Preparing for Madness

How does one prepare for the World Cup? Besides the obvious shirts, shorts, toiletries, and shoes, there is another list specifically made for the world's biggest event. The list is not written on a piece of lined notebook paper or sent around in an annoying chain email. Rather, the list is rightfully scribbled on a bar napkin from a local pub. The items might seem odd but remember, we are going to the FIFA World Cup. An event so large, half of the world's countries do not have the hotel space to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of crazed fans flocking to the event.

The first item is by far the most important. Regardless if your country is in the hunt for the Cup or not, one MUST bring a jersey from the motherland!

As everyone knows, the crowd is the twelfth man on the pitch and in times of need can be the benefactor. Therefore, a terribly loud noise horn/drum should be packed right up against the beloved jersey.

Since wearing your country's jersey is clearly not enough and using foreign paint has been proven to be dangerous, splurge on quality face paint. Remember, you might be on international TV and no one wants to be the Spain fan who looks like blood is running down face because his face paint is water based.

Lastly, bring a huge bottle of Tylenol, the party isn't going to stop for anyone so come prepared.!

Now my bags are ready for the long road ahead. FIFA 2010 is set to kickoff in 5 days, so find your favorite chair, barstool, or just a place on the floor. Actually what am I talking about, get your lucky shoes and your team's jersey and get ready to stand for 90 minutes of unforgettable football.