How Coming Home to the U.S for the World Cup Changed Everything

Coming back to the US after a year and a Coming back to the US after a year and a half away while living in Porto, half away while living in Porto, half away while living in Porto, Portugal has been different. Portugal has been different. Portugal has been different. We have seen a buildup to this World Cup We have seen a buildup to this World Cup We have seen a buildup to this World Cup as being something that was quite toxic. as being something that was quite toxic. as being something that was quite toxic. There was a lot swirling around the There was a lot swirling around the There was a lot swirling around the politics between what was going on in politics between what was going on in politics between what was going on in the US and also FIFA. And we didn't the US and also FIFA. And we didn't the US and also FIFA. And we didn't really know what to expect. But as the really know what to expect. But as the really know what to expect. But as the tournament kicked off and we started to tournament kicked off and we started to tournament kicked off and we started to see a lot of foreign content creators see a lot of foreign content creators see a lot of foreign content creators flood the United States, there began to flood the United States, there began to flood the United States, there began to be this feel-good vibe. So, we're going be this feel-good vibe. So, we're going be this feel-good vibe. So, we're going to talk about that today. What it's been to talk about that today. What it's been to talk about that today. What it's been like from our perspective as Americans like from our perspective as Americans like from our perspective as Americans coming back home and experiencing the coming back home and experiencing the coming back home and experiencing the World Cup for ourselves. My name's Josh World Cup for ourselves. My name's Josh World Cup for ourselves. My name's Josh >> and I'm Kaylee and this is Expats >> and I'm Kaylee and this is Expats >> and I'm Kaylee and this is Expats Everywhere. We live in Porto, Portugal Everywhere. We live in Porto, Portugal Everywhere. We live in Porto, Portugal and oftentimes we do go back to the US and oftentimes we do go back to the US and oftentimes we do go back to the US for a visit. Normally when we go back for a visit. Normally when we go back for a visit. Normally when we go back it's always plagued by all the politics it's always plagued by all the politics it's always plagued by all the politics and immigration and all the problems. and immigration and all the problems. and immigration and all the problems. The food is bad for you and so on. So The food is bad for you and so on. So The food is bad for you and so on. So this time we were wondering if it would this time we were wondering if it would this time we were wondering if it would be different because of the World Cup be different because of the World Cup be different because of the World Cup and it absolutely is which we actually and it absolutely is which we actually and it absolutely is which we actually caught a feel of that even before going caught a feel of that even before going caught a feel of that even before going back. back. back. >> When the World Cup kicked off we were >> When the World Cup kicked off we were >> When the World Cup kicked off we were actually in Portugal and we spent the actually in Portugal and we spent the actually in Portugal and we spent the first two weeks of the World Cup and first two weeks of the World Cup and first two weeks of the World Cup and seeing the buzz from a Portuguese seeing the buzz from a Portuguese seeing the buzz from a Portuguese perspective perspective perspective >> and there was a buzz. I think the >> and there was a buzz. I think the >> and there was a buzz. I think the Portuguese always get excited about the Portuguese always get excited about the Portuguese always get excited about the World Cup because Portugal is a good World Cup because Portugal is a good World Cup because Portugal is a good team. But actually, we were a little team. But actually, we were a little team. But actually, we were a little surprised that there wasn't more of a surprised that there wasn't more of a surprised that there wasn't more of a buzz. While there were screens around, buzz. While there were screens around, buzz. While there were screens around, we thought that there would be a little we thought that there would be a little we thought that there would be a little more going on than there actually was.

