Futbol Americano en Guatemala

When the Super Bowl is played, Americans must gather for parties. No matter where we are, it is our duty to search out other Americans and like-minded folks to share the experience. The newspaper reported 98,700,000 people watched the game on television. However it's likely the census takers missed our group in the back corner of Cheers Bar in Guatemala City. If we were missed, the number should be updated to 98,700,017.

Our group consisted of 10 Americans, 5 Guatemalans, 1 Canadian and 1 Honduran (two of the Americans were recent Goshen College nursing grads, and two others went to college with my son Mark). If we were not seen, we certainly were heard, for we were a noisy bunch. Fortunately our entire group was cheering for Pittsburgh (no fights broke out). At at table across from us there was a group of Guatemalans who cheered for whichever team made a good play!! They were determined to be happy no matter who won the game. And what an exciting game!

Even in Guatemala I was able to have food appropriate for a Super Bowl game - beer, nachos and a hamburger (alas, no pizza). The bar quickly ran out of french fries, so I had hamburguesa solo. My host family brother, Juan Carlos, insisted I try Gallo beer - a Guatemalan beer he claims is excellent and without comparison. Well, I would put it in the same class as Miller or Bud - not really beer at all. I was sorry to disappoint Juan Carlos and finished out the night with Negra Modelo (dark Mexican beer) and Moza Bock Beer (dark Guatemalan brew). When you are a cerveza oscura drinker, cerveza clara just does not cut it.

The evening ended in jubilation for all Pittsburgh fans and the Guatemalans at the table across from us. The party was great - wonderful people with lots of fun, food, drink, conversation and screaming.