It started in the
afternoon with children chanting “España!”
in the pool. Then one of our neighbours moved his television onto his terrace,
lit his barbecue and invited all his friends round.
Every bar was bedecked with flags, and the football shirt manufacturers had obviously done a roaring trade.
A few practice bangers exploded and my cat cowered. She won't allow me to comfort her at times like these - Canarian or not, she hates fireworks - so I built her a tent in her favourite corner and went to my daughter's apartment to watch the match in comfort.
Then there were shouts,
screams, fireworks and general rejoicing. Four-nil! I am not a football fan, but
the excitement was infectious.
Even the children were dressed up, and this man, his wife and his family were all decked out in Spanish colours.
I did feel sorry for Simone, owner of the
lone Italian flag on our block. I found him sharing a drink with a Spaniard,
and patted his back in sympathy. “No importa,” he said, but his expression was
sad.
And there have been more earthquakes on the island of El Hierro - see its dedicated page on the right..
