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| Me in B's Barca jersey after the 2011 UEFA Cup win |
Step 2: Purchase a jersey from said local sports team.
Step 3: Wear new jersey around town.
B is a huge soccer fan, so the one thing he wanted to do during our trip to Spain was get an authentic Barcelona jersey. He wasn't ever planning on wearing it while we were there, but the night he did, he made plenty of new Spanish friends.
Our very last night in Barcelona was also the night of the UEFA Cup championship game. As you may or may not know, soccer (football) is probably the most popular sport in Europe, but especially in Spain. That year (2011) Barcelona was playing Manchester United for the Cup.
Appropriately, B wore his new jersey to watch the game.
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| The reaction in the bar after a Barca goal. |
Before the game even started and we were just walking around town, B got a couple cheers and cat calls. And he fit right in with all the other Barca fans as we watched the bar from the finest Irish Pub in town (they were offering a free glass of champagne for every Barca goal and spoke English, don't judge).
But after the game...boy you would not believe how popular B was! As we made the long walk back to our hotel, dozens of people called out to him from their mopeds and cars. They couldn't have been yelling at everyone wearing a jersey, because EVERYONE was wearing a jersey. Maybe it was because he is so tall that he stood out. Or maybe they just knew he was American and wanted to let him know that they appreciated the support.
Who knows! But he was the most popular American in Barcelona that night.
Since that trip, B has worn the jersey plenty of times. And even when hes just traveling here in the States, he makes new friends (although, he did almost get in a fight with a Man U fan in New Orleans because of the jersey).
So there you have it. Three easy steps to make some new friends when traveling abroad.
Linking up for Google Friend Conect, Just Beacause Tuesday, Bloglovin Linkup, and Travel Tuesdays,
P.S. Check out the Kendra Scott giveaway going on now!!
I did this in South Africa with rugby! It totally works :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks SO fun!!! :)
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ReplyDeleteFC Barca is my favorite! And what an excellent idea to make friends! Haha... stopping by from Travel Tuesdays!
Delete-Leia @ Latitude Adjustment
We did that in Australia with the Aussie Rules football game and now that we live in England my husband is a huge Arsenal supporter.
ReplyDeleteBonnie Rose | a Compass Rose
I bet that was a memorable experience, and an awesome way to meet people from all over! Good advice :)
ReplyDeleteLove Barcelona--I was there in '08 when Spain won the European title and it was such a crazy and fun experience!!
ReplyDeleteHilarious! I love Barcelona- and my boyfriend totally bought a jershey while we were there!
ReplyDeleteMy Travel Tuesday Post
Jess
HA! that's def a way to make friends while travelling!!!
ReplyDeleteMost Recent Post: Evy's Tree Giveaway
xoxo
A-
Hello from a new follower via Wild Card Wednesday. I loved this post! It was hilarious and so true. I love to travel and my grandfather always taught me...find the soccer team to root for. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Deanne
Oh my word. That is a genius way to get into the culture and meet people. And any reason to watch sports sounds like a blast to me!
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