End of the Road

After nearly two months of beach soccer, intense local games, carnival football and some insane local characters, its finally time for Doug and I to part ways and for Brazil Uncovered to come to an end. I intend to head off North in search of adventure on the Mighty Amazon, while Doug begins the long journey back down to Rio via the Pantanal and Southern states before his flight home.

From futvolley to futsal, from palm tree pitches to politics, football permeates every aspect of life in Brazil. And it is precisely that total coverage and infectious enthusiasm for the game that has overwhelmed and re-awakened us. Playing, watching and thinking about football is everything here. Its more than just a game, its a way of life.

Everytime you turn on the TV, everytime you turn a street corner, someone has something to say about football, and some are quite literally crazy about it! Meeting Fabinho the ball-juggler, Bernard, the Vasco hooligan, Mauro Shampoo and discovering our own friend Daniel´s Presidential ambitions were all highlights of our trip.

As for the games we went to see, the atmosphere was like nothing we´d ever witnessed before and left us pretty much in shock. The enthusiasm and passion which the fans maintain throughout the entire match is incredible and keeps you buzzing for the whole day, not just during the goals. The daredevil fans of Campinense Clube, the carnival game at Morumbi, and especially getting to see Romario play at Vasco were all fantastic experiences.

But if there was one thing in Brazil that really re-ignited our passion for football, it was actually playing the game here. Just walking down any street or beach in Brazil with a ball under your arm is enough to get you involved in a quick kickabout. Everyone wants to play from kiosk vendors to five-year old kids. Whether they speak English or not, football is itself an international language that brought us together with all kinds of people. All the games we played were special, but one in particular, a lazy kickabout on a golden beach in Maceio while a spectacular pink and red sunset lit the sky, will live long in the memory.

Thanks to all those that have been following our blog. We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.

Now we just have to get some tickets to the World Cup!

Cheers,

Dan and Doug

Ps. For anyone interested in reading an alternative Brazil blog, you can follow my semi-fictional adventures down the Amazon by clicking here. Cheers, Dan.