World Cup / Copa do Mundo

There are probably very few things out there that really are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for sure Brazil's 2014 World Cup was one of them. 

I had been looking forward to the W.C. since we found out three years ago that we would be moving here, and Geoff had pretty much been looking forward to it his whole life. Our good friends from the states -- Bart and Brooke, and Ben and Annica -- made the journey here and we all went to the Russia v. Algeria with our Brazilian BFFs Marcel and Marina. 

Equally as exciting as attending a game was watching the Brazil games at bars and restaurants around town. The entire country shut down on Brazil's game days -- no work, no school, nothing open except places with a TV -- and everyone wore their fan gear. 

We also hosted a big bash for the U.S.-Portugal game at our apartment building's party room. To class up the event a little, we served signature drinks -- Cape Cods, which were new to all our Brazilian friends. I've never seen vodka consumed so fast, not even at the aforementioned Russia game. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures. 

Brazil's 2014 World Cup!

Since we aren't from Algeria or Russia (although Ben
bears an uncanny resemblance to Putin), we all opted
for our USA gear for the game.

Eri and her buddy Brooke getting ready for a World Cup game.

Russia v. Algeria!
Eri and I got on the jumbo screen for a few seconds.

FIFA awarded tickets through a lottery system
and we lucked out with front row seats …

… and an awesome view of the ball boy's rat tail.

We sat next to a bunch of Russians. We didn't mention
Ukraine and neither did they. 

Everywhere we went, random people wanted to take pictures with us.
We never said "no."

Every few feet on the walk into the stadium, we were stopped
for pictures. It was awesome. #hollywood!

Road trip! The fun continued on the short drive from Curitiba, the city
where we watched the game, back to Florianopolis,  where we live.
We did it "Swingers" style with a caravan of five cars.

 Our American friends stayed with us the following week and we watched
as much of the World Cup as possible in between showing them the city.

Goooooooooaaaaal Brazil!

Brazil's triumph over Chile. 

Bart celebrating Brazil's big win.

Headed to a Brazil game.

One man's souvenir scarf is another man's souvenir turban.

Uh-oh. Brazil 1, FIFA 0. We were impressed by the very un-Brazil like
efficiency and ease of getting in and out of the World Cup game in Curitiba
as well as the overall organization of the massive event, but FIFA got some
mixed marks from the fans.

Brazil's hero: Neymar Junior. 

Brazil's adoring fan: Neymar Junior Junior. 

Our American friends and our Brazilian friends!

USA! USA! USA!