Camping at Chez Bruno

The Main square of Genoa qfter the game. The fountain is on the left.
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Staying in Italy turned out to be the right choice for the final game of the Coup de Monde.  Italy won by one in a shootout after a tie match and overtime play.  Kind of an antclimactic way to finish things off, but the Italians didn't seem to mind.  Naturally they went berserk and for the next several hours (until around 3 am) engaged in what can best be described as a state of utter bedlam in downtown Genoa.  Some of the sights i witnessed that night

• Someone, with a flare or some other incinidiary device, managed to actually catch the screen on fire, burning in it a soccer ball-sized hole during the first half. 
• Some French folks had the guts to wave some French flags out of a third story window during the mid-game break to be greeted by 3000 jeering Italians throwing water bottles and acting threatening
• Some kids, showing off by revving the engine of their motorcycle after the game, succeeded in catching their engine on fire, putting it out and continuing their showing off
• Teenagers piling into the fountain in the main square, climbing up to the top level and splashing around like maniacs

Visiting Bruno is kind of like visiting Obi-Wan Kenobi ("That crazy old wizard!").

Italy just won.
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That said, it was the largest, most extatc celebration i have ever been a part of.

Next morning i drowsily hopped onto a train into France and to Marseille and finally La Ciotat to hang out with Bruno.  Visiting Bruno is kind of like visiting Obi-Wan Kenobi ("That crazy old wizard!").  He lives in a simple little trailer on a eigth acre or so sized lot a few minutes from the town qnd q short walt to the beach.  I think people in the town see him as a sort of mysterious, shamenesque figure who suddenly appears, plays some wicked drums at a bar or club, makes some wise and witty observations, then disappears into his wooded refuge to plan his next appearance.  Staying with him has been excellent and he has been the most gracious host in true French fashion.

Bruno et Ned.
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Sadly, tomorrow i head north for Paris and perhaps old london town to visit an old friend.

I fly out of Paris on July 22nd and will be ready to do some river swimming back in Portland in no time.

For anyone who missed it, here is the inside scoop on the headbutt from the final game of Le Coup de Monde:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5169342.stm