I've heard the term "public viewing" thrown around a lot in the past few days. The Germans seem to think this is the english phrase for a soccer watch party. I had to explain to my coworkers that a public viewing takes place before a funeral so friends and family can see the body. Definitely not a sports celebration!

Today was Germany's first world cup game. I was adopted by a family at my church this morning. The father and I spoke in German for a while, and he invited me to a "public viewing" at a local cafe. The cafe is run by a church, kind of like Fairmount Coffee in Wichita. I decided to go, because why not? (Also because some of the German football players are cute)

So, fun fact, German football 'public viewings' are crazy.

I arrived and enjoyed some free sandwiches. My new adopted family bought me a beer, and I settled in. Normally, I don't get that emotional at sports games.* But when you're in a room full of Germans, you get emotional. If the other team has the ball, your heart rate skyrockets. You clench your fists and mutter under your breath. When Germany approaches the goal, you almost rise out of your chair, ready to scream "TOR!!" (Goal) with the best of them. The 90 minutes of play doesn't last long enough.

Suddenly Mexico scores and your team is behind and the time is running out. The goalie is playing on the field, a last-ditch effort to score a point.

Then it's over.

You bid the family goodbye, and you walk back to your S-Bahn station. There's an air of sadness. Germany lost. It's just the first game, but this doesn't bode well for the rest of the cup.

Needless to say, I'll be going to more 'public viewings' in the future. It's the only right way to watch Fussball. ;)

*Actually, I take that completely back. I literally cried when the Cubs won the World Series (Fly the W!), and I might be the loudest voice screaming "GET HIM GET HIM GET HIM" when TCU is playing defense... I blame marching band for that last one.