Internet access has been difficult to come by in Venezuela. It is not that it is scarce, just that it is hard to find places that are open at times that are convenient for tourists. We´ve been on the move most of the time, by the time we´re settled into a hotel and ready to go out, everything is closed. Other than some bars and a few restaurants, everything closes in the late afternoon or early evening.

I am off to Venezuela on the 27th to see the USA in the Copa America. I plan on trying to write blog entries here during the trip, provided I can find internet access. So the Venezuela trip will be sort of a test run for this blog.

The draw for regional qualifying groups will be held on November 23, 2007 in Durban, on the southeast coast. The format of the CONCACAF qualifying group has yet to be established, but if it is anything like the last time around there will be three stages of tournament play to take the 36 or so teams in the field down to those who qualify for the finals in South Africa. Remember, CONCACAF gets three spots plus a playoff for a fourth versus the fifth place South American team.

It is still three and a half years until the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, but I find it is good to start thinking about things well in advance. I can't say how many times I've told people, if you want to go to the World Cup, start saving now." (seriously, do it!) Through this blog, I hope to organize my thoughts and information about traveling to South Africa for the World cup in 2010.