It really is fun immersing yourself in it. Pam, if you don't already understand the rules of the game, have someone simplify it for you (as I did last world cup) and just dive in, jump on the band wagon, you'll find yourself crazy about this "beautiful game" as it's called!!!

Toronto is a VERY multi cultural city, and the flags flying around town are amazing. I'm flying Italy's flag, but my Dad's flying England's, so there you go. There are a lot of England flags/pubs/parties. England is my 2nd team pick.

Every ethnic group has an "area" of Toronto they claim as their own (street signs are officially printed with the names, i.e. "Little Italy" underneath the name of the street), and the parties erupting after every win in the right area are great fun.

I'm like you, Barbara, if "one of my teams" isn't playing, I'm always for the underdog, so I didn't enjoy today's massacre by Argentina either. And I honestly thought Ivory Coast could've taken Holland....and should have.

Tomorrow, Italy plays at 3:00 p.m., against the USA... Czechs play Ghana (and I really want the underdog to win that one........Czech has too many "goals for" at this point, and if they beat Italy in their division, Italy will be stuck playing Brazil...)

Will check in with you both on Sunday. CHEERS!!

Charlene