World Cup diary: Week 1

Alex Franzetti 15:37 19/06/2014
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  • Time of his life: Our blogger Alex Franzetti (front) and his fellow Germany fans.

    Alex Franzetti, Dubai resident from Germany, who has lived in the UAE since 2007 is sharing with us a travel diary as he moves around Brazil supporting his native country throughout the World Cup. 

    In his first diary, Alex describes the moment he lands in Brazil as well as his first experience of the World Cup as he watched Germany destroy Portugal 4-0. 

    Dubai, Saturday 14th June

    My flight to Salvador started incredibly early in the morning and took me via Doha and Sao Paulo on a full 28 hours trip. It was long and exhausting but I'm looking forward to being in Brazil, the country known as the spiritual home of futbol!

    Arriving at the airport I was greeted by a sea of yellow jerseys. It's Brazil all over and World Cup fever has taken over the country.

    It's a superb sight.

    By Saturday evening I have arrived in Salvador de Bahia, the 3rd largest city of Brazil and my home for the next 2 weeks. From here I will follow my team, Germany, and meet friends and family, from Germany, Dubai and all over the world. We are all consumed by the World Cup and I couldn't be mroe excited. 

    Salvador, Monday 16th June
    Today is the day. 

    My first match in the stadium, for Germany vs Portugal.

    On our way to the Arena Fonte Nova we walked through the historic city of Salvador and the Brazilians cheered each and every supporter. 

    I met a young Canadian couple, wearing German dress and got chatting. They traveled from Vancouver to Brazil and they support the German team.

    Overall the German colour overruled the Portuguese in the stadium, which had an awesome atmosphere, Capoeira dancers, Samba dancers and drum players to name just a few. 

    Salvador is the home of the Brazilian street carnival, and you could see, feel and hear it!

    After the match, still stunned with the result and the way Germany defeated Portugal, we walked to the centre of the city. All narrow alleys and small bars, restaurants and friendly people cheering to the football fans. 

    Not only Portugal and Germany fans were taking to the streets but people from all over the world representing their countries: Portugal, Holland, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and so on. We are all meeting here in Brazil where football is passion. It's life!

    That is why I love football and why I travelled to Brazil to soak up the atmosphere. 

    My next stop is Fortaleza when Germany face Ghana.

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