A note from where finances are somewhat superfluous, but the passion for fútbol is unequivocal…
Hey, Eric here. Euro 2012 fever is reaching temperatures usually found only on a scalding summer day in Sevilla, but I’m thousands of miles away from the sickness. In fact, I’m writing from a place where summer departed months ago. If you’re following me on Twitter, then you would have to be Emile Heskey to miss that I’m currently in Buenos Aires. I’ve been working on a few Southern Hemisphere-centric projects that will be announced later, but for the most part I’ve been trying to make the most out of my two month stay in BA.
From playing with the Buenos Aires Fútbol Amigos a few times a week to watching matches at a stadium or at Gibraltar in San Telmo with the experts (Dan Colasimone, Sam Kelly, and Tom Beck), the city and its football culture have become illuminated. Argentina’s Selección is full of confidence ahead of 2014, especially with “El Messi de La Gente” leading them forward. Inflation is a prevalent and unavoidable subject, given the uncertainty surrounding the Argentine peso, not to mention the sense of distrust in the government. A club’s ultras take the meaning of passion into questionable territory. Yet the positives vastly outweigh the negatives.
I’ve never experienced anything quite like the Argentine Clásico between Racing and Boca Juniors, and the same can be said for a Dan Colasimone-endorsed steak. There is nothing like watching a nation see its team play to its potential in a World Cup qualifier, only to see the glow on the faces of its citizens for the rest of the night. This summer shines its light on Eastern Europe, and we have some amazing things lined up for the European Championship. However, I’ll continue to supplement Ronaldo with Riquelme, and watch Trezeguet try to save France River Plate from embarrassment. Amongst all the football fever, I’ll do my best to continue sharing my experiences in this foreign land obsessed with blue and white.
Abrazos,
