Two soccer-crazy nations:
The Netherlands vs Mexico.
My home country vs my host country.

The Netherlands is the big favorite of the match but Mexico is a dangerous underdog. After a splendid group round for the two parties both sides have gained faith and are eager to win. Who´s going to the quarter-finals is the big question of today! How I celebrate this day?

It were the two most frequently asked questions of the week: which team will I support and how will I watch the game? Well that´s easy, I may have left but my heart will never betray my country during the soccer cups! 😀

Photo by Ale Romina Fotografía

I Am a Chameleon Supporter

I have multiple teams to cheer for though during the FIFA World Cup: the Netherlands, Germany and Mexico. Now this may be perceived by “cheating” or “betrayal” but it has nothing to do with that. I transform colors like a chameleon. On a day like today I will obviously go in Dutch orange but on days Germany or Mexico plays, I have no problems to put on their colors. Do you also perform this chameleon supporter behavior? It´s fun but totally confusing for outsiders. Most people won´t get it when they see me walking around with three different flags on my face, would you? 😉

Photos by Ale Romina Fotografía

Show Your True Colors

There are many “chameleon supporters” out there. Due to mixed-nationality parents or a partner from a foreign country, or simply by moving to another World Cup classified nation. That´s how I added two more countries to my soccer-repertoire.

Don´t be afraid to show your true colors!

Transforming into German and Mexican colors

Dutch-German love, can´t help it! – Photo by Ale Romina Fotografía

Celebrating World Cup Games Abroad

All in all it´s an unusual situation, watching international soccer games abroad. I remember watching most games of the 2012 Euro Cup and the 2010 World Cup without countrymen. And it wasn´t as much fun. It feels soooo much better to cheer with more Dutch people.

While living abroad, the Dutch tend to blend in with locals rather than hanging out frequently with other Dutchies. Lucky for me, I found out that there is a fairly big Dutch community of about 50 persons in Guadalajara and they meet up for Dutch King´s Day and the soccer cups.

Remember I hardly spoke Dutch and I was scared to lose my native language? Well, the soccer cups are the perfect way to catch up with my language skills. Win-win for everyone!

Dutch Community in Guadalajara, Mexico – Photo by Mural

How to Find your Country Community

Two years passed with meeting only a handful of Dutch people in Guadalajara. Where were they all? Just living their lives like I did, I guess. Here are some ideas to find your country community:

• Start at the consulate or embassy they´re likely to organize occasional events
• Ask anyone if they know somebody in town of your nationality
• Research bars or restaurants with food and drinks of your country
• Try language schools teaching your language they most likely can help you
• Email universities or schools to get in touch with foreign teachers or exchange students
• Attend an Internations event to check if there are nationality-a-likes

The Netherlands vs Mexico – FIFA World Cup 2014

28.06.2014: The Netherlands vs Mexico

No matter how many countries I cheer for, I will always have my number one. So no Mexican flags on my face today, but all orange and red-white-blue! I made myself a pretty little orange dress and I´m ready to face Mexico!

With 60 minutes left on the clock and the nerves kicking in, I wish both sides best of luck and may the best win this incredible match!

Go Holland !!

Are you a chameleon supporter as well? Please share any tips to find your country-community in a foreign country!