We All Went Down to Amster-(shh)

Ok, so I've neglected the blog for a bit since getting back from Honduras. Damn this "real life" thing getting in the way of soccer!

Since we're still a few weeks away from the next set of qualifiers, let's talk about what I was doing three years ago:

March 3, 2010
Amsterdam Arena
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Friendly: Netherlands v USA

Pro tip: If you stay up until 6am the day before an international flight in the hopes of being so tired on the flight that you can fall asleep, maybe you should just consider sleeping pills instead.

Hexy 2013, Round 1: San Pedro Sula

Last week was the opening round of the 2013 Hex; with it came my first foray into the Un-Sexy Hexy. Despite my delay in posting this, I didn't have any issues during the trip; in fact, the trip went very well... well, except for the result.

So it Begins

I'm typing this at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, waiting for my flight to Atlanta. After an overnight layover tonight, I arrive in San Pedro Sula just after noon tomorrow.

At this point, I'd say I'm more nervous than excited.

I feel like I've done as much prep work as I can: I got vaccinations; I bought a secure wallet; I'm staying in a hotel that was recommended by someone who's gone before; I've been in e-mail contact with a number of people who are going, including a few staying in the same hotel; my trip is registered with the State Department; and I've left my itinerary with my roommate and parents. I have my passport, and even have Honduran currency.

All in all, I'm sure I've done the best preparation that I can and things will be just fine. But not even Mexico City had the kind of travel warnings attached to Honduras, and I'm a big-ass gringo who stands out in a crowd here at home, never mind in Latin America.

At least I managed to score a free upgrade to first class for tomorrow's flight. I think that "mileage run" I made towards the end of last year to gain Delta Medallion status is already paying off.

Well, it's just about time to board.  Time for this un-sexy adventure to begin.

Shot in the Arm, and You're to Blame

A word to the wise (which doesn't usually include me): When traveling to Central America, check the vaccination recommendations and requirements a bit earlier than five days before you leave. At least I was able to get those taken care of this morning. I've seen a picture of my ticket, so that's one less thing about which I have to worry... providing that the holder of said ticket makes it to SPS. Also, I'm looking out the window, and it's started to snow again. Current temperature, according to Weather Underground: 4 F; it was -11 F this morning. Even with all the things to worry about when in Honduras, at least it'll be a whole lot warmer there.