For 4 years the world has awaited this day. A month-long
party, a chaotic combination of nationalism and unity, the World Cup is not
only the greatest sporting event in the world; it is quite possibly the most
passionate and elaborate party anywhere on earth.
This year the honor fell on Russia to host the world for an
entire month. In the tournament’s opening game, Russia took full advantage of
their time in the spotlight, putting in a dominant display against Saudi
Arabia. Scoring 5 goals, Russia basked in the glory that their fans had eagerly
anticipated for the previous 4 years.
This month also marked the beginning of an exciting event in
my own life. Having travelled around the world many times in my past, I have
largely passed up the opportunity to explore my own country. A country
unfortunately absent from the World Cup, but one that will get extra attention
from myself and life-long travel companion Miguel as we drive cross-country
over the next few weeks.
But whether your journey is progressing through the World
Cup or driving across the country, there are always hardships along the way.
Saudi Arabia is the shining example of this struggle in the World Cup’s early
days. They arrived on soccer’s biggest stage only to be heavily beaten by a
shit Russian team in a sport that is famous for it’s lack of goals.
This summer my Saudi Arabia, my struggle, is our vehicle. A
Dodge Grand Caravan presumably built in the 1940s; it is the burden I bare as
we travel across this vast and beautiful country. No air-conditioning, a door
that doesn’t open, and a break-pedal that is less effective than Saudi Arabia’s
defense, this van has a lot in store for us this summer.
And yet that struggle makes the payoff greater. These
difficulties bring us closer together. No matter the obstacle, the excitement
for this summer, both in Russia and here at home, will never dissipate.
See you tomorrow.
-Elwood
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