- How will fans get from city to city in 2014?
By Thelma
Last September, Brazilian authorities celebrated a milestone: 1000 days to go for the opening date of the Brazil World Cup, June 12, 2014. Many of us have been asking ourselves if we’re really ready to host hundreds of thousands of visitors from all around the world.We know the world’s interest in Brazil has risen recently, due to the growth of its economy – and as a consequence, interest in its culture and people has increased as well. All of this means that Brazil expects many tourists to visit the country for the first time during the tournament.
But the fact is that Brazilians in general seem to be pessimistic about the 2014 World Cup. Many of us are afraid that the tournament’s organization may turn out to be a massive fiasco – death for the image of the country. Especially disillusioned will be those who come for the first time and are not yet familiar with our improvisation: the famous Brazilian way!
Anyone who lives here knows what a nightmare it is to get around within the big Brazilian cities, which all lack efficient public transportation. Considering that 12 cities were chosen to host the games from north to south and east to west, travelling around the country will not be any easier… It’s bad enough that when smart people I know have to make a domestic flight, they adopt a “Zen mood”: relax and let all the anxiety go! But we’re not sure that visitors will feel the same way.
The general feeling is that the infrastructure necessary for an event as momentous as the World Cup will be not ready in time. Even the stadiums in the 12 chosen cities are still under construction.According to the press, the relationship between FIFA and the Brazilian government is critical. There have been difficulties…and now FIFA intends to confirm the tournament schedule among the 12 chosen cities, lock in the city in which the opening and the closing games will take place – and start selling the tickets on the 20th of this month. Yes, that was yesterday!
But the fact is that Brazilians in general seem to be pessimistic about the 2014 World Cup. Many of us are afraid that the tournament’s organization may turn out to be a massive fiasco – death for the image of the country. Especially disillusioned will be those who come for the first time and are not yet familiar with our improvisation: the famous Brazilian way!
Anyone who lives here knows what a nightmare it is to get around within the big Brazilian cities, which all lack efficient public transportation. Considering that 12 cities were chosen to host the games from north to south and east to west, travelling around the country will not be any easier… It’s bad enough that when smart people I know have to make a domestic flight, they adopt a “Zen mood”: relax and let all the anxiety go! But we’re not sure that visitors will feel the same way.
The general feeling is that the infrastructure necessary for an event as momentous as the World Cup will be not ready in time. Even the stadiums in the 12 chosen cities are still under construction.According to the press, the relationship between FIFA and the Brazilian government is critical. There have been difficulties…and now FIFA intends to confirm the tournament schedule among the 12 chosen cities, lock in the city in which the opening and the closing games will take place – and start selling the tickets on the 20th of this month. Yes, that was yesterday!
The only sure thing so far is the site of the closing game: Rio de Janeiro! There is no doubt about that. But even the ticket price has not yet been set, because FIFA and our government have not reached an agreement…
Despite this scenario, we know there are those who want to come to Brazil in 2014 for the World Cup. We guess that besides coming for the football, visitors will want to learn about and explore the country and its culture. So – if this is you – in future articles, we will try to give you some tips for arranging your trip!
