Oh, how I love World Cup time in Toronto. I admit, it's not like I spend a great deal of time watching the games or anything; it's really the fan passion I love most. Any excuse for a street party — that's just how Toronto rolls (at least in the summer).
One thing we didn't think about when choosing an apartment nestled somewhere between Little Portugal and Little Italy, was how awesome our location would be during events like the World Cup. For the past month, there's been an excitement in the air: the constant din of honking and vuvuzelas, big cheers erupting from people's homes, and flags waving from nearly every car. That day Portugal beat North Korea 7-0, the honking started around 9am. I left for work a little after it began, and by the time I returned home that evening around 7, the parade of honking cars hadn't slowed down a bit. And that was just during the first round!
Sure, it's a little sad that Canada doesn't (will it ever?) have a World Cup-worthy team, but it's a great chance for Canadians to get in touch with our long-lost roots, or even just to claim some roots we have no real ties to — hey, we cheer for Mexico because it's a gorgeous country, OK?
And then there were all those quirky news stories. There was the couple that swam across a crocodile and hippo-infested river in a dare to get WC final game tickets. And how hilarious was Paul, the psychic German octopus, who kept predicting the winning teams? Amazing! The only thing I am sad about is that I actually didn't watch many games... next time I'll get into it, promise!
Here are some photos I snapped on College Street, just following Spain's win. It was great to see so much joy on the street (and on top of the streetcars)! -D.
Right after Spain's win.
Pure joy!
Taking back College Street.
Partying on top of the streetcars at College & Bathurst.
So many flags.
Almost an hour and a half after the final goal, and the crowds just kept growing.
Farewell to our dear friend, the vuvuzela.
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