The good old Cinema

I know when I say Cinema you think of the big 10 screen movie theater with the fine seats that recline back and have cup holders that will hold the largest of Diet Cokes you could possible drink during the 2 hours you spend there. Well when I say cinema here- it is something a little different. (Oh how I could go for one of our cinemas, a good drama, some popcorn and M&Ms and a few good friends) Here when we say we are going to the cinema that means we are usually on our way to watch a football game- and again I will clarify that for you Americans- that's Soccer, but since I am living here I will call it football. (All this translating is going to make for a much longer post than I originally intended :))

Okay back to the cinema. There is one large cinema in Bo (and another in Kenema and to be honest probably a few others but for the sake of my story today- just the two) that are like an old time movie theater. The seats are a bit worn and tattered, the screen a bit dark, but it is amphitheater seating and with a large screen, however this is not where I usually go. I like to go to one of the more common cinemas and the one in Kandeh Town to be specific. It is like the local place- people know me there and I know them. We meet to spend the game together- maybe yelling at each other through it, but walking out as the buddies we have since become. Now this cinema is a one room building with a tin roof (zinc actually for anyone who is really interested- and makes it quite difficult to hear through the rain- then again if there is any real rain the signal will go out so it doesn't matter). In the front of the room are two maybe 21 inch TVs with speakers set up across the front and outside the cinema as well (These are turned loud enough for the neighboring city to hear- so even if you can't see- you won't hear nothing but the game). The other electrical item I really enjoy is the one fan that is set up rotating for those lucky enough to be near it (usually me). From about 3 feet back from the TVs all the way to the back of the room are chairs and wooden benches. When the game is on- there will be close to 150 people in this one room- all straining to see one of those little TVs. It gets even more exciting and complicated when there are two games on at the same time that many people are interested in. Then they will decide to play one game on each TV- but the sound can only be played from one of the games. You sit on your side and if you are watching the game without sound- you just listen for the cheers or groans and you'll get an idea of what is happening.

This is before the game even started- I couldn't even see the TVs from the back of the room after everyone is packed in.

Oh let me tell you - on those really hot days, when we are sitting practically on top of each other in this building with no windows- I really question what I am doing, especially when I come out looking like I was just in the shower. But as we are all talking on our walk home- I realize that I did enjoy it and love the camaraderie of it all.

During the really big games- usually the Championship games of the different leagues- or if there is just a big game that many people are interested in- they will set up the VIP section. That's right my little old cinema has a VIP section. The normal cost is Le 1,000- 33 cents, but to go to the VIP section it is a whopping 66 cents. Good thing they don't have it every game- I just might break the bank. Anyway- there are these three barri's (small open huts) outside the cinema. They put a TV and more comfortable chairs out there and that is the VIP section- it is a whole lot cooler and I love it there.
Since I came near the end of the football season this year I have not attended too many games- the first was the Champions League Final- so I had a seat in the VIP section. Then when the One-by-One team was here USA was playing in South Africa- so to show them my cinema experience I took them to the game- only that we were treated to the TRULY VIP section which was inside the owners house- in little America. Soft couches, a flat screen TV and a fan. Next game USA is playing Brazil in the Finals- not expected at all. All weekend I am asking Ahlaji (the cinema man) to save me a seat. We show up to the game a little late- and again he escorts us into the house- where he saved me that fine seat once again. It was really nice- only that USA lost both games I watched (I had to miss the other fine games they did win), but I do admit that there is something about cramming into that little building with a bunch of unruly fans watching this sport I am just coming to enjoy. (I cannot say love yet- some games are REALLY LONG with not even a score to show for the time I spent sitting there). Anyway I hope this gives you a little better picture of what I am talking about when I say that I am going to the cinema.