Every World Cup, media folk from just about every country on the planet squeeze into the host country (or countries) with vastly different views on how they'll present the news. Some choose shady angles based on rumor; others believe only what they've heard themselves. Some ruthlessly and rudely attack; some sit quietly and just absorb. I hope I'm somewhere in between, but in fact, we probably share only one thing in common: We all gotta eat.
And unless you're a regular visitor to these parts, you're in for a dramatic change. World Cup teams knew this in advance, as they've brought their own food. You could argue that eating is more important than training at this point, and so as not to disrupt any chances of success, the squads continue on normally with their imported eats.
But they're missing out. The dinner experience in Seoul is something I'll never forget. Authentic Korean restaurants have low tables, getting you a little closer to the action and the people you're with. Shoes are left at the door to further increase comfort and aroma. Spice, usually hot, is part of most items on the menu.
The Korean national dish, kimchi, is a red, spicy cabbage-based delight, best diluted with water or soup if you don't want to outwardly perspire. I didn't, choosing to keep a steady supply of napkins nearby.
So far, there have been no noticeable adverse effect on the digestion process. I hope it stays that way.
'Til next time.
Joe McCurdy,
World Sport