more going on than there actually was. more going on than there actually was. >> Yeah, for sure. Some of the big teams >> Yeah, for sure. Some of the big teams >> Yeah, for sure. Some of the big teams were well supported uh when it came to were well supported uh when it came to were well supported uh when it came to viewing the matches from these screens, viewing the matches from these screens, viewing the matches from these screens, but in general, it kind of let me down. but in general, it kind of let me down. but in general, it kind of let me down. >> Yeah, I think that sometimes at the >> Yeah, I think that sometimes at the >> Yeah, I think that sometimes at the screens you would see it was packed screens you would see it was packed screens you would see it was packed generally if it was Brazil, Argentina, generally if it was Brazil, Argentina, generally if it was Brazil, Argentina, sometimes Portugal, but then any other sometimes Portugal, but then any other sometimes Portugal, but then any other games, you know, was pretty scanned. So, games, you know, was pretty scanned. So, games, you know, was pretty scanned. So, it was good if you want to go catch a it was good if you want to go catch a it was good if you want to go catch a game and not feel cramped, but also it game and not feel cramped, but also it game and not feel cramped, but also it it did make the environment less it did make the environment less it did make the environment less desirable than we thought. desirable than we thought. desirable than we thought. >> For sure. We actually went to one of our >> For sure. We actually went to one of our >> For sure. We actually went to one of our local restaurants when we like to go local restaurants when we like to go local restaurants when we like to go watch FC Porto games when they're watch FC Porto games when they're watch FC Porto games when they're playing away and there were hardly any playing away and there were hardly any playing away and there were hardly any people there cheering for Portugal. That people there cheering for Portugal. That people there cheering for Portugal. That was actually a very big surprise to me was actually a very big surprise to me was actually a very big surprise to me that we were one of the only ones in that we were one of the only ones in that we were one of the only ones in there to watch Portugal and so that was there to watch Portugal and so that was there to watch Portugal and so that was a little bit of a downer that there a little bit of a downer that there a little bit of a downer that there didn't seem to be more going on from the didn't seem to be more going on from the didn't seem to be more going on from the Portuguese. Portuguese. Portuguese. >> I mean, it was basically a group of >> I mean, it was basically a group of >> I mean, it was basically a group of Americans supporting Portugal, but we Americans supporting Portugal, but we Americans supporting Portugal, but we all feel a bit Portuguese as well. Like all feel a bit Portuguese as well. Like all feel a bit Portuguese as well. Like there's a group of us that have been there's a group of us that have been there's a group of us that have been living in Portugal for a while. I mean, living in Portugal for a while. I mean, living in Portugal for a while. I mean, look, I'm representing Portugal today.

look, I'm representing Portugal today. look, I'm representing Portugal today. So, yeah, it was weird. But anyway, we So, yeah, it was weird. But anyway, we So, yeah, it was weird. But anyway, we were then excited to see what was going were then excited to see what was going were then excited to see what was going on in the US because on social media, on in the US because on social media, on in the US because on social media, people were really excited once the people were really excited once the people were really excited once the tournament started and when a lot of tournament started and when a lot of tournament started and when a lot of people were in America, all of that people were in America, all of that people were in America, all of that stuff beforehand of how it was going to stuff beforehand of how it was going to stuff beforehand of how it was going to be the worst tournament in the world or, be the worst tournament in the world or, be the worst tournament in the world or, you know, it was awful that no one was you know, it was awful that no one was you know, it was awful that no one was going to show up. Everyone was saying going to show up. Everyone was saying going to show up. Everyone was saying the seats are going to be empty, the the seats are going to be empty, the the seats are going to be empty, the vibe is going to be terrible because vibe is going to be terrible because vibe is going to be terrible because it's so expensive. Uh, but when we saw it's so expensive. Uh, but when we saw it's so expensive. Uh, but when we saw that it actually started, all of that that it actually started, all of that that it actually started, all of that went away and people were so excited and went away and people were so excited and went away and people were so excited and having such a great time. It was so cool having such a great time. It was so cool having such a great time. It was so cool to see people from all over the world to see people from all over the world to see people from all over the world being excited to be in the US and trying being excited to be in the US and trying being excited to be in the US and trying the different foods and seeing how nice the different foods and seeing how nice the different foods and seeing how nice the Americans were and accommodating and the Americans were and accommodating and the Americans were and accommodating and just how exciting the tournament was. just how exciting the tournament was. just how exciting the tournament was. So, we were quite excited to get back. So, we were quite excited to get back. So, we were quite excited to get back. >> Yeah. On like watching all the stuff >> Yeah. On like watching all the stuff >> Yeah. On like watching all the stuff online, it it made me feel this great online, it it made me feel this great online, it it made me feel this great anticipation to get back and I just like anticipation to get back and I just like anticipation to get back and I just like couldn't wait honestly. But then we couldn't wait honestly. But then we couldn't wait honestly. But then we arrived back. So, we arrived back hoping arrived back. So, we arrived back hoping arrived back. So, we arrived back hoping that we're going to actually catch this that we're going to actually catch this that we're going to actually catch this buzz as well, get a view for ourselves buzz as well, get a view for ourselves buzz as well, get a view for ourselves to see how amazing and accommodating to see how amazing and accommodating to see how amazing and accommodating Americans are. And actually, it was all Americans are. And actually, it was all Americans are. And actually, it was all true. It was a lot of fun. It has been a true. It was a lot of fun. It has been a true. It was a lot of fun. It has been a lot of fun.

