Saving the Childen
(The kids are a little freaked out by Marco's diabolical glee.)
Since the guys who aren't on international duty didn't have anything else to do, Sinisa threw a bunch of them in a van and drove them down to Rome yesterday to take part in a Save the Children event. (I don't know why there aren't any children in Florence that need saving, but apparently the problems of the Romans were more urgent and Totti was busy.)
Before we get to Rome, Jojo was one of the celebs at Florence's annual Corri La Vita run a few weeks ago. Pensioners love them some Jojo, or at least this one does. Rawr.
Right, to the event at hand.
There are definitely worse things that hanging out the Capitoline on a gorgeous fall day. If it's for a good cause, all the better!
And, to make it an even more awesome day, Adem and Babacar LOVE balloons!
Oh, good. They've gotten in an orderly line behind their peers. Good work, children.
... Speaking of children. Aw.
Sinisa likes balloons, too, but he's the boss so he's not allowed to play with them.
(Notice Sini carefully ignore the ancient keeper in the background who seems to be too old and stiff to stand up on his own.)
Speaking of the ancient keeper, why does it look like he's in charge here?
Who would ever think that was a good idea?
Clearly NONE OF THESE GUYS. Look at them, they're all waiting for disaster to strike.
Seb: "Balloons are stupid."
Marco: "HEEE. I LOVE BALLOONS!"
Mutu: *for some reason thinks he needs to act like he's too cool for Save the Children*
Seb: *SIGH*
Marco: *giggles and claps*
Gila: *actually manages a smile*
Seb's balloon: *cackles and flees*
In addition to the big group photo, they also had breakout sessions made up of groups of kids, a few Viola, and a lot of balloons.
It was pretty much the best day of Marco's life.
Though that girl behind him strongly disapproved of his constant giggling. Killjoy.
There was a little less joy over in this group, however.
Know why those kids are looking at Monty like that? He's already threatening to steal their lunch, that's why. NO SANDWICH IS SAFE!
Monty: *bides his time*
Monty: *smiles at the camera in an effort to pretend he's not totally focused on the food all around him*
Mutu: *continues to think he's too cool for charity*
Monty: *stomach rumbles*
Mutu: *still hasn't managed to shave that thing off his chin in nine months of free time*
Kids: *find the adults hilarious*
Oh thank god -- the guy in the balloon tshirt finally took pity on them and came to help. Turns out you're supposed to talk to the kids -- who knew?
It turns out, though, that when Monty's away from Mutu (and/or close to Marco), he's not actually a disaster with children.
See?
He likes them, even the ones without food!
And the kids don't seem to mind him, either -- possibly they've been hypnotized by his shiny hair.
Because Gila is so awkward with everyone, the decision was made to keep him away from the children, especially the ones in need of saving.
(To get over his social anxiety, it's possible he pregamed a little bit in the van.)
Not to worry, though -- Seb's bad relationship with balloons was way more interesting to everyone than the fact that Gila smelled like booze.
Balloons: "On my mark, attack. Ready, set ... "
Balloons: "GO! GET HIM! BASH HIS WEIRD, OLD MAN HAIR!"
Seb: "Plz, balloons. I'm ready for your asses. Or, at least, these lovely ladies next to me are."
Mutu and Sini: *eye the ladies*
Gila: *prepares to flee while everyone is distracted*
ETA: Moar in the comments, including a miraculous Gila!smile.