I would actually rather write this entire post in CAPITAL LETTERS because it would far better put across the excitement I have in writing this!
On the 11th of July this year, the world watched as South Africa showed off her talent and beauty at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, after that was the kick-off of the first game, Bafana Bafana (SA) vs Mexico. A bunch of us headed down to the fanpark for the first time, all dressed up, to witness this with the rest of South Africa, on the big screen. I don't have the words to describe the atmosphere, "electric" would maybe come close. It was an incredible feeling, we danced, and shouted, sung "waving flag" and "waka waka" and blowed our vuvuzelas like never before! I have chills just describing it again! I have never been so proud to be a South African, the Opening Ceremony was world class, it was spectacular, if you missed it, get it on YOUTUBE! It's worth it! We drew the game against Mexico, but it was an incredible game!
We spent the rest of the day in Durban, had dinner down there and then headed to the official FIFA FanFest on the beach front for the next game. From that day on we were in Durban nearly everyday. At the Fanparks, celebrating with people from around the globe! I was lucky enough to be on holiday for the entire duration of the World Cup. It was such an incredible experience!
I met a friend of mine from JHB at the airport one afternoon, just to see her off, and "bumped into" (i guess) a Swiss guy, dressed in swiss and german flags, that had just landed in Durban, he had organised no accommodation or transport but insisted he was going to the game at the stadium that night in Durban (he had no ticket). After to chatting to him for a bit, and phoning some hotels and Backpackers, I offered him a lift to one of the hotels, so we spent the rest of the night weaving through Durban trying to find the hotels in amoungst all the traffic from the AUSvGER game that was about to kick off. Look, I am well aware of "stranger danger", but I knew this guy was genuine, and felt i had to do it in the spirit of the WC - South African hospitality! He ended up taking my number and we stayed in touch, we met up everyday at the Fanfests and beach front, and I got to show him around some places in Durban and inland as well! We went to the Lion Park, Valley of a Thousand Hills, Moyo (a very cool restaurant at the end of the Pier) and did a bunch of other things. It was so much fun, he actually ended up staying at our house for a few nights as well. On the last day he was here, we went to the stadium for the Netherlands vs Japan game, bought some tickets on the black market, it was my first game at the Stadium. And it was awesome! After the game we rushed to the bus station and he left for PE, where Switzerland was playing next. Was super fun, and such a cool WC experience! That all happened in the first week!
I went to the Nigeria vs Korea game as well, with Ku, he bought the tickets (so blessed!) and that too was incredible! We moved from our seats way up high, down to some free ones we spotted in the front, it was a whole new game!
The Durban beach front had been transformed for the WC, with a strong police presence 24/7, it was a perfectly safe place to be. The Fanparks were so festive, with all kinds of things set up, and a HUGE screen in place. Its where we spent many days and late nights!
I'm not a huge soccer fan, I don't follow it, but I am such a fan of the World Cup being in SA, in my city! I was going to make the most of it and I did, to watch the final was so sad, knowing it was all over - its been a 6 year build up! If I had to include every awesome moment in this post, I'd be writing for days, so I'll just post pics in the next one, those should speak for themselves!
VIVA SOUTH AFRICA, VIVA!
This is Bryan Adams - believe it or not!
Cara and Bevin (Carmens sister and brother)
Carmen and I.