lot of fun. lot of fun. >> It was It was shockingly true from the >> It was It was shockingly true from the >> It was It was shockingly true from the transportation journeys, let's say, like transportation journeys, let's say, like transportation journeys, let's say, like using public transportation in a variety using public transportation in a variety using public transportation in a variety of cities that went really well. the of cities that went really well. the of cities that went really well. the friendliness of people, like it seems friendliness of people, like it seems friendliness of people, like it seems like the mood has lifted and I don't like the mood has lifted and I don't like the mood has lifted and I don't know if that's directly attributed to know if that's directly attributed to know if that's directly attributed to the World Cup, but like people seem to the World Cup, but like people seem to the World Cup, but like people seem to be a lot chiller and more patient with be a lot chiller and more patient with be a lot chiller and more patient with others and just friendlier in general. others and just friendlier in general. others and just friendlier in general. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> And I don't know if like some of this is >> And I don't know if like some of this is >> And I don't know if like some of this is because it's happening in English where because it's happening in English where because it's happening in English where maybe we miss it a little bit when we're maybe we miss it a little bit when we're maybe we miss it a little bit when we're having to like actively listen to either having to like actively listen to either having to like actively listen to either Portuguese or other languages in Europe Portuguese or other languages in Europe Portuguese or other languages in Europe while while we're in Europe uh to see while while we're in Europe uh to see while while we're in Europe uh to see how like the conversations are, the how like the conversations are, the how like the conversations are, the pleasantries are, but definitely like pleasantries are, but definitely like pleasantries are, but definitely like positive vibes and pleasantries in the positive vibes and pleasantries in the positive vibes and pleasantries in the US when trying to navigate these US when trying to navigate these US when trying to navigate these different cities and see these different different cities and see these different different cities and see these different places, places, places, >> especially when we talk about public >> especially when we talk about public >> especially when we talk about public transportation because, you know, the US transportation because, you know, the US transportation because, you know, the US is not really known for having really is not really known for having really is not really known for having really good public transportation. We're a car good public transportation. We're a car good public transportation. We're a car culture. But the places that we went and culture. But the places that we went and culture. But the places that we went and actually took public transportation, it actually took public transportation, it actually took public transportation, it was very well marked. It was clean. It was very well marked. It was clean. It was very well marked. It was clean. It was well lit. The workers there were was well lit. The workers there were was well lit. The workers there were very kind, very helpful, very very kind, very helpful, very very kind, very helpful, very accommodating, and it was fast. So, I accommodating, and it was fast. So, I accommodating, and it was fast. So, I was very surprised at that.

