana Cafe (a cafe filled with pictures of Princess Diana from High School age and up.) I bought a spinach, tomato and cheese quiche at the local farmer's market, which I later shared with my roommate for dinner. I called my parents in the early afternoon, a pleasant change from my late night calls during the week. Then, as I was relaxing in our flat, I heard singing coming from the streets. Maybe "chanting" was a better word. You could tell the mood was celebratory. Putting two and two together, I realized that Chelsea must have won the game. My roommate and I listened for awhile, trying to decipher what must have been the Chelsea Fight Song. The roar came in constant waves; yes, Chelsea had won! 2-1 over Everton.
A few hours later, as Leslie and I walked to tube stop, a big red double-decker bus passed us. Again, singing! The top level of the bus was filled with Chelsea fans in their blue jerseys, waving flags and celebrating. Celebrating loudly. We took the tube down to central London in search of some ice cream for dessert. And wouldn't you know that as soon as we were above-ground, we were welcomed by cheers of celebratiion. Down almost every street, especially when there were 2 or 3 pubs in one area, Chelsea fans sang on the top of their lungs. Leslie and I were thoroughly amused. Smiling, we headed toward a popular touristy area of the city (we figure it's still okay to do tourist things; we've only been here a week!) After enjoying our 2-scoop Haagan Daz ice cream sundaes, we walked around for another hour or so before heading home on the tube. And yes, even then, as we packed ourselves into the lifts of the Underground, men and women both were clapping, chanting, and celebrating Chelsea's victory. Yes, today was definitely a day worth celebrating here in London.
