June 26, 2026
Quick Detour to Kansas City ⚽
Field Note
Today I took a brief break from the road trip.
Instead of traveling by road, I decided to apparate to Kansas City Harry Potter-style. It isn’t my usual method of transportation, but sometimes a road trip calls for a little magic.
I arrived with my usual priorities: stay upright, keep my sunglasses level, and provide emotional support wherever it might be needed.
That turned out to be at the FIFA Fan Festival with Aunt Deanna and Uncle David.
The whole city was buzzing with match-day excitement. There was music, giant video screens, fans everywhere, and enough orange jerseys that I felt like I blended in surprisingly well for a small yellow fry. I don’t pretend to be a soccer strategist, so I didn’t spend much time analyzing formations or debating tactics. My job was morale, and I take that responsibility seriously.
The day before, Kansas City hosted the Netherlands and Tunisia at Arrowhead Stadium. The Netherlands earned a 3–1 victory in the rain, and from everything I heard, they looked composed and efficient all evening. I have a lot of respect for a team that can stay focused while everyone else is getting soaked.
With that result—and Japan and Sweden finishing in a draw—the Netherlands moved to the top of Group F and advanced to the Round of 32. I didn’t fill out a tournament bracket before leaving home, but I certainly understand how exciting it is to keep moving on to the next adventure.
Standing in the middle of the Fan Festival, I watched thousands of people enjoying the same moment together. The stage was alive with music, the crowd never seemed to stop moving, and everywhere I looked people were smiling, cheering, and celebrating the game.
It reminded me that sometimes you don’t have to say much to be part of something special.
Kansas City brought the energy. I brought the steady smile. Aunt Deanna and Uncle David brought the kind of company that makes even a busy festival feel comfortable.
It was a wonderful break from the road—loud, colorful, and full of people simply enjoying being together.
When the festival came to an end, I adjusted my sunglasses, thanked Kansas City for the hospitality, and, with one more bit of magic, apparated back to the Airstream.
The road to California was waiting.