was very surprised at that. was very surprised at that. >> Yeah. The three cities that we can >> Yeah. The three cities that we can >> Yeah. The three cities that we can highlight that we experienced highlight that we experienced highlight that we experienced sportsworld sportsworld sportsworld and public transportation in Baltimore, and public transportation in Baltimore, and public transportation in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Mhm. Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Mhm. Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Mhm. >> And it was our first time, I think, >> And it was our first time, I think, >> And it was our first time, I think, riding the the trains in Baltimore. riding the the trains in Baltimore. riding the the trains in Baltimore. Super easy. We took it from way far out Super easy. We took it from way far out Super easy. We took it from way far out uh like in the north of of Baltimore uh like in the north of of Baltimore uh like in the north of of Baltimore above uh there in the state of Maryland. above uh there in the state of Maryland. above uh there in the state of Maryland. And we took it down into the city at And we took it down into the city at And we took it down into the city at like a park and ride type of situation. like a park and ride type of situation. like a park and ride type of situation. And it was it was really great. I mean, And it was it was really great. I mean, And it was it was really great. I mean, you could actually have direct contact you could actually have direct contact you could actually have direct contact with the uh the conductor. with the uh the conductor. with the uh the conductor. >> So, if you had a group of people like >> So, if you had a group of people like >> So, if you had a group of people like rushing on, you'd be like, "Wait, wait, rushing on, you'd be like, "Wait, wait, rushing on, you'd be like, "Wait, wait, you know, like wait for our group." and you know, like wait for our group." and you know, like wait for our group." and they would uh so that was cool. And the they would uh so that was cool. And the they would uh so that was cool. And the people on the the train, let's say, people on the the train, let's say, people on the the train, let's say, nice, friendly, everything was chill. nice, friendly, everything was chill. nice, friendly, everything was chill. Then if we're looking at Philadelphia, Then if we're looking at Philadelphia, Then if we're looking at Philadelphia, oh man, like it seems like there are a oh man, like it seems like there are a oh man, like it seems like there are a lot of people that use it as their lot of people that use it as their lot of people that use it as their regular commute, like all sorts of of regular commute, like all sorts of of regular commute, like all sorts of of socioeconomic classes. And it also felt socioeconomic classes. And it also felt socioeconomic classes. And it also felt like uh it wasn't just kind of being put like uh it wasn't just kind of being put like uh it wasn't just kind of being put on for the World Cup. So Baltimore, it on for the World Cup. So Baltimore, it on for the World Cup. So Baltimore, it wasn't we we weren't going there wasn't we we weren't going there wasn't we we weren't going there specifically for a World Cup game. There specifically for a World Cup game. There specifically for a World Cup game. There were no World Cup games in Baltimore.

were no World Cup games in Baltimore. were no World Cup games in Baltimore. However, in Philadelphia, we were there However, in Philadelphia, we were there However, in Philadelphia, we were there for the Croatia versus Ghana match and for the Croatia versus Ghana match and for the Croatia versus Ghana match and it was vibey. It felt like a carnival it was vibey. It felt like a carnival it was vibey. It felt like a carnival vibe. vibe. vibe. >> Yeah. I mean, the Ganaians were a lot of >> Yeah. I mean, the Ganaians were a lot of >> Yeah. I mean, the Ganaians were a lot of fun. They were out there in full force fun. They were out there in full force fun. They were out there in full force for the watch parties and so the the for the watch parties and so the the for the watch parties and so the the area where I think Philadelphia and area where I think Philadelphia and area where I think Philadelphia and Atlanta, the two games we went to. Now, Atlanta, the two games we went to. Now, Atlanta, the two games we went to. Now, not every place had such good public not every place had such good public not every place had such good public transportation that dropped you off transportation that dropped you off transportation that dropped you off right there or was affordable. Some of right there or was affordable. Some of right there or was affordable. Some of them were more expensive than others. them were more expensive than others. them were more expensive than others. So, the two that we did for Philadelphia So, the two that we did for Philadelphia So, the two that we did for Philadelphia and Atlanta were actually really really and Atlanta were actually really really and Atlanta were actually really really amazing at just being dropped off right amazing at just being dropped off right amazing at just being dropped off right there and feeling the buzz. Like all the there and feeling the buzz. Like all the there and feeling the buzz. Like all the rush, everyone who's on that metro is rush, everyone who's on that metro is rush, everyone who's on that metro is going to the game and feeling that like going to the game and feeling that like going to the game and feeling that like excitement and everything. So, I think excitement and everything. So, I think excitement and everything. So, I think for those two cities, they did a really for those two cities, they did a really for those two cities, they did a really good job of it, you know, keeping it good job of it, you know, keeping it good job of it, you know, keeping it streamlined, not too crazy, not too streamlined, not too crazy, not too streamlined, not too crazy, not too busy, and then you're just dropped off busy, and then you're just dropped off busy, and then you're just dropped off right there where you can walk to the right there where you can walk to the right there where you can walk to the stadiums. A lot of people that looked stadiums. A lot of people that looked stadiums. A lot of people that looked into going to the World Cup probably into going to the World Cup probably into going to the World Cup probably heard about the crazy prices for public heard about the crazy prices for public heard about the crazy prices for public transportation and for parking that transportation and for parking that transportation and for parking that existed at least the the expensive uh existed at least the the expensive uh existed at least the the expensive uh parking existed in the cities that that parking existed in the cities that that parking existed in the cities that that we went to. However, the public we went to. However, the public we went to. However, the public transportation was no more than three transportation was no more than three transportation was no more than three bucks one way. Uh so that was awesome bucks one way. Uh so that was awesome bucks one way. Uh so that was awesome >> and it was super easy. I think the >> and it was super easy. I think the >> and it was super easy. I think the cities that got the bad rap were New cities that got the bad rap were New cities that got the bad rap were New York and Boston. I think those prices York and Boston. I think those prices York and Boston. I think those prices were like extraordinarily high were like extraordinarily high were like extraordinarily high >> and that was dependent on the city as >> and that was dependent on the city as >> and that was dependent on the city as well, how they how they well, how they how they well, how they how they >> the city could price it however they >> the city could price it however they >> the city could price it however they wanted to.

