Wow, wow & wow. Today was an amazing 
day. First off, my good friend Brendan arrived from Colorado to join in for some fun. I am really psyched to see, and travel with, him. After meeting up at the airport and checking in to the hostel we headed out towards the Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires for a futból (soccer) match known simply as the Superclásico. This match between fierce rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate, is regarded round the soccer world as the most exciting and intense of all rivalries. The English newspaper ´The Observer´put the Superclásico at the top of their list of 50 sporting things you must do before you die (think Superbowl, game 7 of the World Series, etc and intensify the feelings of the fans). Around Buenos Aires, certainly, this match is the only thing locals can talk about in the days and weeks leading up to the game. After getting off the bus at the stop we were warned against getting off at because of the likelyhood of running into hooligans (Brendan said it would be more fun), we made our way towards the stadium. Things were relatively quiet as it was still several hours before game time. This is another 
recommendation given all tourists so that they avoid the absolute craziness that ensues closer to the start of the match. After waiting in several different lines and being frisked by officers 3 or 4 times in the streets leading up to the stadium, we finally made our way through the line (and frisked once more) that actually got us into the stadium. Once inside we made way to our section and picked out some good seats - as it is open seating, the good seats are the ones located underneath the overhang. Though this might be a good idea in the States to stay out of the sun, it is much more important at La Bombonera (the Famous Boca Juniors stadium) where being under the overhang protects you from the routine urine showers that rain down from the fans in the ¨Away¨ section up above ours. Describing the energy of the crowd is impossible. Everyone stood for the entire game. Enthusiastic songs, chants & cheers DID NOT stop the entire time except for part of halftime when people tried to catch their breath. There was more paper, streamers and confetti in the air than in Times Square on New Years Eve. People were allowed to climb fences, set off smoke bombs and generally act in a way 
that we would probably consider riotous. All of this, and no beer. Crazy, but when you think about it, it's a really good idea. And fortunately, the home team Juniors won 1-0 adding to the excitement around the stadium post match. After the final whistle, fans are dismissed from the stadium one section at a time to prevent riots. For thirty minutes following the game fans in our section sang taunting songs to the urinating, seat throwing (yes this was happening) River Plate fans up above. It's easy to see why we were kept in our seats for an hour before being let out. All in all, this was the craziest, most exciting sporting event I've ever been to in my life. (these photos, courtesy of Brendan, who was brave enough to bring his camera, are worth a closer, more detailed look)
day. First off, my good friend Brendan arrived from Colorado to join in for some fun. I am really psyched to see, and travel with, him. After meeting up at the airport and checking in to the hostel we headed out towards the Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires for a futból (soccer) match known simply as the Superclásico. This match between fierce rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate, is regarded round the soccer world as the most exciting and intense of all rivalries. The English newspaper ´The Observer´put the Superclásico at the top of their list of 50 sporting things you must do before you die (think Superbowl, game 7 of the World Series, etc and intensify the feelings of the fans). Around Buenos Aires, certainly, this match is the only thing locals can talk about in the days and weeks leading up to the game. After getting off the bus at the stop we were warned against getting off at because of the likelyhood of running into hooligans (Brendan said it would be more fun), we made our way towards the stadium. Things were relatively quiet as it was still several hours before game time. This is another 
recommendation given all tourists so that they avoid the absolute craziness that ensues closer to the start of the match. After waiting in several different lines and being frisked by officers 3 or 4 times in the streets leading up to the stadium, we finally made our way through the line (and frisked once more) that actually got us into the stadium. Once inside we made way to our section and picked out some good seats - as it is open seating, the good seats are the ones located underneath the overhang. Though this might be a good idea in the States to stay out of the sun, it is much more important at La Bombonera (the Famous Boca Juniors stadium) where being under the overhang protects you from the routine urine showers that rain down from the fans in the ¨Away¨ section up above ours. Describing the energy of the crowd is impossible. Everyone stood for the entire game. Enthusiastic songs, chants & cheers DID NOT stop the entire time except for part of halftime when people tried to catch their breath. There was more paper, streamers and confetti in the air than in Times Square on New Years Eve. People were allowed to climb fences, set off smoke bombs and generally act in a way 
that we would probably consider riotous. All of this, and no beer. Crazy, but when you think about it, it's a really good idea. And fortunately, the home team Juniors won 1-0 adding to the excitement around the stadium post match. After the final whistle, fans are dismissed from the stadium one section at a time to prevent riots. For thirty minutes following the game fans in our section sang taunting songs to the urinating, seat throwing (yes this was happening) River Plate fans up above. It's easy to see why we were kept in our seats for an hour before being let out. All in all, this was the craziest, most exciting sporting event I've ever been to in my life. (these photos, courtesy of Brendan, who was brave enough to bring his camera, are worth a closer, more detailed look)
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