Copa do Mundo no Brasil

At the moment I am in a cyber cafe, beginning to write about language differences and some interesting brasilan phrases. But its World Cup time in Brasil and I am quickly changing my subject matter.
The tv is on (the one that was installed especially to watch cup games) and at least 90% of the people in this room are not using computers, but watching the Argentina vs. Germany cup game, which is about to go into penatly kicks. This is huge for Brasil, because there is a rivalry between Brasil and Argentina (think Carolina vs. Clemsom, but national), and the crowd is divided. There are some who want Argentina to win so that they can play Brasil in the finals and Brasil can whup sum @$$, while others are rooting for Germany to win so that Argentina doesn't have to get any further than they already have. Believe me, its pressure. Personally, I am rooting for Germany cuz I'm not really a fan of Argentina and because I think Germany has a huge chance winning playing on their home turf. We'll see what happens.
The room has become even more crowded now from people just coming in from the street to see what the outcome will be. We've got lots of students (this being a cyber cafe for internet games, that doesn't surprise me), some in high school uniforms, some with way too many earrings, some wearing baseball caps; one or two businessmen, and a guy who parks cars on the street popping in to see what's up. As the penalty kicks start- there are four for each team- more people come in from the street and begin to clog the doorway, all eyes riveted to the television mounted in the far corner.
First goal for Germany- a few "nossa!"s
First for Argentinta- the tension builds in the room
Second for Germany- a little louder celebration this time amongst the Germany-sympathizers
Second penatly kick by Argentina is blocked!!! Now there's even more pressure
Third goal for Germany- everyone is getting louder!!!
Third try for Argentina is good- the air is electric, and this isn't even Brasil playing!
Fourth kick for Germany is good!- everyone is chattering excitedly now
Last try for Argentina, and it is saved by the goalie from Germany!! On the screen, the Germany fans are going crazy, and here there are a few dissapointed people while others are more than happy with the result. The game over with Argentina heading home and Germany on to the semi-finals, the crowd disperses quickly.

I'm still a little pumped from the atmosphere, but I turn back to the computer (faithful reporter that I am haha). I think some notes about the portuguese language will just have to wait until next time, as the World Cup has taken over my afternoon. Tomorrow it will take over pretty much the entire day, since Brasil is playing tomorrow afternoon and the whole country will be tuned in to the game and the pre-game notices, which will start with even the early morning news. Of course, Brasil can't take over my entire day, because tomorrow morning I am going to the airport to meet my family!! I am more than ready to see them again, and I'm looking forward to taking them around the city this weekend, then travelling with them to see more friends and family. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight. :o)

So after this I'm back to being the international traveller instead of the international student, and I think I'm a little more partial to the travelling.

Tchau!