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Blogs from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa - page 17
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June 16th 2010
The Denmark vs Holland game received much publicity as newspapers in both countries have been very irreverent to Islam's Mohammad. Naturally, that meant more people heading there and a higher profile. There were seven of us going to this game. Only four of us had tickets, while the other three negotiated with scalpers to get better tickets than us at lower prices. Once again, FIFA efficiency at work. They should all be taken out the back and shot. I've already sent an email to Ossama with the suggestion. Speaking of Bin Laden, Al Qaeda had already stated that this game would be a target because of the cartoons in Dutch and Danish newspapers. Or maybe just the Danish newspapers and these guys can't tell the difference between Danish and Dutch. Such simpletons. Just shoot the ... read more
June 16th 2010
Tuesday 15th June Breakfast at DKW is like a League of Nations convention. There are the Boys from Brazil, Argentineans, English and Germans. Everything is very civilised and we all wish each other good luck, through gritted teeth. A dose of culture today. We took a drive into Pretoria and visited the Voortrekker Monument which is the biggest Monument in Africa. This monument was designed to commemorate the Vortrekkers , who were a large group of the forefathers of the Afrikaner people who demonstrated their discontent with the British authorities in the Cape by leaving the colony permanently. They travelled deep into the interior of Southern Africa between 1834 -54. This was known as The Great Trek. O.K history lesson over. Later in the day we went to a Fan Fest and watched the match between ... read more
June 15th 2010
Monday 14th June Today we went to Soccer City in Jo’Burg, to watch the match between Holland and Denmark. We actually got to our destination without getting lost, but we did have the added assistance of the Sat Nav download. Park and Ride is the “done” thing here, if you are driving. We have been hearing some horror stories about the delays and queues people are experiencing. An English chap, staying in DKW with us, along with 30 others had to hijack a bus and driver in order to get back to Rustenburg on Saturday, after a 2 hour wait for one to appear.He feels badly scarred by the Park and Ride experience. We seem to be having a lot more luck as we are getting away from venues without delay. I know, don’t speak too ... read more
June 14th 2010
Woke up still disappointed from the result of last night and also wondering if Nick and Raphael got back to Jo'Burg ok. We still can't believe that goal. It was like watching something in slow motion.It seems as if all Capello's gambles aren't paying off.Still, enough of that. Gotta think positive. Today we went to the SA Lion Park. This place should be about 26 minutes from where we are staying, but true to form we got lost and it ended up taking us nearly an hour. Due to our lack of navigation skills we missed the 11.30 tour we had been booked on but fortunately we were rescheduled for the 1.30 trip.In the mean time we took the opportunity to go in the lion cub enclosure and also feed the giraffes and ostrich's. Back ... read more
June 13th 2010
Arrived at Jo'Burg airport feeling optimistic after the "fun flight" The England Band started up in the airport and that added to the overall good feeling. Our hotel was just 8 minutes from the airport but dumb and dumber (aka Roger and Wendy) managed to do it in 25 minutes. Our hotel room was very small, so small that Roger said no chance of anyone robbing us you couldn't fit 3 people in here. Next day we went up to Centurion to the DKW Guest House and met the lovely Elise. The morning was spent in the local Mall sorting out phones and things then off to Rustenburg. Like anywhere else you just have to be careful.There is always a little bit of truth in all the hype, concerning safety but hopefully we can have a ... read more
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June 13th 2010
Today the "Barmy Army" that's what the SA media are callling us, hit Rustenburg. After driving around town for a good 45 minutes, and it's only a one main street town, Dumb and Dumber finally stopped at the first bar ,with English supporters, that we passed a life time ago. The drink in the bar was oh so cheap, that's taking into account the World Cup hike in price as well. A half pint of wine and a pint of ice cold beer cost less than £3.00 whee heeee. We hooked up with two young lads who we will describe as legends. Nick (from England) and Raphael ( from Spain )These two adventurers arrived in SA without tickets or accommodation. They have managed to attend the opening ceremony, the first match between Sa and Mexico and ... read more
June 12th 2010
Well, here we go. After spending a pleasant hour or so, in the bar at Terminal 5, with a very nice Scots chap, who delighted in telling us he hopes England are home soon, we are now on the plane having a few bevvies. Still free with BA thank goodness. Before we left Roger and I were amazed at how many phone calls and texts we got telling us to have a good time and Keep Safe. Even the Scots guy told us the same - bless him. The plane is full with England supporters, with the occasional other European supporter thrown in for good measure. A guy arrived dressed from head to foot in orange, he looked like an orange poppa smurf. No prizes for guessing who he was supporting, and for you non football ... read more
The End of the Safari and Gangstas Paradise
Published: June 11th 2010Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg
June 11th 2010
Well I think I have officially developed carpel tunnel syndrome from typing these entries with such speed. Also, I want to complain about a few 'corporate issues' that we have been having. First, Verizon wireless sucks in SA. It has service like 5% of the time, except when being hundreds of miles from the nearest town - then the service is perfect. Sure - that makes total sense. Second, Bank of America is really being annoying - Heathers debit and credit cards are both not working. This caused Heather to experience what can only be described as a breakdown. It. Was. Awkward. But understandable. So until tomorrow, I will be funding her trip on a temporary basis. And yes, I will be charging interest. On to the matters at hand. We awoke at 530 AM for ... read more
June 10th 2010
Tomorrow. Kusasa. Mor'e. Manana. It is the start . the kick off. the opening game. of the WORLD CUP 2010. the first hosted on African soil. This is a shining moment and I am thrilled and proud to be here. Very very excited... I have heard the blabbering muck- South Africa cannot do it... they will not make it... 13 consecutive wins for Bafana Bafana. That says something. the boys have improved. and I believe in them. They have the support of their beautiful nation. Everyone is wearing the jersey, waving the flag. This country is truly united. it is amazing. The opening concert is on in the background... sounds of Mzansi jazz classics mix with current acts... and a few international musicians as well. to the nay-sayers, all I can say is that no one ... read more
June 10th 2010
Right first things first, shop to buy a sat nav!! Phew, one Hawkins issue sorted... Next test the camping skills with a boy scout style chili cooked on the gas burner. Success! I deserve a badge for that one. Highlight of the day, the opening concert. We manage to scam our way onto an Aussie tour bus to the park and ride near Soccer City. Then we get a shuttle to the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. I have managed to wangle an outer circle ticket instead of my nose bleed section seating, turns out though it wasn't needed. To get into the standing area you must have a wrist band, but the bloke giving them out, not only doesn't check your ticket he also doesn't take it away so everyone around us gets the wrist band ... read more