wanted to. wanted to. >> But let's talk about the actual stadiums >> But let's talk about the actual stadiums >> But let's talk about the actual stadiums and the production. I know that a lot of and the production. I know that a lot of and the production. I know that a lot of people were upset about the hydration people were upset about the hydration people were upset about the hydration breaks which I get. Uh us being former breaks which I get. Uh us being former breaks which I get. Uh us being former soccer players, we understand it soccer players, we understand it soccer players, we understand it changes. Uh so I get kind of both sides changes. Uh so I get kind of both sides changes. Uh so I get kind of both sides of it because some of the places were of it because some of the places were of it because some of the places were actually really really hot and they actually really really hot and they actually really really hot and they needed the hydration break. So I needed the hydration break. So I needed the hydration break. So I understand that and then just making it understand that and then just making it understand that and then just making it like well if everyone and then it maybe like well if everyone and then it maybe like well if everyone and then it maybe it's fair that everyone should have it. it's fair that everyone should have it. it's fair that everyone should have it. So I but a lot of people were saying So I but a lot of people were saying So I but a lot of people were saying that it's you know for ads and that it's you know for ads and that it's you know for ads and commercials and so on. But having that commercials and so on. But having that commercials and so on. But having that actually I think was helpful for a lot actually I think was helpful for a lot actually I think was helpful for a lot of places not only for the players but of places not only for the players but of places not only for the players but also at the two games that we were at also at the two games that we were at also at the two games that we were at during the hydration breaks there's a during the hydration breaks there's a during the hydration breaks there's a lot going on and this is where America lot going on and this is where America lot going on and this is where America does really great at sports and the fan does really great at sports and the fan does really great at sports and the fan experience. So there were a lot of fun experience. So there were a lot of fun experience. So there were a lot of fun things that were happening during these things that were happening during these things that were happening during these breaks. breaks. breaks. >> Yeah. Yeah, for the hydration break for >> Yeah. Yeah, for the hydration break for >> Yeah. Yeah, for the hydration break for me it was awesome whether at the stadium me it was awesome whether at the stadium me it was awesome whether at the stadium or watching on TV cuz I had the or watching on TV cuz I had the or watching on TV cuz I had the opportunity to go grab another drink and opportunity to go grab another drink and opportunity to go grab another drink and use the bathroom. So I'm like, let's go. use the bathroom. So I'm like, let's go. use the bathroom. So I'm like, let's go. I don't have to miss a second of the I don't have to miss a second of the I don't have to miss a second of the actual action and I can go take care of actual action and I can go take care of actual action and I can go take care of those two things. So that was great. those two things. So that was great. those two things. So that was great. >> Yes. And then of course like before the >> Yes. And then of course like before the >> Yes. And then of course like before the game when they're showing videos of the game when they're showing videos of the game when they're showing videos of the teams that are playing, they're showing teams that are playing, they're showing teams that are playing, they're showing highlights. They're showing their main highlights. They're showing their main highlights. They're showing their main players. They're doing these extravagant players. They're doing these extravagant players. They're doing these extravagant announcements about the different teams announcements about the different teams announcements about the different teams and where they're from and the players and where they're from and the players and where they're from and the players and everything. So I thought all of the and everything. So I thought all of the and everything. So I thought all of the the buildup was a lot of fun. And then the buildup was a lot of fun. And then the buildup was a lot of fun. And then of course you got have the short of course you got have the short of course you got have the short hydration break and then at halftime hydration break and then at halftime hydration break and then at halftime there's music, there's dancing, uh you there's music, there's dancing, uh you there's music, there's dancing, uh you can go get drinks and especially can go get