Soccer?!

So I didn't write to you yesterday, because Erin called me shortly after class and invited me to a soccer game!

At 5 o'clock, several of her classmates and I (and one guy who turned out to be my classmate and the UC Irvine head volleyball coach!) piled into a shuttle and headed to Guatemala for the big game.

We arrived at the game super early. We got to watch what I think was basically Guatemala's minor league team. They were playing Panama, and they lost ... But at least someone scored! The last game I watched ended zero to zero ...

Also, there were about 70 riot police on the field during the entire game - I thought that was a nice touch.

We were all starving so Erin and I explored and discovered that there were no concession stands! The only way to get food was from the vendors walking through the crowd carry food on their shoulders. We started with some Domino's and then it got crazy. A guy with a big Coleman cooler came by selling frozen chocolate covered bananas! Erin, Kara, and I ordered up a few and we were a bit taken aback ... they were very oddly shaped. Turns out we got frozen strawberries covered in chocolate! Delicious.

The game was kinda ... I don't know ... I was a bit more entertained by the crazy crowd than by the game. I learned some new words in Spanish too - but I'm pretty sure I shouldn't repeat them :)

During the game, Erin was on my left and a Guatemalan dude on my right. I chatted with him a bit and then he and Erin got to talking and he eventually asked for her number ... unfortunately, she doesn't have a phone. If she had only taken my advice and purchased a phone!

Guatemala was playing against Venezuela, and they lost - but it was still a fun time! We left early when Guate was down two-to-nothing and the stadium started clearing out. We had to wait until a decent crowd was heading out cause the first people who left early were heckled by the crowd! Everyone yelled and whistled at them and hurled empty cups and pizza boxes!

I want to find an authentic Guatemalan soccer shirt somewhere to wear around. I think I've earned the right to wear it having sat through 75% of a game, right?

Good news! The Gilmores girls are here! And they brought Joe! I met up with them this afternoon. They actually arrived yesterday, unbeknownst to me. The Julianelles are here as well! I didn't take any pictures, but don't worry - I will soon!