Air conditioning and some hot air about the World Cup

For one glorious night, I had air conditioning. And then it died.

Naples is getting hotter every day and the nights don’t offer much relief. Unless you count a free concert, featuring an iconic rocker, which, in this case, I certainly do. On Sunday night, I walked a short distance from my hostel to Piazza Plebiscito to watch Sting perform, and I didn’t have to spend a dime ? or a euro! It was the Cornetto Free Music Festival, so there were many performers, but since I was technically on the clock at the hostel, I stayed just for Sting. His stellar voice showed why some musicians last and others burn out fast. I was quite surprised to hear a piazza full of Italians sing along, in English, to every song (including my favorite, “Fields of Gold,” and a surprise cover of the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.” Could anyone ask for more?). Unlike the last festival I went to in the same piazza, the only moisture in the air was the humidity (no rain this time) and it was great to be outdoors at night and dressed as though it were noon.

Amid soccer matches on TV and the antics of the hostel guests, there has been daily entertainment here. The World Cup is heading toward the quarterfinals, and with games playing every day, there is always a handful of travelers glued to the screen in the common room.

When Italy and the U. S. played each other, it seemed there wasn’t a guy in the building who didn’t ask me who I was supporting. I have a feeling that they were looking for an opportunity to show their own loyalty, but I cut that friendly battle short. To be honest, I’ve been rooting for Italy from the beginning, but before anyone denounces me as a traitor, let me give my reasons.

First of all, Renato (an obvious Italy fan) is always in a better mood when Italy wins and that’s certainly good for me. Secondly, since I am in the country (the old phrase, “when in Rome” seems to apply here), I would love to see the kind of citywide, partying-in-the-street celebration that I’ve been told is bound to erupt if Italy wins it all. With the amount of affection Italians display on an average day, I bet it will be a regular love fest, punctuated by flag waving, fireworks and car horns honking non-stop. Oh wait ? that last one’s pretty much a daily occurrence, but I would love to see it anyway. Of course, now that the U.S. is out of the running, it’s a lot easier to root for another country. I think the staff at the hostel and the men who work in the rest of the building are very charmed and amused every time this little, American girl says, “Vai Italia!” (Go Italy!).

As that old, Disney favorite goes, it’s a small world after all. So small that I’ve met a lot of travelers from Southern California in the past few days here at the hostel. One guy from Laguna, in the spirit of camaraderie, nicknamed me “Newport” and we discussed what it’s like being from cities that are the settings for over-the-top television shows.

Another traveler I recently met lived in Costa Mesa for three years. It was amazing how the usual meet-and-greet became a game of “Me, too!” He lived a short distance from my home and attended Orange Coast College, just two years after I graduated. On top of that, we both played water polo for the Pirates, so we knew the same people and the same coaches. I’ll admit, I didn’t really warm up to him until after I learned all of this, but there is a great thrill in meeting someone who, with just one word, knows exactly what you’re talking about when you talk about your home town. I had heard of similar chance meetings from other travelers (one man met a pair of guys who, after a short chat, realized that not only were they from the same town and were attending the same university, but they were also signed up for the same course in the upcoming fall), but I didn’t expect to have such a story to tell as well.

Italy plays the Czech Republic or the Ukraine today. (I don’t know which and it might be another team altogether ? hey, I never said I was a good soccer fan. It’s more like I’m a fan for the stay.) My boss is putting out snacks and drinks in the common room (where there is satellite TV) for game time, but I’m sure there will be lots of people in attendance regardless of the food. With my boss’ flair for outbursts and cheers, I don’t know what I’m more interested in watching. Either way, vai Italia and ciao raggazzi!