by Francesca Di Meglio

JULY 10, 2006 - Watching the World Cup in Italy, as opposed to my native United States, was a celebration like no other. Usually, my family and I are the only ones who even know the World Cup is happening. But in Italy, everyone from the little old lady who sits in her window to the four-year-old kid next door are waving the “bandiera” and rooting for the Azzurri, Italy's national team. To see the Azzurri finally win the 2006 World Cup after 24 long, hard years is more than a dream come true. It is like I've been floating in Heaven for the last day.

I would like nothing more than to relive these precious moments over and over again. I didn't miss a minute of the World Cup action while vacationing and working in Ischia, an island off the coast of Naples and near Capri. The least I can do is share a bit of this joy with all of you. Read on to experience the joy and pride for yourself: