SIMPLY AMAZING ... in exactly eight days, I will be over the Atlantic Ocean on my way to join in on the biggest sporting event on the planet ... The World Cup. It was way back in January of 2005 that the idea was hatched and even though I lost my travel partner (don't worry dude ... 2010 is right around the corner)and had to try to get tickets for more than a year, it's finally here, and I really can't believe it.
Interestingly enough, this will not be the first time I have attended a World Cup, but, back in 1994, it was on American soil and I just had to hop on the Metro and head down to RFK Stadium. This is a whole different ballgame. There is no better place to go to a World Cup than Europe, and other than England, there is probably no better place than Germany.
Incredibly, I really have nothing left to do other than pack. I have my plane tickets, my hostel reservations, and my rail pass. The passport is up to date, ticket confirmations are printed out, and my German Guide Book is fully broken in. Actually, I still have to find a place for the dog to stay for the first few nights I'm gone, but that shouldn't be a problem (any takers????)
I'll close this first blog will a cool little piece of info. Back in 1994, at the tender age of 13, I attended the Holland-Saudi Arabia 1st round match at RFK. This was the day that I fell in love with Dutch futbol. We were lucky enough to score tickets that were smack dab in the middle of the Dutch supporters and I was hooked. I went home with "Hup Holland" painted on my chest and singing all the way home. Now, 12 years later, my first match will be to see The Oranje take on Serbia & Montenegro and I couldn't be more thrilled. Maybe the Dutch will finally break through and take the ultimate prize and I will be able to say I was there where it all started that day in Leipzig. Now, interestingly enough, I will also be seeing the Saudi's in Germany as well. Talk about symmetry, huh?
So, it all begins in just over 192 hours. 10 days, 4 cities, 3 games, 2 countries. It should be a blast and I hope you enjoy the commentary.
Auf Wiedersehen!!!
