6 am, bright eyed and I am ready to go to the airport. It just so happens, it is the opening games of the World Cup series. South Africa would be playing against Mexico; first match out of many. I knew I had to get ready to leave, but I couldn’t pry myself from the screen. It was riveting, and of course emotional. South Africa to be hosting the games this year, and it was a big deal. Anthems were played, you saw a glimpse of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the stands adorned in South Africa’s team colors rooting for his team. You couldn’t help but watch, you had to root, had to cheer at a goal, groan at a foul, or a missed goal. “They had the shot! How could they miss?!” I felt like a sports fanatic cheering on the team, shouting to the television set. I don’t follow sports, I have tried. Believe me I have tried. But the world cup was not to be missed, it happens every four years. It’s huge in the sports world, and as well as the travel bloggers world. They go well together.
If you were wondering it was a tie for South Africa and Mexico; they each scored a goal.
It hit me- this is my second time watching the World Cup and I am traveling yet again. Back in 2006, I was traveling Europe during the last World Cup. It was an exciting time to be traveling Europe then. I caught my first glimpse of the Tour De France, and then the World Cup. At the end of the day, I would retreat to my hotel room, and watch the games. I will never forget it, when the finals came along it was France versus Italy. I traveled to France first, everyone worn their French shirts, full of pride that their country’s team is playing in the finals. Then, I went to Italy when the final game was played. The streets were almost empty, everyone was off watching their team play, faces glued to the screen, wearing their teams colors, and face paint. Then, all of a sudden- thunderous cheers roamed the halls. Even I could hear and feel it. Italy won. Simple as that, everyone cheered, some cried, and then cheered some more.
So naturally, I had to watch the games this year. I have a history in a sense with the World Cup. On my flight to Boise, I couldn’t help but smile and wonder where would I be in four years, when the next world cup plays..
P.S- To keep up on the scores, download the ESPN iPhone app. I was able to catch up on what I missed during my travels.
