Into the Eye

When we left our apartment in New York, the Dutch team was still considered possibly doubtful to advance to the 2nd round, and by the time we arrived in Salvador the hopes of the Celeste of Uruguay had crestfallen to tiny titan Costa Rica.

Eloise in her Ecuadorean jersey aspiring one day to be like this god/fan

More importantly, we had pulled off a bigger upset than either of those teams! We arrived in Salvador after well over a full day of traveling without having a major baby breakdown moment! Eloise made more friends on this trip than I (Stephen) have after nearly 36 years. 

Brazilians--especially but not only women--love babies. They play a masterful peekaboo, flash big grins, and clap as they sing nursery rhymes. This all being said, I (Mery) bow down to all those parents who came before us and all those who will come after in their attempt to travel with a baby for more than 6 hours. Extra points for  additional hours, international travel and super extra points if you travel with two kids. I have been indoctrinated into the group of parents whose child incessantly kicks the front seat and no longer cares.Whatever works and keeps her from screaming!

O Largo do Pelourinho 

World Cup, meet Carnival!

I (Stephen) held her as I sneaked a good watching position from outside a bar for the second half of France-Honduras. Several Frenchmen led a "Brasil, Brasil, oh-oh-oh" chant that challenged the drunk Germans' [repeated] swaying to "Deutschland Deutschland" (even though Germany wasn't playing). Eloise, however, won over the crowd with her yay-ouais cheers with both baby arms above her head.

Impromptu dance circle

We have realized that Eloise is, in fact, *not* the only baby here. To the beat of Olodum drumming in the streets, an Argentinean two year old led an infant dance circle. They marched forward to catch the drum parade with young men and one young woman throwing their drums above their heads as they syncopated their rhythms. 

In the Pelourinho

So far so good here in Salvador. Our neighborhood is vibrant and were able to explore the town some. People are generally friendly and attentive. Some folks perceive the world cup as good for business while others feel it really hasn't generated any significant revenue. 

Drums in the air!

After Ecuador's really disappointing loss to Switzerland at the last minute, we are hoping that our first game tomorrow (Portugal vs. Germany) at the stadium will lift our spirits!

Ready to go!