Fathers Day and FIFA

Well we’ve been slowly starting the process of putting the pieces of our everyday life back together. Jon returned to Dhaka a few days before Father’s Day. It was really nice to be back together – even though just when Sam and Atitcus were getting past the worst of jet lag, Jon came in full swing. This time seemed harder than usual actually – maybe it was the short trip, the emotional toll of the trip, or a combination, but either way, in truth none of us are quite at 100% just yet. But we’re getting by.

For Father’s Day we kept it simple (Jon was barely able to stay up until 5pm, so it isn’t like we could really party it up!). Sam and Atticus were going to pick up a new plant for Jon, since most of our others are beyond saving (although Jon won’t admit it) but things just didn’t come together for it. Instead, we opted for the classic – a tie! What says “I love you” more than the most typical present imaginable? Well, nothing, that’s what.

For the big fun of the day, Atticus and Jon played some video games together, which is really a perfect activity to typify their friendship.





The other major focus of our life lately has been the World Cup futbal (um, that’s soccer, for you USA’ans out there). Sam and Jon (but especially Sam) really like to watch futbol and every four years is a real treat with the World Cup. The last World Cup was right when we moved to Boston, and Atticus was only 3, so he didn’t really get into it. This year –well, he’s way into it. Every morning he gets online and checks the previous night’s game scores (because of the time differences many are played after his bedtime) and updates us right away. At first he was naturally all about rooting for France, but after they were (resoundingly) beaten by Mexico early in the group matches, he abandoned his French comrades. His choice of who to root for now is mostly arbitrary (as is anyone’s really) but he summed the World Cup up in a nice sentiment last night: “It is hard to know who I really want to win the World Cup because there are just so may nice countries out there.” What an internationalist (or a politician in the making…)!

As for Bangladesh, they seem to be equally widespread in their loyalties, although for some reason Argentina (with a MAJOR majority) and Brazil (second favorite we’d say) are strongly supported here. Dhaka is in the grips of World Cup Fever (dare we say – Fifa Favah?) It is really fun though to go out along the streets of Dhaka and see all the flags waving from windows. There are really just a variety of flags everywhere- and Atticus is remarkably good at identifying them. There is a real international spirit in the air. Our building has an Argentine flag waving just above our balcony (I mean of course – our building is owned by a former military man –I’m sure he loves the fascist era of Argentina…Viva Peron!). Down the street is a three story long Brazil flag and more little flags along the way than you can count. Cars and rickshaws have little flags of teams they support and outside of electronics shops you can see crowds of poor folks and rickshaw-wallahs watching the games on the display tvs.

We love that we are getting to experience the World Cup in a country that cares about it! We love hearing the cheers come in our window that line up with the same game we’re watching. We don’t love when the power goes out in the middle of the game – and neither do other folks- there have been at least 2 riots that have broken out because of power outages during popular games!

But generally, we’re happy that Atticus is able to experience his first real conscious World Cup in a place where others are excited too. And even though we almost always root for the post-colonial nations against the super-powers, this year we feel like we are even happy to see the US advance to Stage 2. We think US soccer fans deserve a little joy (although we’re totally rooting for Ghana in their next match – sorry!). Atticus has become obsessed with Brazil as “pretty much the best soccer team in the world” and so his hopes have lately been pinned on them – although, frankly, one loss and the kid seems to switch to the next team, so who knows who he’ll be going for by the time the finals arrive! Either way, it has been a nice way to get excited and have some fun together.

Thanks to everyone for their patience in our absence and thanks for all the kind words you’ve sent. We hope to get back up to our usual pace at the blog and are happy you’re all still reading!