The time has come, and as it turns out #ThereWillBeAWorldCup.
If you've got tickets to the big games, you're probably in the midst of packing -- er, running around borderline hyperventilating from excitement. Or you could be on a plane RIGHT NOW. Point is, you're going to Brazil.
Before we lose you completely to the religious fervor that essentially IS the World Cup, here are a few tips for you to stay sharp, avoid a few cultural faux pas and have the trip of your life. From Brazil, with love...
If you want to learn a few words in Portuguese, just ask -- we LOVE teaching. Here, we'll even throw you some basics right now: "oi" [oy-ee] is "hi" and "tchau" [chow] is "bye." You're a natural.
Unless you truly understand what's going on, let's not. We're in this Cup for better or worse, so let's just focus on the beautiful game.
There's a huge rivalry here and we could write books about how Pelé is a better player than Maradona. You can joke about Argentina with other people.
If it looks incomplete, it probably is, so don't mess with it. Let's stay safe out there.
600,000 tourists are expected to arrive in Brazil for the World Cup. You're NOT going to make it to the stadium in 20 minutes -- plan accordingly.
There have been quite a few protests in these recent months leading up to this event, and last year's Confederation's Cup final (also in Brazil) turned violent as people gathered outside the stadiums. The chances of this going off without any sort of chaos are very low.
This is probably too fragile a time to go exploring. But if you must, cling to trustworthy people that know the area like the back of their hands.
Not all of our people are genetically predisposed to be dancing queens and kings. Some of us have absolutely no rhythm.
Like Brazilian pop, funk, frevo, tecnobreja and sertanejo.
Sorry, most of us probably won't be able to help out with tips on where to go and eat in Manaus. But if you'd like some travel tips to other cities in Brazil, we'll probably have you covered.
Get out of your hotels -- visit the local bars and eateries that are sure to be alive with excitement during the games. Try a coxinha (mmm, with cheesy catupiry) and Brazilian cocktails called caiprinhas are a must. Kibe and pastéis are also delicious. But as is true of street food in any foreign country (especially fruits and juices that have been sitting out in the sun for a while), be careful where you buy.
Basic tip here but very, very important.
Brazil is a huge country and weather will vary depending on what cities you'll be traveling to. If you plan on moving around a lot, come prepared for anything, except maybe snow.
We know you've got your people here too, but this place won't be the same without local interaction. No seriously, it will be like you were never really here. Take advantage of soccer being the universal language for a few weeks and make all the friends. ALL OF THEM.
If we win the final, the party gods will bestow upon us a celebration like you've never seen before. Please be prepared.
We're kidding. Unless you're from the country that just beat us. Then seriously, LEAVE.
So game on and let the world's greatest sporting event begin.
Before You Go
