Boca, mi buen amigo!!
Two days, and I've already acclimated to the time change, which means that my bedtime is now 10AM instead of 11PM:) I had heard that many went out at 2AM, however, I didn't truly believe them UNTIL I experienced it myself last night:) I didn't quite believe it when I glanced at my watch until I exited the building to the street below discovering that it was indeed daylight! I slept right up until we were to leave for the Boca Junior game!! :) Stumbling out of bed and arriving downstairs just as the bus arrived to pick us up, I found my amigos and left with much anticipation and excitement!
We, of course, stopped off for a little carne aka chorizo before the game! You can't be in Argentina and not have meat at every meal! The closer we walked to the stadium, the fuller the calles became and the more blue and yellow we saw.
Argentinian futbol games are like nothing else I've experienced. The people are PASSIONATE about the game! It is not just a game to be watched. One needs to experience it by being an active participant. The game begins far before the whistle blows as the fans begin gathering and putting up their bright signs. It is a sea of blue and yellow- each proudly standing awaiting the team to take the field. Vendors, decked out in Boca's colors, come through selling premier (or should I say BLACK MARKET ) jerseys and rosarie beads (saying a little prayer for your team never hurts it!).
The long awaited BOCA team entered the stadium through tubes much like football players exit. The crowd roared and stood! The moment before the team entered was the last time that we would be sitting and the last time it would be semi-silent in the stadium.
Boca soundly defeated their opponent 5-1 making it a great fubol victory to behold as Guillermo struck the final nail with great accuracy. I came to appreciate even more the way that Argentinians play.. with heart.. with soul...with skill!
