Formula 1

There has been an upward spike in the number of guests in the hotel this week, most of them speaking in a language that is not Portuguese. A welcome change...its not often that I can understand the conversations that I overhear while inside the hotel. It feels a bit weird though, like I'm in the Twilight Zone.

Anyways, all these foreign people are in the hotel for one reason only: Formula One is this weekend. The final race of the season and, more importantly, the final race of one Michael Schumacher. Im pretty sure all these people are here to give him a rousing sending off and show their appreciation for his skills and for the entertainment that he gave fans throughout the years. Its only unfortunate that the final race became anti-climactic after such a tight contest the last couple of races.

Being that this coming race holds much importance, I was hoping to be part of it. To be part of history and be able to tell my grand kids one day how I saw an racing legend in his final race. People from the office actually invited me to watch with them. Therein lies the problem though. They had bought their tickets almost a year in advance and they were able to get it real cheap. I came in too late in the game and by the time I checked ticket prices, they were exorbitantly high already.

I enjoy F1, sure. But I am not passionate for it. Not like how I am passionate for football or basketball. I was willing to go all the way to Germany this summer to watch the World Cup live, only common sense and visa issues prevented me. But Formula 1, nope. A part of me is filled with regret. An opportunity like this doesnt come often. But I can think of better ways to spend the money I need to buy the ticket.

Come sunday, I'll still be giving Schumacher his sendoff and his deserved props. Only I'll be doing it from the comforst of my hotel room, not from Interlagos.