Partido de fútbol

Imagine walking into a prison. There's the chain-linked fence covered in barbed-wire, guards with shields and billy clubs, and the usual pat-down to make sure you aren't concealing any weapons. Now imagine going to a soccer game. For me, (even though I've never personally visited a prison) the experience was one in the same.  I never realized how intense soccer was until this last weekend when I was invited to my first ever Latin American soccer game.

The invite came from the two hombres pictured left who also attend my university. Top left: My "tocayo" (someone who shares your same name) and Pablo.  What an experience! Even getting there was a journey. First we had to take a bus on a road that spans all across the city of Lima until we reached the mountains. Then we got off and followed the flood of people towards the stadium. To get through we needed to be patted down to make sure we weren't wearing any belts (In the past they've been used as whips).  Luckily I wasn't wearing one or else it would have been lost in the giant pile of confiscated belts.  Finally we got into the stadium and found our seats in the "safe" section, as opposed to the sections where they jump, fight, and set off fireworks. That's right, you read it correctly, the fans set off fireworks during the game.  Don't get me wrong, I love Badger sporting events, but this was of a whole different caliber.

A couple nights before the soccer game our entire house went to El Parque de la Reserva where they have about 20 different types of water fountains.  And like the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, they have a show with lights and music that are synchronized with their largest fountain. Twas a good time.

That same night a few of us went to a fancy Cuban bar. We all tried new drinks, shared some delicious appetizers, and enjoyed the blessings of living abroad.  Studies? What studies?