BRAZIL
Country Overview:
“A vibrant country with a love for sport, food, and a desire to live life to the fullest”
After a year in China, I traveled to Porto Alegre, Brazil to go to the 2014 World Cup with my friend Carlos from EWU. It was such an incredible experience getting to attend such an iconic event in a country where football (soccer) is treated as a religion. The food was amazing, the girls were pretty, and the spirit of competition and sport were widespread.
Smoggy Days
First day back in China and the air quality couldn’t better represent Beijing. Am I surprised? Nope. Brazil for comparison.
Air Traffic Strike
Air traffic controllers in Paris are on strike, which delayed my flight from Portugal to Geneva by 3 hours. Get to Geneva, flight to Beijing has left so I change money to Swiss Francs and they book me a hotel for the night. Go to the hotel bar and upon trying to pay, bartender says in a thick french accent, “I am sorry my friend, this is France, we only accept the Euro”. 15 minute ride from the Swiss airport and I’m in a French hotel with a wallet full of Swiss Francs, Chinese RMB, Brazilian Reales, and American Dollars. Traveling…
FOOOOD
Went and walked to the stadium to try and scalp tickets but most people were asking for $200, which frankly was too much for Korea vs Algeria. So went to FIFA fanfest, had some beers, then bought one of the tastiest sandwiches I’ve had. In Brazil a hamburger is a piece of steak, fried egg, peas, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, ham, and cheese. As an American, the obvious choice was to add diced bacon. Bet my buddy a jump into the freezing outside swimming pool that Korea would win and at this rate, I’ve already put on my swimsuit.
Brazilian Sandwhich
Found a sandwich place today that was too good. My buddy got a sandwich and didn’t realize it also had chicken hearts in it. All in all, lunch was more satisfying than the Argentina vs Iran game
Foggy Morning
A bit foggy this morning here in Brazil. Showed this picture to my friend in China and she said ‘Oh it looks the same as Beijing’, to which I had to explain the difference between fog and smog.
Throwing down some money today on the Germany vs Ghana game. Finally a chance to wear my Germany jersey on a day when it matters most
Sushi Date
Walked around today and bought souvenirs and jerseys. I opened my backpack when I got home and it looked like Brazil had thrown up in it. Green and yellow everything.
Australia vs. Netherlands
Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre
Photo credit: Carlos
The photo here doesn’t look very good, so here’s a link to the full panorama
Street Vendors
Some street food vendors from the game. The popular food here is 2 hotdogs inside a huge bun, filled with peas, corn, a Brazilian cheese, potato chip straws, and condiments. Tasty.
The Long March
World Cup in Porto Alegre. The Caminho do Gol was a long walk to the stadium where literally thousands of people drank beer, ate street food, and yelled. It was amazing. I’m glad Australia put up a fight, although a loss was still inevitable. Such a nice day, the weather was windy like fall, a bit cool, but warm sun; a perfect day for soccer. Hoping to scalp some tickets to the Algeria vs Korea game before I leave. Not the most thrilling game, but a match is a match
Porto Alegre
Watched Brazil tie with Mexico today. Although there was a lack of goals, the streets were full of people watching the game. Walked home afterwards and everything was closed. Some were fully closed while others just locked the doors and all the employees huddled around a tv. Brazilian futbol is a serious thing down here.
Carlos says, “I don’t know”
Brazilian Street Art
Porto Alegre has tons of graffiti. Going to go see Netherlands vs. Australia tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited. Maybe all the Australians here will stop running their mouths after the Oranje destroy them. We will see..
Sunset
Finally in Brazil. Watched Argentina beat Bosnia last night and looking forward to Germany stomping Portugal today. I should have known they were playing before I wore my Germany jersey through the Portugal airport and didn’t understand all the dirty looks I was getting.
Time spent on airplane: 25 hours
Airplane meals: 6
Time spent going through 3 different customs: 4 hours
Being in Brazil for the World Cup: Priceless