drinks and especially can go get drinks and especially depending on what stadium you're at, depending on what stadium you're at, depending on what stadium you're at, some some drinks and food were cheaper some some drinks and food were cheaper some some drinks and food were cheaper than others. Thankfully where we were than others. Thankfully where we were than others. Thankfully where we were like it was very affordable. So that was like it was very affordable. So that was like it was very affordable. So that was a good experience. So it didn't seem a good experience. So it didn't seem a good experience. So it didn't seem like it was like super super expensive like it was like super super expensive like it was like super super expensive maybe compared to some others. But maybe compared to some others. But maybe compared to some others. But overall I think the United States just

overall I think the United States just overall I think the United States just has because of the sports culture did a has because of the sports culture did a has because of the sports culture did a great job of the actual overall great job of the actual overall great job of the actual overall experience. experience. experience. >> Yeah, that's what I was going to say. I >> Yeah, that's what I was going to say. I >> Yeah, that's what I was going to say. I mean a major major takeaway that we had mean a major major takeaway that we had mean a major major takeaway that we had and we kind of discussed it like and we kind of discussed it like and we kind of discussed it like internalized it separately and then internalized it separately and then internalized it separately and then discussed it together is that we have discussed it together is that we have discussed it together is that we have been to stadiums like literally all over been to stadiums like literally all over been to stadiums like literally all over the world and we have this is not our the world and we have this is not our the world and we have this is not our first World Cup. Uh thank the Lord like first World Cup. Uh thank the Lord like first World Cup. Uh thank the Lord like we've we've been fortunate enough to go we've we've been fortunate enough to go we've we've been fortunate enough to go to see other World Cups and we've seen to see other World Cups and we've seen to see other World Cups and we've seen sporting events all over. America just sporting events all over. America just sporting events all over. America just does it different. The United States does it different. The United States does it different. The United States just does it different. Like Atlanta is just does it different. Like Atlanta is just does it different. Like Atlanta is unreal. You have probably seen some of unreal. You have probably seen some of unreal. You have probably seen some of the social media clips of of foreigners the social media clips of of foreigners the social media clips of of foreigners visiting Atlanta that maybe, you know, visiting Atlanta that maybe, you know, visiting Atlanta that maybe, you know, they live in England and their stadium's they live in England and their stadium's they live in England and their stadium's nice, but then they go to Atlanta and nice, but then they go to Atlanta and nice, but then they go to Atlanta and they're just blown away. We've yet to they're just blown away. We've yet to they're just blown away. We've yet to visit Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, but visit Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, but visit Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, but that one looks absolutely incredible. that one looks absolutely incredible. that one looks absolutely incredible. >> They're beautiful stadiums. And one >> They're beautiful stadiums. And one >> They're beautiful stadiums. And one thing about Atlanta is it's indoors. thing about Atlanta is it's indoors. thing about Atlanta is it's indoors. It's got a roof uh that kept closed cuz It's got a roof uh that kept closed cuz It's got a roof uh that kept closed cuz it's hot in Atlanta during the summer, it's hot in Atlanta during the summer, it's hot in Atlanta during the summer, and so is air conditioned. So, I mean, and so is air conditioned. So, I mean, and so is air conditioned. So, I mean, it's great for the fan. It's amazing for it's great for the fan. It's amazing for it's great for the fan. It's amazing for the players as opposed to playing in the players as opposed to playing in the players as opposed to playing in like a Miami Heat where it's open. So, I like a Miami Heat where it's open. So, I like a Miami Heat where it's open. So, I mean, overall, like the the stadiums are mean, overall, like the the stadiums are mean, overall, like the the stadiums are just really well done. Uh, and it it was just really well done. Uh, and it it was just really well done. Uh, and it it was a really good fan experience, not only a really good fan experience, not only a really good fan experience, not only just in the stadiums, but also around.

