I’ve got a friend; let’s call him Jerry, for anonymity’s sake. Jerry has been fortunate enough to travel to Brazil for the World Cup, and has agreed to send back some stories of his travels as he hops around the country, attending the Costa Rica v. Uruguay match and the first two U.S. matches. As he updates me, I’ll post them here in an ongoing series called Passport Brazil.
The Journey to the World Cup Begins
It was an early morning but I was in obviously high spirits. The excitement built while on the light rail to San Francisco International Airport, but it didn’t become real until I saw my first fellow supporter. He was another lone traveler, planning to meet friends abroad with nothing but a backpack and a love of the USMNT. I easily spotted his US jacket which begged the question; why hadn’t I thought of that? Who’s going to know I’m a US fan when I’m just wearing this stupid orange v-neck?
I chatted up the Peruvian native who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, and learned he had decided to embark on this pilgrimage after the 2010 South Africa World Cup. He had been planning this trip ever since and had scored tickets to all three US group matches. He also had tickets to the knockout rounds if the US makes it out of the group. You’ve got to love the optimism! We exchanged info and boarded the same plane to Charlotte with connection to São Paulo, but not before I met two more USMNT fans that’d gotten tickets to the first US game in Natal.
Although slightly less obvious World Cup pilgrims, they’re Osprey backpacks were a clue and the conversation I overheard sealed the deal. “You gotta love how Chicharito falls in and out of favor with El Tri fans. He does one good thing and they love him, one mistake and they hate him.” But the best part of the morning? As we boarded the plane they made the announcement that the flight was full, but low and behold I had a window seat next to the only empty seat on the plane. Maybe miracles can happen. Maybe that 65 yard Kyle Beckerman wunderstrike was possible after all. Maybe we do have a shot.
On board the flight I had noticed a few Brazil and Mexico jerseys and the excitement just continued to build. A “short” five hour flight later I landed in Charlotte to meet up with my fellow travelers, Kramer, George and Elaine. Waiting at my gate in Charlotte, I noticed a guy rocking the Men in Blazers World Cup beanie and scarf combo that was included in their Brazil Survivor’s Kit. SUCH a good look. “Oh,” I said, “I see you’re a good friend of the pod (GFOP)?” “Hell yes I’m a GFOP!” As I talked to him I explained that I had already sewn my patch onto my custom Chris Wondolowski jersey, including a secret “W” on the inside. He couldn’t sew, he said, and didn’t get his put on yet. Really, bro? You know it’s an iron-on patch?
Still, his enthusiasm, as well as the enthusiasm I had seen in the journey just to my connecting flight had me riding high. Seeing everyone milling about its clear; there is an infection going around. Everyone here has the World Cup fever, and I’ll admit it; I have it too. Now, off to São Paulo, and the greatest sporting event in the world.
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