For two weeks in April, I had the honor and privilege to
serve as the ambassador of the 1st & 4th Subbuteo Club to the football-mad
country of Argentina. In the course of my duties, I crossed the country--from
its capital to the heights of the Andes--all while enduring pleasant weather, hearty
portions of native food & drink, a bout of diarrhea, and the complete inability
to understand a single word anyone said to me.
Sure, Argentina is more aware of Subbuteo now, but whether our sport will replace their passion and talent for soccer remains to be seen. When shall riots break out
in the stands between Subbuteo-rabid fans? When will a finger-flicking equivalent of Messi arise to the delight of the Argentine masses? And when will Maradona--the Liliputian Legend--swagger down the Subbuteo sidelines?
Or will this be the beginning of a cultural exchange and soon we'll be playing a table-top version of polo (Argentina's second-favorite sport)?
