We're staying in Pousada Villa do Sol in the Rio Grande do Norte portion of Natal. It's south of Ponta Negre
For the Natal game? Seems a bit far, no? I am trying to figure out how to get from Recife to Pipa on the morning of June 14 as I make my way to Recife. Anyone else looking to do this? My plan would be to fly into Recife on Saturday morning, head to Pipa for the night and most of Sunday before taking a bus up to Natal.
still deciding between natal and pipa. pipa appeals more to me. chiller vibe, safer, cheaper and more interesting accommodations. seems to be about 60-90 min to the stadium. figure it should be similar to staying in johanesburg for the pretoria match. anyway, might still switch to natal and make it easier for myself on game day.
My wife and I are renting a house from June 15-28 in Tibau do Sul which is just about 15 minutes north of Pipa. We are tentatively planning on renting a car and driving up to Natal for the Ghana game and down to Recife for the Germany game as well. If anyone is interested in carpooling to the games perhaps we can go together.
Was just able to nab a CAT3 ticket to this match. See y'all there! (also got a CAT2 ticket to MEX v CAM also in Natal)
Got Cat2's for US-Ghana and Mexico-Croatia. Absolutely thrilled. Actually had them and lost them when my computer died before I could put the payment info. But God was with me and by the time I got back in, the tickets were still available.
I bit the bullet and bought a USA-GHANA ticket this morning. CAT 4 - so 60 BRL. Back to back redeyes from SP with no need to stay in a hotel. 1000BRL! Plane arrives at 4AM but I guess it will be all about a lengthy Pregame or a pre dawn nap on the beach. I am then taking tghe 1:20 AM flt back to SP after the game. This will be my first return trip to Natal since my honeymoon in 2002. Is there going to be a pregame party? Anyone need a translator for the day? Hook me up with the details and I will head on over!
I have a feeling that the pre-game party in Natal before US-Ghana is going to be one of the highlights of my trip. Natal is going to filled to the brim with Yanks, and we'll all be filled with anticipation and optimism prior to the first match. Of course, the pre-game party will be exceeded by the game itself and the post-game party when we take all 3 points!
The Outlaws are based in Natal, I haven't heard yet if they're going to try and have some sort of tailgater or something similar before the game at the stadium. Also, if they do it might only be open to those on their special World Cup packages. I did read somewhere else where a Brazilian wrote that tailgating is not something they do, but hopefully something like that is possible for the WC as I plan to get to the stadium early to make sure I get there and not get stuck in traffic..
Here is my first stab at your particular issue: The area around the stadium will be on lock down. If you park at the shopping center, you will be in a parking deck. If you go to the Carrefour super center, you are far enough away to be out of the police zone, but not too far to walk (2,5k or less than 30 mins.) The parking lot will have security and a fence and it is on the main drag so pretty much the safest place you could walk on game day. Also, you get free parking of up to 3 hours or so if you purchase over a basic level of crap in the store (say 40BRL). They sell beer and booze and ice and even prepared meals. This would be my first option. If you get there early enough, they won't likely kick you out. Edit to correct distance.
But the question is whether or not they would let us set up a grill and chairs out in the parking lot as well.
Be cool, set up in the corner, slip the attendant 20 BRL and he'll probably offer to flip the burgers for you.
Done! I did mention that my flt lands at 3:55 AM, right? Perhaps I'll cool my jets and wait a little before having reception buzz your room...
All this talk about security, don't do anything out of the ordinary and AC is going to sleep on the beach at 4 AM! Hmmm...faca que eu digo, nao faca que eu faco... Just kidding...I know what it is like flying the corujao and being up the next day. I get the feeling that Natal is going to be crazy.
The plan (at present) is to chill out in the cozy confines of the airport until the sun comes up. Hit a padaria or some sort for bfast - and then slowly meet up with fellow yanks as the day progresses. One at first, then two, then four...In my mind it will work out like pretty much all of the Muppet movies from our childhoods. By the final scene we will have an elite crew of ass kicking comandos assembled. Ready. Midly obnoxious. Moderately inebriated. Marching arm and arm to wash out the black star constellation with our torch of liberty...you get the picture. Who's with me?
You're certainly invited to commandeer the corner of the carrefour parking lot with my group. As is anyone, by the way. Though I will still be searching out possible closer locations. I'll keep the plans posted here.
Looks like they leaked the USA away jerseys... this is a pretty reliable site too.... definitely better than those white golf shirt home jerseys: http://todosobrecamisetas.blogspot.com/2014/03/anticipo-usa-away-kit-for-wc-brazil.html