GOL!!!!!! My thoughts on El Salvadorian nationalism

This past week we had the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event- attending a game of the El Salvadorian National Futbal team. The opponent: the much hated Honduras national team. We entered the gates of the stadium and were consumed by a sea of blue and white- everyone, and I mean everyone (including us) was wearing a team jersey. I was upset when I heard the vendors at the gates selling the shirts for $5.00 a piece as I had been all excited that I bargained at the market and got mine for $7.50 anyway...so thank God things improved because if my impression of this country was based solely on getting into the stadium, I would have been on a plane back to the US by now. I can't write some of the comments that were heckled by drunk Salvadorians waiting en mass to enter the stadium or how someone poked me repeatedly with an inflatable stick that said "EL SALVADOR!". Once again we were stuffed into situations that I'm surprised no one has died from stampeded. I guess the guards with the AK-47's (or something like that) standing at each door help with that issue. Basically, people are drunk before even getting into the stands. However...once we got inside and I felt safer, I began to appreciate the tradition and importance that is futbal in this country (and other Central American cultures). Perhaps it is because the country is small, or perhaps because of all the turmoil for so many years, but I can't really put into words the immense wave of nationalism and patriotism that swept over everyone in that stadium, including myself. You felt a part of something. During the game people were constantly cheering ( many times vulgar ) and also I learned later, throwing bags of pee onto the field when a bad call was made...but like everyone else I got so into the spirit of it all.

Get this- apparently I was on El Salvadorian T.V. When we got home that night, Joaquin's parents told me they saw me, the camera had focused on me cheering. How hilarious! I guess its easy to find the gringa. (And no I don't know the guy in the picture, but I LOVED this get-up!)

El Salvador lost, it was heartbreaking too. I was nervous the crowd would go crazy, but all was relatively calm considering.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this experience amidst some of its craziness. There is a love for this country (in good times and bad) that they have here, that I don't think we have in the states. I was saying to Joaquin, I'd never wear a shirt with the American flag on it and I realize that once again maybe we're missing something at home. However, I'll take attending national sporting events without the bags of urine.