And All I Got Was This Stupid Blog...

This is the first and most important post for the "Christmas In June" blog.  The Portuguese word for Christmas is "Natal."  Since our adventure will take place mostly in Natal, Brazil and the whole trip is exactly as exciting as Christmas in June, it seemed like an appropriate title.

I am so lucky to have Jonathan, a great friend, super brother-in-law, and tolerable Chelsea fan, to share this experience.  If it wasn't for him, I would be staying home in Maryland trying to sneak a game or two after work at the local bar. Also, thanks to my sister Mattie for finding and marrying him, and big thanks to their son, Nathan, for converting him into a full fledged soccer fanatic through his heroic efforts on the soccer field.

Most importantly, we both have to thank our amazing wives for making this trip possible.  It seems so strange to be departing on a big trip without them.  We expect this trip is likely to be more of an adventure than a vacation.  The crowds, hassles, weather, traffic, and general chaos of the World Cup is really only tolerable if you have the passion to watch athletes, mostly with names you can't pronounce, play the beautiful game with 50,000 screaming fans in the stadium and a billion more watching around the world.

So, the adventure really begins tomorrow, Monday June 16th, in Baltimore, when we watch the USA play Ghana in Natal.   Tuesday afternoon, we will board the plane for the long trip to Natal.  

We will be staying in the beachside town of Pipa, far away from the crowds and protests, etc.   We know we will see two WC games in Natal and two more in Recife.  Other than that, we know very little about our specific plans.  What we do know is that it will be an experience of a life time.

FYI, I'll only have my iPhone to post with after we depart, so expect less words and more selfies!

Ate` mais (until later)...