I've totally neglected this blog, and I accept full responsibility. Work keeps me quite busy, as I'm now traveling 5-6 days per week. The life on the road can be tiring at times, but my alternative is to sit at a desk in a cubicle. So, I choose the life on the road. This also means I am racking up miles, car rental points, and hotel rewards. My company will also fly me anywhere on a weekend, as long as it's cheaper than coming home - score!
Since my last entry, I've attended the following games:
October 27, 2012 - Houston Dynamo vs. Crapids was in Denver for our last regular MLS season game. We lost, but we played our entire reserve team, since we already knew at the time that we were going to the playoffs. It was cold, but not as chilly as you would think. We stayed in a studio apartment right off of 16th Street Mall thanks to a co-worker; his complex keeps an extra apartment for rent ($40 first day, $20 each subsequent night). The highlight of the game was when the Houston Dynamo academy players joined the Texian Army section and immediately started, "Oooooohhhh puuuuttooooo!" We were flabbergasted that the young-ins were using such language, but they had a great time.
November 11, 2012 - Houston Dynamo vs DC United for the Eastern Conference Final in DC. We won, so it was a great game. We stayed with some friends who are Screaming Eagles, but we met through American Outlaws (they're country over club). It was cold, but not bad. RFK sold hot cocoa and funnel cakes; no matter what anyone criticizes about the stadium, selling those two items at the same booth gets an A+ in my book. Because our friends lived in Aldie, VA it was cheaper for us to rent a car through Thifty for $60 versus taking another form of ground transportation to/from the airport (no public transportation available).
December 1, 2012 - Houston Dynamo vs LA Galaxy for MLS Cup in LA. I was with David, so it was a good time. We stayed at the Hampton Inn near the Home Depot Center, since it was a free room. He drove from San Diego, so no rental car was needed. We had our second date at a nearby Italian restaurant, which was pretty good, thanks to Yelp. The night before party was at Naja's on a harbor, which was okay. They only serve beer, had one cider, and that was it. It's also a small place, so we didn't stay long. The game was the next day; we managed to see Amy and Robert from AO Detroit. Although they were wearing LA Galaxy gear, they admitted they were posers (country over club). Houston Dynamo lost, but we still had a good time. I left immediately after the game to come back home to Houston. Since kickoff was at 3:30PM, catching a 7-8PM flight was perfect timing and also a cheap flight on Southwest.
January 29, 2013 - USMNT vs Canada friendly in Houston. As of November or December of last year, I am Vice President of the American Outlaws Houston Chapter. This was our first USA game under new chapter leadership, and we had a blast. A lot of planning was involved, but well worth it. We tied this game, but that's okay, since it didn't really matter. I drummed the whole game, which I enjoyed.
February 23, 2013 - Houston Dynamo vs Charleston Battery for the Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, SC. Work sent me to SC this particular weekend, so I decided to swing by Charleston, especially since I had a free rental car and hotel room. Due to flight delays, I barely managed to make it at halftime. Of all away games, the Charleston Battery by far is the most difficult to obtain a ticket. I went back and forth intermittently from December to February to determine where the away supporters section is or where the Dynamo bench would be. So, plan early if you want to go to a game. We lost, but it was good to see the men in orange on the field again. Apparently I was on television as the orange backpack.
March 17, 2013 - Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas for a regular MLS season game in Dallas. I have to admit, I came back to this post just to edit, since I completely forgot about this game, especially since it's like a home game (Houston supporters are always louder). The powers that be wanted me to be in Dallas this weekend since a former college roommate was getting married. As a result, I was able to get the wedding room rate of $89/night at the Marriott near the Dallas Galleria (including parking) for Texian Army, huzzah! Work paid for my rental car because it was cheaper to fly me from Atlanta to Dallas + rental car vs flying home. We lost, but it was still a fun time. The highlight of the trip was making an In-N-Out run for those who took the bus. I ordered 10 cheeseburgers, and of course In-N-Out was pleased. It should be noted the location in Frisco opens at 10AM, not 10:30AM as the website says.
March 22, 2013 - USMNT vs Costa Rica in Denver for a WCQ. I was with David, and we stayed at the co-worker's apartment again. This time the price was $60 for the first night, and $10 each subsequent night. It's still very cheap for staying right off of 16th Street Mall. Of all games I have attended, this was the coldest game ever! The referees nearly called the game - that's how much snow was accumulating. Words cannot really describe the experience, but it's definitely a game I will never forget!
And so, that brings us to the end of March. Stay tuned for other travel plans this year!
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