I joined Chris in the Bogota airport on 16 June , and we flew to Leticia, located in the middle of The Amazon Rainforest, one of Earth’s most vast and vibrant ecosystems. Fortunately I had the opportunity to explore the jungle 6 years ago at Juma Lodge because we had no time during this trip. That evening the USA played it’s first match of the Cup versus Ghana. It was a hard fought game, with USA winning 2-1.
We watched the next 4 days of matches on The Amazon River, traveling from Tabatinga to Manaus. This included Brasil’s 0-0 draw with Mexico, for which the boat stayed docked at a small town’s port, proving the stereotype that soccer governs the country. We also got to celebrate with the many Colombians on the boat after their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Granted the views of the Amazon River and Rainforest are magnificent but I would hate to think how slowly time would float by without The World Cup to entertain us on the boat!
We met up with our couch surfing host, Jesica, at her workplace to drop off our bags and continued exploring Manaus with a lighter load. We watched part of the Switzerland x France match on the big screens set up in the main square of the once booming trade city. We then enjoyed a free performance in the Opera House, highlighting the Portuguese culture and heritage of Brasil through song and dance. http://youtu.be/wHbQnfvcwUQ
The next day, Jesica showed us some more of the city, including the street voted most decorated in Brasil for the World Cup. Each countries flag was strung on rope with colored ribbons across the street and a mirror image drawn on the street surface. Brasilian players, symbols and the mascot Fuleco were also drawn in spirit of Brasil’s ‘Ruma au Hexa’ mission. We then went to FIFA Fan Fest on the revitalized riverfront beach of Ponta Negra to watch Germany draw 2-2 in their group match with Ghana. Later that evening her best friend, —-, joined us at the US Fan Club Party followed by a night cap at The Cachaca House.
I watched the World Cup Opening Ceremonies in Cali, considered the cultural capitol of, Colombia, cooling off at an outdoor bar by jumping in their pool with a Club Colombia beer. For 10,000 Cordobas we could place a bet on the Brasil x Croatia match score, sounds high baller right? Well, converting currency it is only $5 USD and 3 Aguila beers were included, so it was a fun way to enjoy the game. I wagered Brasil 4 – Croatia 1, Brasil ended up winning 3-1.
Making new friends and raising a toast!
In Salento, center of Colombia’s coffee region, nearly all business was put on hold, including the tour of a coffee plantation I was on, as they crowded around TVs to watch their team play their first match versus Greece. After the first half of play I ran to town square and joined the festival to watch the game. Celebration ensued for each of Colombia’s goals as they went on to win 3-0. http://youtu.be/SsDTt1JzPxM Business resumed, including my transportation to La Valle de Cocora, which continued my sight seeing.
The atmosphere in Brasil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup was remarkeable, there was no better place to be than alongside fanatics from 6 continents supporting their team. The group matches were exciting with lots of scoring and spectacular saves by goalkeepers. There are strong teams who were favorites to win and weaker teams who rose to the occassion playing their hearts out to continue advancing into later rounds. In the following posts, I hope to share in as much descriptive detail my first World Cup experience that I was able to witness from many different angles – from Colombia, a boat in the Amazon River, the jungle, Brasil’s capitol, the Northeast beaches, with Mexicans, an island military post and the marvelous city.
Let the party begin!
Today is Father’s Day, so I attended church to pray for all the dads, including my brother-in-laws and I called dad to wish him a great day and thank him for his love and guidance all these years. I then jumped on a bike and partook in Bogot’s Ciclovia (in its 40th year) to center of the city and walked up and down Rua 7 pedestrian zone. Vendors and performers made the street come alive. Shops and restaurants lined the streets adding to the flavor. There was a beautiful mix of traditional and modern architecture and interiors of churches, hotels and businesses.
Today is also Colombia’s presidential election. This year’s major campaign focused on peace, advertised on street posters, TV commercials and radio announcements. I made it to the main plaza where the Cathedral and Presidential Palace are located and people were gathered awaiting election results. Santos of La Unidad Nacional party was re-elcted to another 4 years against the opposition party, Centro Democratico.
I leave Colombia instilled with a great impression of the country’s beauty, it’s culture and people. I pray that Colombia continues to advance in peace and brings prosperity to its people these next 4 years. I hope to return and visit more regions.
The Schwiet Life 