Pierre and I spent two adventure-filled weeks in Argentina last month. There are many exciting stories to tell and pictures to share. I hope to get to that very soon. But, for my friend Jason at work, I've chosen to get these photos up right away.
Jason is an almost-maniacal soccer fan. He drooled when I shared with him photos and stories of the energy I witnessed in Lyon at the Lyon-Czech game a few years ago. Chanting fans, homemade banners waving crazily, pelting the visiting team with food scraps and garbage all made for an exciting experience (and I consider myself a sports atheist).
But what we witnessed in Buenos Aires made the Lyon game look like a friendly school match between suburban elementary school kids. La Bombaria is one of three local stadiums and home to La Boca Juniors -- La Boca is a lower class Buenos Aires neighborhood known for colorful aluminum storefronts, delicious cheap grills and food, and its reputation for being sketchy at night. The passion and vigor that rises from the stadium during a game is well known and everything I read while planning our trip suggested going to a game.
Many of these photos are actually video clips that capture the madness -- the rhythmic songs and lyrics that didn't let up for a moment (emphasis on 4-letter expletives directed at the visiting team), the added fervor whenever the ball got near the goalkeeper, the zealot-looks in the eyes of the fans, the confetti made by fans from the programs that rains down amidst smoke left over from flares and fireworks -- that surrounded us. I need to figure out a way to post video, stay tuned. Jason, this post is for you, I can't wait to tell you more about the game in person.
Boca Juniors!
While I have never been to La Bombanera, I have been to their rivals stadium, La Monumental (River Plate) and the experience for anyone is incredible. The Boca-River rivalry is bigger than any sports rivalry we can imagine in the US and it is an amazing time in The City anytime they play.
Posted by: Sean | April 26, 2007 at 12:21 PM