World Cup Final

The day of my departure happened to be the same day of the World Cup.  While I was waiting for the bus to leave the cultural center. There were a group of guys that zoomed right towards me on motor bikes.  While observing their mannerisms and behaviors and listening to their innocent conversations,  I decided to chat them up a bit.  The World Cup was a good icebreaker, which lead into some questions regarding their lifestyle. I was interested in learning about negative behaviors happening in the community. They don't drink or smoke and said the would be in trouble if they did. Their age range was 17-20. All I received was a big dose of innocence from them. It was refreshing and sincere. They loved futbol and sports like and normal kids. 

It confirms my theory that materialism leads to more trouble and those in poverty only lead into the negative behavior to reach material. It's really just a catch 22. You have money, your being loses.  You chase money, your being loses. 

With our conversation, they enjoyed my company and invited me to go watch the final game with them. It was in my direction and they had space for one more on their bike, even with the backpack. 

They were raving up their engines all three of them ready to go and one on a bicycle! This was so cute that this guy was going to follow motor bikes by bicycle. 

With the time and the game, i has 2 hours to make it to Placencia to watch the game. I decided to wait for the bus and they waited with me to make sure I got on okay. They picked up my bag for me and told the bus driver where I was going. 

(These random "strangers" perform random acts of kindness all the time). I said my farewells and watched the bikes drive in the distance. 

Don't cry for me Argentina

It was time for the game and I was ready to sit in a nice outdoor place order a cold club soda and some food. I found the cutest place full of bright colors with guy a good size TV. I didn't really have a choice to go find something on the beach because the weather was its usual rainy self. 

I got the perfect solo seat in front next to some nice girls from Israel and a local guy who owns a travel agency. He was full of personality, sharp and up to date with current events and the world. His company was fantastic and we were both rooting for Argentina- of course.

 Who wants a European team to win the World Cup? 

At least Colombia and Costa Rica were close, but really everyone was rooting for Costa Rica in Central America. I kept complaining, throwing my hands up in the air, and he was amused with attitude. 

The most interesting part about this game was making the bet. Bets always make games just a bit more interesting. 

My bet was my future fate-if Argentina wins, I move to Argentina. With Argentina and Chile on my mind, this was a good bet to make and better yet a serious one. When I was living in LA, I flipped a coin to move to New York or San Francisco. It landed 2 out of 3 on New York and then after that I received all the confirmations to go-so I did. This made me a lot more upset when Germany would score because I do want to live in Argentina. 

During half time I walked over to see the beach- it looked beautiful and clear water. I passed in and out of bars and restaurants checking on the game and asking which team was going to win. I never cease to amaze myself with the entertainment factor.

Nevertheless, what was more interesting were the unique shops and creative food places serving Amazing creole food all over. Expats, foreigners, and Americans open up their own restaurants and stores Ex. Candy store, cafe, clothing boutique, jewelry store etc. 

Overall, It seemed kind of dead and everything was closed, therefore I thought the best decision would be to take the boat right after the game. 

Everyone knows the story. Argentina lost and Germany one and Priscilla didn't move to Argentina. Que triste! 

People were very sad about Argentina not winning it and South America was even more bummed I'm sure. 

My friend,Sam, had to go back to work and advised me to take the last boat or I would have to wait til tomorrow morning uhhh no gracias!

World Cup Fever

Everyone is watching the games in bars, restaurants,bodegas, tuk tuks listening by radio- it's World Cup Fever in Central America.  

Everyone around the world are celebrating these amazing games and they are celebrating with just reason.  

While I do not care about American sports, I absolutely love the World Cup as I knew I would. My original plan was to go to Brazil and volunteer for FIFA! Knowing the spirit of South Americans,the passion and excitement, and the beautiful people- I wanted to be there in the middle of all the action.  Unfortunately, that did not work out with visas and expenses so I just made a plan for something close like Central America.  

From their neighbor,Central America, there was also lots of amazing energy produced and people had soul and spirit when watching the games including myself.  People sit on the edge of their seat watching intently each play and they experience a wide range of emotions.  These emotions dramatically changing with the spirit turn into a fever. 

People are angry, excited, sad, annoyed, disappointed, happy, overjoyed, intrigued, etc. all in one. You can tell by people's expression that they are fully experiencing an emotion.  While this sounds basic and people may say, "Well, yes this happens in American sports as well." The level of emotion and passion presented is different and taken to a whole new level, which is why it is one of the most watched Sporting events in the world.  

When you watch it as an observer, you feel like you are a true fan or part of the game.  You experience that full range of emotions if you are a passionate person with real spirit.  Watching the Americans watch the game and the locals, I can clearly tell the difference.  

While people may react differently, it's clearly a game that everyone can watch and enjoy. It brings expats(travelers) together with locals creating a nice cultural exchange. When a game is on, it's fun to stop in different crowds and chime in with people on whose ahead and who is losing. 

As far as team selection, it was unanimous for Costa Rica to win as they came very far. Mexico was my favorite with the crazy passionate coach, but Argentina or Colombia were who I chose for the final win.  Every game provided some excitement and I loved being in Central America!