Ecuador Wins!
The entire country of Ecuador shut down this afternoon to watch their first World Cup match. Officially. The government declared the country closed by 2 p.m.
I was traveling today, but the guys who worked at my hotel in Quito said not to worry, there is a TV on the bus. When we lost the signal of the Germany - Costa Rica game going going through the mountains, I thought the passengers were going to revolt, and it was mostly the women complaining.
Instead, of futbol, we watched a DVD of Bad Boys II with Will Smith. It´s part of the experience, I reminded myself while I tried to ignore it and enjoy the scenery. There´s nothing like watching a bunch of car crashes to get you in the mood to take a bus through winding, narrow mountain passes.
Here in Otovalo, where the locals are known for their business savvy, merchants minded their wares in the marketplace, but some managed to watch the game too. People in every shop and restaurant - and I mean every shop - were watching the game. I doubt you could find a TV in most retail outlets in the U.S.
Horns blaring, flags waving, faces painted, babies in Ecuador jerseys, even a dog dressed in a team T-shirt took to the streets. An hour later, the parade continues. Say what you will about futbol/soccer or sports in general, but I can think of no happy occasion that unites my country like this.
There’s just something amusingly charming about the idea of a country closing for any reason, let alone for a soccer game. I have the image of sign hanging in Ecuador’s window that says “Sorry, Gone to Watch the Game. Be back tomorrow!” Something like a cultural “Gone Fishing” notice. I know what you mean about unity. I don’t think we have something like that in the US, sadly the only things that seem to unite us are tragedies and that doesn’t seem to last too long. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in the market. Love, Aurora
Comment by Aurora — June 9, 2006 @ 3:31 pm
Tee hee! My ELD students are all talking about the Cup too! But, the American kids don’t even know it’s happening! The pics came up just fine - keep em coming!
Comment by Kristy — June 9, 2006 @ 6:20 pm
Your story reminds me of my college years when I spent a week in Mazatlan every January. I knew how much Mexicans loved soccer, but they were fired up over American football as well. I highly recommend watching the Superbowl with Spanish commentary…and a few shots of tequila.
Comment by Paula Johnson — June 9, 2006 @ 8:05 pm
Hi Lilli,
Thanks for the website. This is going to so much fun.
It’s the next best thing to being with you on your trip.
The church you saw the other day is beautiful.
And the World Soccer, what can I say, except I’ll take
a Bud. You probably heard the controversy about Budweiser being served at the World Cup instead of a German beer.
I think that there was a compromise and a beer by the
name of Bit is also being served, along as it is served
a certain distance away from the Bud.
Anyway…thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you.
Carol
Comment by Carol — June 9, 2006 @ 9:55 pm
Your comments about the accidents viewed from the buses reminded me of our 3-week trip to Guatamala several years ago. The question that keeps coming to mind is, “Do you know where the US sends our school buses after they die?” To Guatamala! They strip them of all smog equipment, paint them garish colors, give them women’s names and then race them up and around the mountain passes, in the rain, at night, at high speed, passing on the left — or right, on curves. It’s pretty Hellish. I also learned that a blinking left turn light on a highway could mean either of two things, it’s OK to pass me on the left or I’m going to turn left. Sorry to write so much. Hope you have fun and make it home — safely.
Tom MIller
Comment by Tom Miller — June 10, 2006 @ 7:26 am
Lilli,
Even though I was born in the U.S., I have the perspective of my parents being from Latin America. It is impossible for an American to understand why the World Cup is such a big deal. It is the only sport or event, that can literally “paralyze” nations. I am glad you were able to experience part of that. Have a great time.
Comment by Luis Gonzalez — June 12, 2006 @ 8:48 am
Lilli,
Is this the Luis Gonzalez we worked with at FH? Luis, if it is you, email me (Jan Taylor Bauer) at jbauer@teleflora.com.
Comment by Jan Bauer — June 14, 2006 @ 10:58 am