Finally, the Fifa World Cup is here. I have waited 6 years for this event, since the draw was made who was to host 2010. Game on! The GEES was absolutely awesome all around us, the week before kick-off. Every one had mirror socks of the countries they supported, and flags on the cars, and even in front oh houses. Most people had only South African flags, others had the other countries they also supported, most notably England, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Portugal.
After the opening concert Thursday night 10 June 2010, patriotism in every South African was very high. The atmosphere was loaded on Friday morning before kick-off. I was one of the lucky ones to get of early from work (@ 13:00), and went to the Fan Zone in Bellville, at the Velodrome, with a few friends. Traffic was not bad, but to get parking was a mission. Finally entered the Velodrome, and all I could think of was WOW. Never experienced something like that in my life! Hundreds of people, all singing, dancing, waving flags and just partying it up. Made our way to the bar, and got beer! R10 for 450ml castle was not a bad prize at all. Found a nice place to stand and watch the game on the big screen, and just soaked up the vibe. What a vibe it was! Singing the national anthem was just as great an experience, with everyone singing along, and you could feel the pride everyone had to be South African. Vuvuzela's erupted after the singing, and the game started. When Bafana Bafana scored the whole velodrome shook, as people went mad with celebrations. When Mexico equalized, the mood went down, but people stil had hope, and after the game, everyone congratulated each other on a good performance buy our team. The walk to the car still felt like a celebration walk, even though we did not win. The rest of the evening was spend having a good braai with good friends, and one Englishman, who is here for the world cup. He is loving our country, by the way! It is good having the world cup in South Africa!
Wednesday, 16 June arrived. Public holiday, Youth day, reason to celebrate! Even more so, with Bafana playing later in the day against Uruguay. Just before 14:00 I went with a group of friends to the Fifa Fan Fest in Cape Town. If I thought the vibe in the velodrome was electrifying , the Fan Fest beat that 100 times over. Beer prize went up from R10 for 450ml at the velodrome, to R18 a draught at the Fan Fest. But party on! Had an awesome time again with good friends, and new friends, and made our way to the big screen just before 20:00. Wavin Flag by K'Naan and Shakira's Waka Waka played over and over, people danced and partied, till the game began. About the game, I will not say much, it was a bit dissapointing...
So far, the whole world cup experience is just wonderful and positive, and I can say... I was there!
