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It was just the beginning of this year. I
was checking the FIVB Homepage, and then I learned that the final
round of the World League was going to be held in Argentine this
year. Usually the host nation is qualified for the final round
automatically. I thought it might be a good chance to go to
Argentine, however, I waited for my decision until the official
announcement would be done. In fact, I was thinking to visit
Argentine for the first time for the next the World Championship in
Argentine in 2002.
As soon as the host nation, Argentine, was qualified to the final
round of the World League officially, I purchased a travel guide book
known as "Globe Trotter; Argentine/Chile" (published by Diamond-Big
Co., Ltd.). Then I called up couple of travel agencies for the air
ticket price. After thorough studies, we decided to go by American
Airline because it was the cheapest flight we could get. It cost
about 210K Yen ( US$1,700 at that time).
Since I started to follow Argentine national team at 1995 World Cup,
I called myself as the only enthusiastic Argentine fan in Japan. I
really wanted to go to their home and watch their games surrounded by
many Argentine supporters. As you know Japan is located at the
opposite side of Argentine on the globe. It's really far away and
takes long time to travel. So it's not worth it if I go there to see
only 2 or 3 games. I thought this time was good opportunity to go to
Argentine to see their games as well as other top teams such as
Italy, Brazil, and Russia.
Do you think I went alone? Answer is NO! I have a friend who is used
to be a big fan of Raul Quiroga very much and now she is a Brazil fan. That' s how we started to prepare for Argentine
trip.
photo by Quaini
