The last few days in South Africa

Tuesday

Tuesday was the safari, We had to leave at 6:30 am so it was an early wake up call. I was prepared for the shuttle bus ride to the national park we were going to, I brought a blanket and had a sleep mask (ended up just using my beanie and pulling it down over my eyes). I slept most of the trip up there. We arrived at about 9:15am and headed out with our guide. There were 2 different vehicles being used. They had a small truck that held about 9 people and a large one that held close to 20 or 30 (guessing there). I got lucky and jumped into the small one. We headed out for about 2 ½ hours. We didn’t see all of the “big five”….but we did see plenty of cool animals. There were plenty of zebras, warthogs and wildebeests. We also saw a couple of elephants, including one that was in the middle of the road and started rushing toward another vehicle. There are plenty of animal pics here if you want to check them out.

After the safari we headed to a lodge in the park for lunch. They had a nice buffet there and it was very welcome after a long morning. After that we headed back to the hotel. We were supposed to stop at a place on the way back for some shopping but everyone decided that they wanted to get back as soon as possible for the South Africa vs. France game. The ride back was long and very uncomfortable. We had more people on the bus on the way back as a few people weren’t impressed with the other shuttle driver’s driving skills. We were pretty much like sardines in that thing and it made for a long trip back. There wasn’t any leg room either and the sitting all morning was frustrating me. We didn’t make it back for the start of the game, but were able to listen to the first two South Africa goals on the radio. The people on the streets when Bafana Bafana scored were so excited. There were also a lot of cars honking their horns.

After we got back to the hotel and finished watching the game we decided to head to the Portuguese restaurant for the 8pm games. We got there early and had some food and some beers while watching the games. Before heading back a guy (Todd) asked the owner (who happened to own the liquor store next door) what time the liquor store opened. He told Todd 10 am and the Todd mentioned how that was a bummer as we were leaving at 9 am for Pretoria and we’d like to get some stuff for the bus ride. The man said he was the one who owned the liquor store and that he’d open up for us to buy some stuff. Four of us headed over there to grab some stuff and then we headed back to the hotel. We took it easy that night as we had the US game the next day.

Wednesday

Game day again! Woo hoo! We met in the lobby at 9 am and left at about 9:20 to head to Pretoria. We stopped on the way there because some of the AO guys had raised money and brought soccer balls to donate to some kids there. We made that stop at the church/school and then continued our journey to the pre game bar. We had flags out the window the whole way there and got plenty of people honking and giving a thumbs up.

We got to the pre game bar at about 10:30 am and went inside. The place was fairly small and actually more of a restaurant then a bar. They were pretty overwhelmed when we showed up and more people just continued coming. They actually just started selling 2 packs of their beer since the line was so long! Since the beer service was going slowly we decided to check out what the Woolworth’s market had. It was in the same shopping center so we headed over there. They had no beer, only wine. Apparently you have to have some other kind of license to sell beer. Not being a wine drinker, I opted for a bottle of champagne and drank it straight from the bottle. Classy, huh? Haahaa. There were even more people streaming into the bar and I went out onto the patio area where Max and Sean were. There was singing and chanting going on…a fun environment. Sunil Gulati and Don Garber stopped by and talked with people. I also got to meet @HooverDam and @Tanya_Keith in person. Very cool.

At 2:15 we organized and marched to the stadium. It was awesome. So many USA fans. While walking to the stadium we started hearing police sirens. We looked back and saw a team motorcade coming through. It was absolutely awesome. And after ready Bob Bradley’s quote, the team was impressed as well. The stadium was not your typical stadium. The stadium was in a wooded area which was pretty cool. The stadium also had 1 bathroom and the lines were ridiculously long. Not cool. I may be exaggerating the only having one bathroom…but that is all I saw!

We went in and headed down to the bottom row. The ushers kept telling us to sit down and we were NOT happy about that. The game is a blur. So many emotions. When someone told me England was winning and we were still tied, things got stressful. I have to admit that once that 80 minute mark hit and we were still tied 0-0, I started to well up with tears. However…they weren’t ready to come yet and that’s a good thing. The end to that game was just an AMAZING, CRAZY, WONDERFUL, EXHILERATING, etc moment. Words can’t describe. We were all going crazy as I am sure everyone at home was as well.

We stayed in the stands celebrating for quite a while. The security/ushers were trying to get us not to stand on the seats. Not stand on the seats!!!! Crazy talk!! When they kicked us out of the stands we headed up to the concourse area and continued the party up there for while until we were finally told to go. We continued the party up the street back up to where the “bar” was to get back on the bus. Again…crazy fun atmosphere. We got back to the hotel and a bunch of people decided to go to the bar around the corner to celebrate. After being there for a few hours I headed back to the hotel to finally get some sleep. It had been a long but wonderful day. Pics here!

Thursday

Departure day. Check out was scheduled for 11 but we managed to get it extended. Sean and Max headed to the airport where they had reserved a rental car. The were headed to the New Zealand game. We said goodbye to them and then headed to the mall one last time. We had some lunch and got a few more souvenirs. We then headed back to the hotel and finished packing up. Our shuttle was leaving at 4 to go back to the airport. We hung out for a bit then headed down to the lobby to check out and get our ride.

About 16 of us were on the shuttle to the airport. It was a bittersweet ride. Would much prefer to stay but I am also very ready for my own bed, shower and some alone time. We said our goodbyes to the people on the shuttle and then headed to check our bags. Thankfully Kevin had checked us in online the night before, so we didn’t have to stand in a ridiculously long line. When we were dropping our bags off I had my fingers crossed it wouldn’t be over the weight limit. But it wasn’t close. I guess my backpack was small enough that it couldn’t be too heavy…but I was still a bit worried as it seemed pretty dang heavy on the long walk to the terminal. So heavy that Kevin went ahead and carried it for me. Thanks Kevin!

We went through security and all that other junk then headed to our gate. We stopped at the VAT booth to try and get back some of our money…however you had to show everything you had purchased to get the money. I just grabbed the shirts and jerseys I had in my carryon and got the VAT back for those items. Not much…about 125 Rand, in a check, but better than nothing.

We continued on to our gate and saw a tv on the way that was showing the Italy vs. Slovakia game. It was the 50th minute or so and we saw that Italy was down. We headed to our gate and luckily there was a café type thing there that had a tv showing the game. There was a lot of cheering when Slovakia scored….and again when they won.

It was soon time to board the plane. So…here I am on the first leg of the trip home. Sitting in my economy class middle seat typing out an update for you guys. Hoping to get it uploaded during our layover in Dubai. I believe we have a 4 hour layover, so as long as internet isn’t too expensive…you may get to read this before I get home!

Saturday

Well, the internet at the Dubai airport was spotty at best, so I was unable to upload the pics, etc. Apologies. At about 9 am Dubai time (Midnight central) we headed out of Dubai for Houston. It was a long flight. I tried to sleep but probably only got an hour hear and there. Watched a couple of movies and just tried to stay sane for the flight. We got to Houston at 4:30 pm. My dad picked Kevin and me up and had brought Mia along. So good to see her! She pulled the shy girl act and didn't say much, but that's ok. Went home and then headed out to meet a friend for some dinner and a beer. Came home and went to bed. Glad to be back in my own bed.

Not sure what will become of this blog. I guess I'll update with WC watch party stuff for now and maybe any soccer travel in the future. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Also, I'd like to find someone (who I would pay of course)...to make a scrapbook of this trip for me. If you know anyone who would be interested (preferably in Houston), please let me know.

Here is a picture of my tickets from the games I attended while in South Africa.

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