Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(by Wolfy Becker)

The FIFA World Cup is finally here and has already shifted in full gear with great, exciting matches during the first 3 days.
Sadly, the tournament takes place in a far away place named Germany (my home country), with a seven-hour time difference...and without a Peruvian team that, again, didn't qualify.
For most Peruvians, their only chance to follow the world's number one sporting event is by clinging to their TV's or radios, at home, in bars, or other public places.

As for me, I was thinking for months about an appropriate environment to watch the opening match between my team (the 'Klinsmen') and Costa Rica. First I thought of organizing my own little backyard barbecue, invite some soccer-interested family members and friends, and see if I could get some yummy German beer to offer to my guests, perhaps even a little keg.
But the game was on a workday, Friday to be exact, and started at 11 a.m. local time, so the resonance I got from people was mostly an expected "I'd love to come, but unfortunately I have to work" kinda reponse. Hesitantly, I started preparing myself watching the game alone at home.

Then a few days ago, a much better opportunity arose. I heard and read that the local Marriott hotel in Miraflores -which is only a 4-Soles taxi drive away from home (I am lazy at times, I admit it) - was planning a special promotion to celebrate the event at their Lobby bar.
Offering a german-style buffet, accompanied by Bavarian wheat beer and two big plasma TV's, settled the deal for me. Both the hotel guests and the public are welcome to join the soccer fanatic frenzy and nothing is better than watching a game in the midst of a cheering crowd.

I skipped breakfast Friday morning except for the coffee, checked the latest news ... found out that Germany's best player, Michael Ballack, wasn't going to play as a precaution resulting from a recent injury... searched the closet for a couple of German flags, drove to the Marriott, went up the elevator to the second floor and was pleasantly surprised. Probably 30-40 people of all nationalities and languages had already gathered on couches, sofas and chairs while watching the pre-game show.

After a quick handshake with the general manager, Tom Calame, and the director of Restaurants & Bars, Eduardo Ortiz, I made myself comfortable and waited for the kickoff whistle at Munich's Allianz Arena, a true soccer temple that looks like a rubber dinghy, the turf of Peruvian strikers Claudio Pizarro and Paolo Guerrero.

I ordered an 'Erdinger Hefeweizen' and enjoyed the magnificent big, flat screens, a special treat for the eye compared to my lousy little $200 flicker box at home.
The beer arrived just in time for the first goal in the 6th minute, a magnificent long-distance shot into the goal's top right corner by Germany's Phillip Lahm, and in all excitement I almost whacked the beer off the waitress' tray. It would have been a shame if I had smashed the uniquely, football-shaped, half liter glass. Friendly, english speaking waitresses all around, by the way.

I found out quickly, after the equalizer, that the present crowd was mosty rooting for the alleged underdogs from Costa Rica - understandable, if your own team isn't playing, at least the Costa Riceans are fellow Americans.
After a great first half, I went to check out the German food buffet for a little brunch. Hot pot roasts of beef and pork, the famous, hearty blood sausages, Frankfurters, bavarian white wursts, and a delicately smoked pork loin named 'Kasseler' (just like my grandma used to make it), caught my eye and nose first. Then I saw the yummy looking sauerkraut and potato salad, all kinds of mustarts in various strenghts, and I almost felt like being at home.

Several different kinds of self-baked breads and bretzels and other delicatessen rounded up the buffet. Only my beloved German farmer's bread with the crunchy crust and an apple wine from my home town Frankfurt was missing, but I had no reason to complain. I am not really a 'sweet tooth' but the Black Forest cake and strudels looked so inviting, I decided to save them for after the game.

The second half was just as exciting as the first and six scored goals (4:2) in a World Cup opening match is very rare treat. Although the German defense occasionally looked like a Swiss cheese, I went home with a full stomach and in a very satisfied and happy mood. It was worth every centimo of the S./35.00.

I also got a couple of little souvenirs like a personal world cup fixture and a stamped card. If I watch four more games at the Marriott, the next one will be on the house.

I certainly will not miss that opportunity. And the next time, on Wednesday, my kick-loving wife will be able to take the afternoon off and join me for another German soccer fiesta at the Marriott. Hopefully until then I will find my Lederhosen stowed away somewhere. And a little back-red-gold face paint is certainly doable.

tags : Peru Lima Marriott FIFA WorldCup football soccer futbol sports beer Germany entertainment

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