just in the stadiums, but also around. just in the stadiums, but also around. Uh, again, talking about Atlanta, their Uh, again, talking about Atlanta, their Uh, again, talking about Atlanta, their fanfest was really nearby. In fanfest was really nearby. In fanfest was really nearby. In Philadelphia was a little further away, Philadelphia was a little further away, Philadelphia was a little further away, so I understand maybe like splitting it so I understand maybe like splitting it so I understand maybe like splitting it up is a good idea. Sometimes having it up is a good idea. Sometimes having it up is a good idea. Sometimes having it close is good, but like the buzz around close is good, but like the buzz around close is good, but like the buzz around the stadiums is just there's a so much the stadiums is just there's a so much the stadiums is just there's a so much going on and so much excitement even if going on and so much excitement even if going on and so much excitement even if you can't get into the stadium. you can't get into the stadium. you can't get into the stadium. >> One definite negative side that we need >> One definite negative side that we need >> One definite negative side that we need to talk about is the expense of the to talk about is the expense of the to talk about is the expense of the tickets. We were fortunate enough to not tickets. We were fortunate enough to not tickets. We were fortunate enough to not have to pay secondary market. So the have to pay secondary market. So the have to pay secondary market. So the first set of tickets that we got were first set of tickets that we got were first set of tickets that we got were directly from winning the lottery. And directly from winning the lottery. And directly from winning the lottery. And so therefore, we paid like the regular so therefore, we paid like the regular so therefore, we paid like the regular retail price, which was silly expensive. retail price, which was silly expensive. retail price, which was silly expensive. >> Still expensive. >> Still expensive. >> Still expensive. >> It was for category 2 tickets over $300 >> It was for category 2 tickets over $300 >> It was for category 2 tickets over $300 a ticket, which is bananas. a ticket, which is bananas. a ticket, which is bananas. >> Like, we had set ourselves before the >> Like, we had set ourselves before the >> Like, we had set ourselves before the World Cup, we had set ourselves a budget World Cup, we had set ourselves a budget World Cup, we had set ourselves a budget of how much we were willing to spend uh of how much we were willing to spend uh of how much we were willing to spend uh to go to the matches. We did the same to go to the matches. We did the same to go to the matches. We did the same thing for Brazil, and we we didn't go thing for Brazil, and we we didn't go thing for Brazil, and we we didn't go over in Brazil, and we also didn't go over in Brazil, and we also didn't go over in Brazil, and we also didn't go over here. So, we said our goal was to over here. So, we said our goal was to over here. So, we said our goal was to see at least one match. We got tickets see at least one match. We got tickets see at least one match. We got tickets to this Ghana and Croatia match. And to this Ghana and Croatia match. And to this Ghana and Croatia match. And then we also had the opportunity to buy then we also had the opportunity to buy then we also had the opportunity to buy tickets through a friend of my dad's who tickets through a friend of my dad's who tickets through a friend of my dad's who won the World Cup lottery. And those won the World Cup lottery. And those won the World Cup lottery. And those tickets for the Argentina Egypt match tickets for the Argentina Egypt match tickets for the Argentina Egypt match round of 16 in Atlanta. 250 bucks. Yeah.

round of 16 in Atlanta. 250 bucks. Yeah. round of 16 in Atlanta. 250 bucks. Yeah. >> For category three. >> For category three. >> For category three. >> Right. So those were a category lower >> Right. So those were a category lower >> Right. So those were a category lower but further in the competition. Um so but further in the competition. Um so but further in the competition. Um so offset a little bit. But if you were to offset a little bit. But if you were to offset a little bit. But if you were to look at the resale, that is where it was look at the resale, that is where it was look at the resale, that is where it was crazy. Insane. So, I mean it's already crazy. Insane. So, I mean it's already crazy. Insane. So, I mean it's already hard to get into the lottery and win hard to get into the lottery and win hard to get into the lottery and win those and those were expensive. So, if those and those were expensive. So, if those and those were expensive. So, if you could get some of those, that's you could get some of those, that's you could get some of those, that's where the cheapest, you know, areas where the cheapest, you know, areas where the cheapest, you know, areas were. But if you were looking for were. But if you were looking for were. But if you were looking for resale, it was just really, really crazy resale, it was just really, really crazy resale, it was just really, really crazy prices. prices. prices. >> And we saw people online at least people >> And we saw people online at least people >> And we saw people online at least people reportedly spending anywhere between, reportedly