World Cup in Progress: Please, PLEASE Come to Work

I was living in Japan when it hosted the 2002 World Cup, but there was never any excitement in the air about it. In fact, when I attended a game (coincidentally between Mexico vs. Croatia), I had to go sit by those rowdy Mexicans in their sombreros, serapes, and maracas so I could stand up and cheer without being asked to sit down and be quiet.

So it's been refreshing to live in a country that not only loves soccer but warmly welcomes all types of raucous and bizarre behavior. It's hard to explain, but there is an energy in the air in anticipation of the World Cup. An entire month of soccer! I guess in US terms, the only analogy I can think of is having the Super Bowl every day for a month. Everyone's talking about it, making their predictions, buying hoards of soccer stickers to fill their Panini sticker albums, and deciding where they want to watch el mundial.

Now, where to watch the World Cup sort of conflicts with one other slightly important thing in life: WORK. Not sure what other companies in Latin America (or, pretty much all parts of the world except the US) are doing about it, but in an effort to appease all parties, Nick's company is encouraging people to, at a minimum, show up for work. If you do, you will be rewarded with being able to watch the World Cup on newly-installed TVs AND get points for showing up to work regardless of your productivity. And, a memo from Argentina reads: THERE SHALL BE NO MEETINGS SCHEDULED DURING ARGENTINA GAMES. IF YOU DO, YOUR MEETING WILL BE POORLY ATTENDED, IF AT ALL. SHAME ON YOU!

Work-life balance in Mexico generally tips more toward the life side of things, but I'm thinking between now and July 11th, work is really going to take a hit (especially tomorrow -- wheeee!!). The scale will be completely tipped this month toward enjoying life, hopping out of bed way before the sun rises, and drinking beer for breakfast. I can't wait!