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11pm leaving Miami on TAM airlines flight - a larger plane than the AA we came down on - a bit more roomy and more advanced tech-wise. We got split up on our seating but that's ok as we will all be sleeping much of the trip. Efrain beside me is from DC and is Mexican in heritage and in jersey selection. The lady across the aisle from me is Brazilian coming from Vancouver back to her country to watch several games. I would estimate that 70-90% of the occupants on the plane are travelling to Brazil for the World Cup. It is certainly dawning on me the size of this event. Everyone in the airport, every TV and every shop was decked out for World Cup. Stores that had nothing to do with soccer or knick knacks were sporting all kinds of WC paraphernalia and signage. Every time a goal was scored you heard it all through the airport from hundreds of travellers at dozens of bars even at 10pm and this is Miami, we are not even close to Brazil yet!
Everyone we've stopped to talk with or who have talked to us have been really nice and all seem to be heading down with that special blend of nervous excitement. Excitement because they know they are heading into a gigantic party - the world really is coming to Brazil. Nervous because even Brazilians I've met tell me that it's true - their country is not that safe even for nationals and the international media/internet have done their job reporting on all the riots and violence that factions of Brazilians have been promising await any tourists who dare to come down for the World Cup. But coming we are and seemingly in droves. Like it or not Brazil, you ARE hosting the World Cup - no going back now.
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