Don't call it soccer!

 Here in Spain, fútbol rules. It's everywhere you look, played constantly by kids and young adults, almost everywhere. 

To the point that they have to post signs that say where they can't play!

Our town of Almuñécar is also home to a club that brings "footballers" in from around the world to train - FC Malaga City/CD Almuñécar City - and they're easy to spot buzzing around the streets on their scooters in their all-black uniforms. Overhearing their conversations is one of the few times you'll hear much English spoken here.

Despite running into adolescents that remind me of my old job back home, having the club here does bring a significant benefit - semi-pro matches played at the stadium just a few blocks from our house. We went to watch a match recently as CD Almunecar City hosted a side from Seville. One of the highlights was watching the lucky loteria winner accept his prize of a whole leg of jamón at halftime!

It has been a lot of fun so far being here during the World Cup. While I expected (and hoped for) big watch parties in the plazas that haven't yet materialized, it isn't hard to find every match on in the local bars and restaurants. 

Well, off to watch Spain take on Germany! Hasta luego!