I love sports, but I have to admit that my tastes in sports has mainly been limited to football, basketball, baseball, the Olympics, and tennis. The fact is, there is a very large world of sports out there, and very diverse activities (and players).  I've got a great book to share with you today! The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider's Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime, was written by our Sports Editor, Robert Tuchman. This isn't your typical sports book - it covers all the mainstream sports that we know and love, and introduces you to sporting events that you may never have heard of. Reading about them makes you want to attend or see them live. For Wandering Educators, you now have a new reason to travel the world!

We already know about Michigan vs. Ohio State in the Big House. But did you know about the Caribbean World Series? The Frozen Four? Or the spectacle that is the Cowboys Monday Night Football Game in Dallas (especially now that they have the new stadium). The Beanpot Hockey Tournament? The Kangaroos Australian Football game? Pipeline surfing? The Calgary Stampede? There's a whole world out there to explore, of athletes utilizing a lifetime of work and training doing something they love.

The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live is an excellent resource - for each event, Tuchman lists where, when, the significance of the event, who attends, how to get there, tickets,  awards, recors, things to know before you go, accommodations, hospitality and travel packages, dining recommendations, airports, an insider's edge, notable quotes, and relevant websites. It's the real deal - excellent information about each sport and location - from an Expert.

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Robert about his new book! Here's what he had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your book, 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live...

RT: My book is really a book about showing people how to get themselves into or attend some of the best sporting events in the world. It is about not only the game or contest but really about the whole experience and all the little events or happenings that you don't know about unless you are there.

WE: What was the genesis of this book?

RT: I needed my own bucket list of events to attend. I love sports and have a huge passion for going to sporting events. This gave me a goal.

WE: It must have been great fun to research all 100 events - what most surprised you?

RT: The events themselves were really fun to look into. All the data I supply on hotels, restaurants was really tedious and took over two years.

WE: What great sporting events did you have to cut, to make the top 100?

RT: A bunch, but one I think I might add in now is a football game at Penn State. I had a chance to attend one this past season and I think it might have to make the next printing!

WE: What's your background in sports?

RT: I love sports. I have always played sports my whole life. I still play baseball, basketball, softball, tennis, and pretty much anything. I also got into triathlons for awhile and have run a couple of ironman races. I love the excitement and energy that sports brings. I also love the relationships I have built through playing sports.

WE: What are your favorite sporting events to see live?

RT: Good question. I pretty much can watch a softball game in Central Park and be happy. I would say hockey is great to be at and a baseball game is always enjoyable.

WE: What sorts of intercultural differences do you perceive in sports, globally?

RT: The great thing is there really are not many differences at all. I think only the games are different in certain ways. Take NFL football and compare it to Australian Rules Football. Take baseball and compare it to cricket. It's interesting - I always thought if I had grown up in Australia or India I might have a passion for cricket or Australian Rules Football. Instead of rooting for the Jets I would be a Kangaroos fan! Probably would be a lot happier! It's pretty amazing. The great thing is nowadays with the world shrinking and technology, it's not suprising to find many fans of many different sports around the world.

WE: What sporting event(s) surprised you in how enjoyable it was to watch?

RT: Nascar for sure and horse racing is another one.

WE: Thanks so much, Robert! You've inspired me to move from in front of the television and experience some of these sporting events live. This is an incredible resource and an invaluable contribution to both travelers and sports lovers!

For more information, please see:

http://www.100sportingevents.com/