Waking up on Sunday was very hard. We knew we had a futbol game to go to, but it was raining and cold and sleeping in sounded really good. Either fortunately or unfortunately we had already forked over the cash for the tickets so inspiration came in the form of $700ARS. We rolled out of bed, put on whatever rainy day gear we had and headed to SP’s house. We again neglected breakfast and within an hour we found ourselves at the foot of a massive futbol stadium in the middle of Buenos Aires. This game was important for Independente because they were up against “La Fantasma de la B,” or the Ghost of B. If you don’t know, both club and professional futbol (soccer) is insanely popular the world over, and even club teams here make college football games look like a joke. Club teams have their own stadiums, huge followings, and a general professional feel without the huge endorsements. Anywho, if Independente lost, they would essentially downgrade to a lower division. I heard someone say it’s very democratic, and I have to agree. It’s not like professional sports in the US where if the Braves comes in last in the MLB, they aren’t moved down into the minor leagues. But that is exactly how club futbol works, and the fans know it. I am by no means a soccer fan but I had a great time cheering for CARP, or Club Athletico de River Plate, especially after we scored our first goal and the Independente fans started ripping the seats out of the stadium and throwing them down towards the field. These fans and this sport are no joke. I asked one of our local friends and he said when River moved down to the B division, they set cars on fire and 75 people were injured. Fortunately it was not that crazy. The other guys were angry and upset and crying but no fires. We did eat in a restaurant afterwards that had its windows broken out by disgruntled fans, so that was pretty cool. There was a news crew there reporting on it so we were probably on TV for a second. Pretty much famous. After dinner, we came home and had a night in and tried to catch on on the 404s. Reporting done for that day. xoidios.