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Published: July 14th 2010
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World Cup
Algeria v USA World cup of soccer has been a dream come true, a wonderful tournament put on by FIFA and the country of South Africa. I have enjoyed thoroughly the matches, the atmosphere and living with a very kind generous family in Pretoria during the tournament. Our first match was the USA vs England in the city of Rustenburg. What a game! A draw to the delight of many USA fans. The Vuvavella made famous here (loud horn used at matches) created an unforgettable atmosphere. Staying in a camp within a nature reserve was very nice. Had projector and nice television so I was able to watch every match. My cousin and I camped with Timmy D from Canada, and Redman from the UK who just completed volunteer work together in Madagascar. On the 5th night in Rustenburg we watched are second match New Zealand and Slovakia whom both had impressive tournament results. We would later return to Rustenburg for our 6th and final match Ghana vs USA, where Ghana beat us in extra time to advance to the quarter finals. From Rustenburg we went to Pretoria where cousin Justin had a friend with a friend that lived in the beautiful neighborhood of
World Cup
Algeria USA Brooklyn within Pretoria. Centrally located near Hatfield square, nice mall and Loftus park the stadium used for Rugby, but borrowed for the World Cup matches. The Wolf family was so kind and generous to us. We stayed in there back studio Justin with a bed and I on a very comfortable couch, a nice break from my sleeping mat in the tent. It couldn't have been better not only we save money from the greatly inflated prices of hostels for the World cup, we met many friends, were able to aquire tickets easily, went on family breakfasts, were cooked for and driven places. Couldn't have been better. We were able to experience life in South Africa as the locals live. We made life long friends that hopefully visit in the USA or will look forward to our return someday. We were able to learn about South Africa's past through first hand stories and experiences. We were able to share our culture with them and build new perspectives hopefully positive of the USA and the people within. Highlights were after dinner tea, where we would stay up through the night talking with family members about anything and everything. Pretoria is a
Pretoria
Justin and Whiskey and hosts very nice well developed city with very kind friendly people. Nothing like the image the world has given it or its neighbor Johannesburg. Our third match was in Johannesburg, USA vs Slovenia, we traveled with Anni (our host) and her friends to the match. A great game were the USA fought back from a 2 goal deficit only to get our winning goal disallowed by a bad call from the referee. Going to the stadium we were able to pass Nelson Mandela bridge in Johannesburg, a great symbol of a man who has done so much for his country and to break racial barriers. A man that all people adore no matter what race or gender, a man who has made an impact and set a positive example to all people and leaders around the Earth. After two weeks in Pretoria and watching 20 days of the world cup and spending nearly 3 months in South Africa it was time to continue on with my travels north through Africa. It was difficult to leave such a wonderful place that I experienced so much. The great city's, wildlife parks, beaches, small villages, mountains, generous people, and mix of many cultures. It
will always be my first memories of Africa a place where I was welcomed with open arms, and amazed by its diversity of people and landscape. South Africa is a gem that has many treasures to be explored. I look forward to returning someday.
So now what, just had time of my life traveling South Africa and neighboring countries. Saw the World cup of soccer while living with a family for two weeks. Backpacked nearly five months through South America, and now have been traveling a total of 8 months. My next move had to be something big, something powerful to match all the unforgettable memories and people I have encountered in the last 240 days. Only one place could have the “wow” that could make us move on past South Africa. So we bought tickets for the 24 hour journey from Pretoria through Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. One of the biggest waterfalls on our planet. I have witnessed the beauty of Niagara and Iguacu in South America. Now it was time to visit the biggest in Africa. Back to camping at the shoestring backpacker in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe I realized how much I really love camping and prefer
it over dormitory's or private rooms. You can hear the sounds of nature whether its baboons, the Zambezi river, the ocean, or birds singing. Its also a place a familiarity my home, when so many people and places are constantly changing, its a space that is consistent to I. Victoria Falls the town is very small, a very untouched feel to it the local villagers carry on with there lives as they have for many decades. Elephants, warthogs, monkeys and baboons wander the streets. I found out its not safe to get in the Zambezi in certain spots as I had a crocodile swim to close by, while I was on shore. The Zimbabwe side of the waterfall provided many lookout points with large panoramic views of the massive falls. A very high level of water, not to far after the rainy season. The mist from the impact into the Zambezi river turns more like a downpour, soaking all clothing. Its an incredible feeling of power standing in front of such a mass of falling water. Victoria falls definitely lives up to the big name attraction. It was the perfect place to experience after such a great time in South
Africa. A feeling of refreshment and rejuvenation for the upcoming journey north through the heart of Africa. Crossing over the Zambezi river bridge into Zambia we were collected by the Jollyboys hostel and camping and taken the short drive into Livingstone. A more developed city Livingstone then its neighbor across the border Victoria Falls. More restaurants, grocery stores and nightlife. The hostel we stayed at was very nice with many areas including pool, bar, rest area, kitchen, and hammocks. Created a good atmosphere to watch the quarter and semi final matches of the world cup. The Zambia side of Victoria falls was equally impressive. It gave a closer view of the falls, including an above view watching the river flow over the edge from behind. The mighty Victoria Falls is best experienced from both countries and a slow relaxing pace. After six days in the Victoria Falls area, we moved north east to the border town city of Michinji, Malawi with some new friends. So far I have been in Malawi a week and have experienced some wonderful experiences. Including meeting many people within a village seeing, a much different way of life I have experienced, and watching the World
cup final in Lilongwe the capital of Malawi. I am now camping on Lake Malawi, and will hike Mt. Mulanje this weekend with a guide. I will leave Malawi just after 2 weeks of visiting, on an overnight bus to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania this Tuesday. I am enjoying the life traveling everyday is a new adventure, with a few more months before I will return back to California I cherish every moment while experiencing the beautiful continent of Africa.
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Jack and Leo
non-member comment
Awsome!
Jeff, Thank you soo much for sharing your amazing photos and stories. It is such a treat to live thru your writings and amazing pictures. US