german soccer ubiquity

cars with symmetrically positioned baby flags similar to horns are seen everywhere on german streets these days

germans show flag again. of course, it's part of the soccer madness surrounding the ongoing world cup. after leaving the unites states shortly before the yearly july 4 independence day celebration, it feels like still being there where blue, white and red colors dominated supermarkets and homes. just substitute the blue and white with black and yellow and keep the red: national pride german style.















just across where i am staying a big flag in the window signals support for our team.













some like it subtler with a festival-like chain of baby flags, also just around the corner of my temporary home.

















business can't afford to lag behind. flying a flag is obligatory for good sales it seems.

















and the one or other decorative soccer element at the meat counter in a supermarket pleases the (soccer) eye balls.













for germans for whom the national colors outside are not enough, m&m brand coulnd't pass up the opportunity to sell a yellow, brown, and red variety for consumption.

















gummi bear fans won't have to suffer either, an appropriate snack to accompany the games is readily available. why it is called football, however, with two soccer balls even in the word is beyond me. maybe the one "o" in soccer was not enough to express suppoort [mispelling intended].












getting ready to drain the sorrow of a maybe-loss with kick&fun liqueur. the question just remains who gets kicked out of the match.

















but there are plenty of soccer balls around to practice for the big finale.

















whole corners in each supermarket are dedicated to turn soccer madness into cash and prepare customers for all aspects of the soccer experience.














for instance with "germany water" or...
















... world cup toilet paper when soccer sweets have gotten too much.

















in any case tchibo brand will keep you seated comfortably -- if you can keep from jumping up for cheering. (at least you'll land softly).

















apropos cheering, of course, temporary sticky tattoos, found in a local book store, are always good for the right make-up.

















for a less candy-oriented soccer diet, a local bakery offers african inspired "bafana south african corn bread", "world champion rolls", and "africans" -- a doughy cookie the size of a saucer with a chocolate or sugar coding on the bottom.














and if despite all this soccer fare is not getting you into the appropriate mood, this bakery will even bake the emotions for you!