The glory was theirs. I sat down to write today about the amazing naturalization ceremony I attended earlier this week. I have photos and everything to share! But instead my mind has gone to the soccer game I witnessed this afternoon - starring you know who. What a show.
It was roughly 120 degrees at lunch today. The game started at 5pm - and I'm going to hazard that it was still nearly that hot at game time. The sun was fading into a haze of dust. That helped moderate the intensity of the bright heat, but the dust - ugh. In my eyes, my teeth, my hair. Between my toes inside my shoes.
The teams were made up of a mix of local staff, third country nationals on contracts in Baghdad, and a lonely blond American. He was playing for the mostly pan-Arab team. Trash talking abounded.
The field was one of those new rubber "grass" surfaces with the soft green blades and tiny black recycled "pebbles." It's good for grip and impact, but horrible for post game. Those little pebbles track their way back home into every nook, cranny, and corner. Grrrrrrrr. Settled in between the grass and pebbles on this particular field was a thick layer of ultra fine dust. Every time a player makes a run for it, a trail of dust is kicked up and floats behind him until it's caught by the scorching wind and blown onto the fans (me) on the bleachers. So pleasant.
This was no "pretty boys game." Seriously. The weather and playing conditions brought out the animals in these guys. When one of them mustered up a sprint, it would be followed by lots of groaning and lifting of shirts. Then even more trash talk.
And on this day, with aspirations of revenge, the glory was theirs. Not exactly a beauty to behold, but some animal, primordial, brute strength thing came out there on the field. And it was great! Guys coming out and not being held back by the horrid environment. Yeehaaaa! Now to go wash out that sand from my mouth and nose.
No comments:
Post a Comment