So we're back in Manaus and catch the bus to the beautiful bread basket aka the Arena of the Amazon! It's a gorgeous stadium and same as for the Ghana game, we were glad to be among so many Americans!
The game didn't exactly start out how we would have liked with Nani scoring the opening goal after a terrible, terrible clearance, but you know, we didn't let that get us down. It did quiet some of the USA fans though, I felt like we weren't as loud as at the game in Natal.
However, the second half was a different story. The place went NUTS once we equalized on Jermaine Jones' beautiful goal! Imagine everyone throwing their beer in the air and hugging strangers because that's exactly what happened. The beer shower actually felt quite nice because, Lord, Manaus is sooooo steamy.
And then there was the second goal by Clint. Then the place went PSYCHO (which is a level above going nuts, obviously). We were all delirious, because we knew there was only about 10 minutes left and WE WERE SO CLOSE TO ADVANCING. Seriously, y'all, I know we tied which is better than a loss but that leveler in the 95' minute was a heartbreaker. I wanted that win so bad. But alas, it was not meant to be. However, if you had told anyone before the tournament that we'd have 4 points after our first two games, they would have laughed in your face. But we Americans, we believe!
After the game we went to the square outside the Opera House which was essentially one huge party. Apparently US fans were a hot commodity because we had many Brazilians come up and ask to take our pictures, yelling "self!" as in selfie. Hilarious. But a lot of fun to celebrate a disheartening tie. We didm't stay too late though since we were exhausted from the heat and lack of sleep.
Our last day in Manaus was spent doing some of the finer tourist things--aka touring the Teatro Amazonas. The Opera House is really cool and I highly recommend doing the guided tour (cost a whopping $7.50 in USD) because you learn a lot about the history, like the below:
- Construction began on the Opera House in 1884 and completed in 1896 with the grand opening
- Manaus was the first city in Brazil with electricity (the theatre had it when it opened)
- The theatre holds 686 people and has 3 levels
- The most expensive seats in the theatre, on the third level, are truly terrible and have no view whatsoever
- The rich people of Manaus wanted to be like Parisians so they shipped their laundry to France instead of doing laundry in the Rio Negro, which they were clearly above--hello 6 month delay in getting your dirty clothes
All in all, we learned a lot from our guide. Then it was time for Brazil to play so we headed to the Fan Fest to watch it. We had heard the Fan Fest in Manaus was really cool from other travelers and it did not disappoint. It's set in an amphitheater right along the Rio Negro and the best beach in Manaus called Ponta Negra. The views were gorgeous and all the Brazilian fans were a fantastic site. Especially since we got to see them celebrate all the goals! Always fun :)
After the game, it was dinner time and then packing because we had an early flight out. Next stop Recife for the final game against Germany! Here's to advancing!