spending anywhere between, reportedly spending anywhere between, you know, 500 to a,000 to 10,000 upwards you know, 500 to a,000 to 10,000 upwards you know, 500 to a,000 to 10,000 upwards of $100,000 to experience this World of $100,000 to experience this World of $100,000 to experience this World Cup. Cup. Cup. >> Yeah. So leading up I mean that was >> Yeah. So leading up I mean that was >> Yeah. So leading up I mean that was definitely one negative thing that was definitely one negative thing that was definitely one negative thing that was talked about but again like we said talked about but again like we said talked about but again like we said before there were other negative things before there were other negative things before there were other negative things that were swirling around the World Cup that were swirling around the World Cup that were swirling around the World Cup and really once it started the ticket and really once it started the ticket and really once it started the ticket prices were still talked about but all prices were still talked about but all prices were still talked about but all the other negativity went away. I think the other negativity went away. I think the other negativity went away. I think what it shifted over to is how uh what it shifted over to is how uh what it shifted over to is how uh Argentina is getting a little bit of Argentina is getting a little bit of Argentina is getting a little bit of some extra rub. I don't know. We'll see some extra rub. I don't know. We'll see some extra rub. I don't know. We'll see if that's actually true. Will they if that's actually true. Will they if that's actually true. Will they actually win? We'll see. Yeah. But uh actually win? We'll see. Yeah. But uh actually win? We'll see. Yeah. But uh you know so is Argentina getting help?

you know so is Argentina getting help? you know so is Argentina getting help? Is Messi getting help? I don't know. But Is Messi getting help? I don't know. But Is Messi getting help? I don't know. But that's really what the shift of the that's really what the shift of the that's really what the shift of the conversation is talked to. So, it's it's conversation is talked to. So, it's it's conversation is talked to. So, it's it's away from like the whole, you know, the away from like the whole, you know, the away from like the whole, you know, the US and the immigration and all that US and the immigration and all that US and the immigration and all that seems to be gone. It's all really now seems to be gone. It's all really now seems to be gone. It's all really now about the tournament, which is great about the tournament, which is great about the tournament, which is great that it's actually about the tournament. that it's actually about the tournament. that it's actually about the tournament. I don't know if it's good about the I don't know if it's good about the I don't know if it's good about the Argentina thing, though. Argentina thing, though. Argentina thing, though. >> Yeah, exactly. So, preWorld Cup, we were >> Yeah, exactly. So, preWorld Cup, we were >> Yeah, exactly. So, preWorld Cup, we were warned about the division in the US and warned about the division in the US and warned about the division in the US and how Americans don't like foreigners and how Americans don't like foreigners and how Americans don't like foreigners and stuff like that. Like, literally, we stuff like that. Like, literally, we stuff like that. Like, literally, we didn't exper experience any of that. We didn't exper experience any of that. We didn't exper experience any of that. We didn't see that online. We saw, you didn't see that online. We saw, you didn't see that online. We saw, you know, a bunch of people come be embraced know, a bunch of people come be embraced know, a bunch of people come be embraced by Americans embracing each other. It by Americans embracing each other. It by Americans embracing each other. It was awesome. That that part was was awesome. That that part was was awesome. That that part was incredible. incredible. incredible. >> Overall, it's been a very nice >> Overall, it's been a very nice >> Overall, it's been a very nice experience coming back to the US. experience coming back to the US. experience coming back to the US. >> We're amazingly happy that we came back >> We're amazingly happy that we came back >> We're amazingly happy that we came back for this World World Cup and experienced for this World World Cup and experienced for this World World Cup and experienced it for ourselves. This isn't the typical it for ourselves. This isn't the typical it for ourselves. This isn't the typical video that we do. We like to talk about video that we do. We like to talk about video that we do. We like to talk about different parts around the world outside different parts around the world outside different parts around the world outside of the US uh from an American lens. And of the US uh from an American lens. And of the US uh from an American lens. And if you're into that kind of thing, we'd if you're into that kind of thing, we'd if you're into that kind of thing, we'd love to have you along on the journey. love to have you along on the journey. love to have you along on the journey. This is Expats Everywhere. So, hit that This is Expats Everywhere. So, hit that This is Expats Everywhere. So, hit that subscribe button now. Let's get moving.

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