EVERYTHING'S ORANGE

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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 soon.
Soccer City Stadium is breathtaking. It is shaped like a big African cooking pot. We stood around outside the ground and 10 minutes before kick off managed to buy a couple of Cat 2 tickets from two American boys. They appeared to have a few tickets to sell so we assumed that they had bought them off the locals, cheaply. They gave us a good price at £60.00 each which was a reduction of £40 per ticket face value. Good Old US of A. We were a bit apprehensive because you can never be sure they are not forgeries. You should have heard our whoops for joy when we got through the turnstile.
The game itself was a bit of a nonstarter. It was on the whole, very poor, as a lot of the games in this competition have been. Anyway we had a good day even if we were deafened by the vuvuzelas. I know there is a lot in the press about banning them, I don’t agree with that, but I must say they do make an awful racket. Alot of people are wearing ear plugs in the stadium because the noise of them is so loud.
Had a call from Nick today. He and Rafael have been to Durban to watch a game. He said he had to put up listening to the “cr-p” of the Americans all the way home on Saturday night, but the Americans gave them food and beer so it wasn’t all bad.
The South Africans are really embracing the World Cup in their Country. Everywhere you go the streets are decorated with National flags and the people are dressed up as well. Most of the supporters wear National colours in one form or another. The buzz around the place is awesome. Everyone seems to be in a feel good mood. As Teams get knocked out and people leave for home I can only imagine that it will become quieter, although fans are going to matches other than those of their National team.

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Comments

[Wendy C]

Hello over there Lodge to SA come in
Hi Wendy, Our Cartridge in printer is running low......what do we do without you.....not good enough you have to come back and fix it! Plus we are really missing you now!!! Your running commentry on your BLOG is great we are loving it , its becoming a weekly episode much better than Eastenders and Corri!!! Roxanne wandered if the Lions were real? As we think your very brave to be that close, they are adorable can you sneak one back please so I can have a cuddle..........It looks and sounds like your having a fantastic time, keep enjoying, stay safe, and fingers toes and anything else that can be crossed for the goals a!! Personally I think we would be better a syncronize swimming!! ha ha Love Wendy C xx

[Sharon S]

Hello
I've been the checking the progress of your adventure every evening and looking out for you on the TV but haven't spotted you yet. I thought you might have been with the England band when they were 'battling' with a local vuvuleza band this morning on GMTV! I have yet to work out why so many dancers/band members are wearing multi colour boiler suits. The pictures with the lion cubs were lovely. Take care xxx