Game 3 of the Asia Region World Cup Qualifier. Going in we were 1-1 with a 2-0 loss to Saudi which was devasting. Pretty much a do or die situation with just the two 2 teams really going to the BIG dance. It was louder than I’d ever heard and with 2 goals by Nike stars DG Lee and JS Park all was good as we walked away with a 2-1 win and a share of first place in our bracket. Shot of the Red Devils cheering the boys on!!!

A week in Barcelona. Not a bad way to spend a week strategizing about the future of the Nike Brand. 10 hours meetings + 5 hour dinners. Tiring I tell you… but an enjoyable trip. My team even won the futsal tournament if you can believe it!! At the end of 3 very long days, I did manage to sneak a day to spy barcalona during my inagural trip. Come fly with me…

First we headed to Park Guella, one of the many shrines to Antoni Gaui. As you walk into the park, you are immediately hit with the impact of the details fo the work and architecture in a non-american way.

/ Kellie at the Steps
/ Kellie + Me at the Top of the Park
/ Crosses at the Peak
/ View of one of the Park Churches
/ Park Square Balcony
/ Ash Trays this guy made from pop cans
/ People Hangin in the Park Square
/ Somebody drew a big M in the middle of the Park Square
/ The Gaudi/Dali Museum
/ Dali Ant Exhibit at the Museum
/ Another Church along the Moutainside
/ Long Shot of the Park Trails
/ Tunnels under the Park Trails
/ Kids playing football in the park – anytime, anywhere [1]; [2]
/ Panoramic View from the Hilltop

We also saw this great house with the phrase Okupa Y Resiste written on the roof. Upon closer inspection, the rebellious words, No Justice, No Police, Fuck the Police!… priceless and beautiful.

From the Park, believe it or not, we took the BUS to Casa Mila where Gaudi lived. We didn’t get to see the whole inside, but it has an amazing courtyard.

My short 5 hour tour of spain was amazing and some precious time away from the meeting… but one of the perks of having your meeting at the stadium offices of the FCBarcelona team is that you get to actually walk on the pitch. The actual field where magic is made. The same grass where Ronaldhino makes effortless movements as he attacks the goal. Amazing!

/ DJ + Mark break for a smile
/ Me, Ricky and DJ warming the bench
/ The Stands
/ Carl and Benj directing the crowd
/ Fraser and Benj at midfield
/ Celebrating on the Pitch

Not a bad way to spend the weak…

Today is White Day! This is one of those “holidays” that are unqiue to really japan and korea. I guess in an effort to push for total equality and possibly from an inablity to share, they have split Valentines Day in half. Feb 14th, as you all know, is V-Day and here is where the girl celebrates the man – 100%. The following month, March 14th, is White Day, where the man celebrates the girl – 100%. That’s today. So it was flowers and chocolates in the office. Then dinner at The Grill, the hottest new steak restaurant in Seoul. The evening was capped by a showing of gifts :)

There were three options for the course serving of gifts… small, medium and large. JiYoung opted to start off with the large at the beginning of the meal. It was the *FUN* gift and a great choice to start with. The medium and small gifts were things you wear so full enjoyment wasn’t reached until later on that night. All Smiles!!

Here is some video of the *FUN* gift.

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JiYoung Taking to IT

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It dances for us.

Not bad for my first white day. All ended happy and good!! WOOHOO!!

I have no idea what time it is. I’m on my 6th international trip in 60 days. On my way back from Barcelona (which was pretty damn cool except for all that work stuff… more to come with some sweet pics) but between me and Seoul is Heathrow airport! This is possibly not only the worst airport but the must god-forsaken place on the planet. I have nothing against the brits except that they won’t convert to the Euro – i love chips and fish – but this airport blows. It’s like the Newark Airport of NJ… just gives London a bad name. Anyway, I’m boarding soon so i’ll probably have to walk for about 15 minutes and then ride a bus on the tarmac right up to the plane and board. Fucking ridiculous! Hope you’re all well. Greeting from cheery england!

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. Sorry that I’ve been Missing In Action. Been SWAMPED!! The office is out of control with visitors coming to check in on us from all over. Kicking off two big campaigns for Football and Women’s. And getting ready for our World Football summit in Barcelona next week. UGH! Still alive. Still kicking!