I think that's the best way to go about it. Read or learn as much as you can before you go. Helps with preparation and knowing when it is best to go where.

It sounds like you had a great time. I'm glad it was a positive experience. I'm much more of an American Football fan, but I think it would be fun to mix in with fans from other countries.

re: governments

Yeah, I know. Right now we've got the whole Russia meddled in the election thing going on and it's like, well, it's probably not the first time, and it's not like we don't do it too. So, instead of trying to make something out of what probably didn't amount to anything anyway, just let it go and quit trying to stir things up.

re: visas

It would be nice if all of that could be straightened out. There's places I'd like to go someday, too, that would probably need more than a visa change.