When I was at school, in 1974, the world soccer world cup was held in "west" Germany.
Myself and my friend Stefano, whenever Italy would play, went out on a bike of Milano.
We were not really at all into soccer, and the feeling of doing something different from anybody else made us feel...shall I say "unique" ? Or maybe different. For sure, infedeli to the Italy's real religion (don't be fooled by the presence of Vatican city within Rome, just a minority really cares about that religion).
Anyway, pedaling on the streets of Milano was an experience: no (or very few) cars around, silence on the street, and the very same audio commentary coming out of most appartments. (1974 was an year BEFORE private Tv started, and the only alternative to Rai was "la svizzera". But only rich (?) people with color tv sets were watching on the "H" channel, therefore the only sound coming out on the street was of the Black And White, catto-comunist-gray Rai.
During the intervarls, many people appared on balconies and terraces. We could hear them commenting on the results, so we learned the score. Of course if Italy would "segnare" we would immediatly know, by the "boato" coming out from all the buildings around.
This is why tonight I've decided to take a walk in Nice, as France was playing its first match.
Are there going to be people around ? Will bar-goers stare at screens, or just enjoy their meals and the sound of the sea ?
Here is what I saw... :
So...there is no real comparison with milan, 1974. Some people are watching, some do not care, and the city has the usual sounds..
In the end, we can say that most of the people have their flat tv on, but not all are really watching.
Some, in fact, turn around and watch the other way!
