Soccer Postscript

One thing of note I forgot to mention was the writing I found on the back of my ticket. One column of logos cautioned me that the following items were prohibited in the arena: dogs, helmets, knives and guns, glass bottles and cans, alcohol, hammers, and explosives. It’s a good thing I read that before I left, or I might have had my hammer confiscated at the security check. And it’s probably good that the Brazil team did so well, and we weren’t playing Ireland, or else I think I may have needed the helmet. Further fine print informed me that it was forbidden to bring anything that could be considered a weapon, or “impair the enjoyment, comfort and safety” (It didn’t say of whom), or any “ostensibly visible promotional, commercial, political or religious item of whatever nature”. Oh, Chinese Communism. Where’s a giant crucifix when you need one?