Off to rustenberg for the next round match of USA and GHA. Soots of travel with a car, plane, another car, then another car!!!
Did about 7 hours of travel for this 1 90 minute match, crazy!
We are staying at a little local place in the middle of a farm. The son picks us up and proceeds to show the white bigoted side of south Africa. It's hard to stomach this as someone from the "free world" and I'm trying to allow for this being 'normal' thinking here in many angles. But it sure is hard.
There is so much anger and blame towards everyone and everything else and yet no sense of accountability or responsibiliy to be part of the change for something better. As they yell in Afrikaans at each other you can pick up the odd word (usually swear words) and mostly the anger they have.
South Africa as a country will have a long way to go to bring this country into a more balanced economic place with this anger harvested at it's foundation.
Happy things today
Finished a book, met 3 cute happy dogs, and saw the USA play. Blessings for a good life.
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Sunday, June 27, 2010
Day 9 - being sick and old
So we are in Durban for the clash of the titans - Portugal and brazil.
This was going to be an awesome match - except in reality it was 2 teams that were already through to the next round so played safe and sat out good players. And I now know what 70,000 vuvuzelas sound like on a crowd....needed the ear plugs for this one.
Can you tell I'm cranky? It's because I'm also dealing with a mild food poisoning (or something of that variety) issue. Meaning I have no energy, am dizzy, and can't eat anything that does not make me puke it up an hour later. And a home cooked meal is not an option here in hotel land.
Now I'm contending with a 1 hour line for dinner. Locals here all seem to be below age 18?! And travel in packs, don't believe in lines and just sit at tables. The places are so busy they don't notice, so all chaos ensues ....
And I'm trying to have 'plain spaghetti' or something....uuurrrggghhh!
Not a happpy camper being sick and old. When did all these Tweens arrive ??
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This was going to be an awesome match - except in reality it was 2 teams that were already through to the next round so played safe and sat out good players. And I now know what 70,000 vuvuzelas sound like on a crowd....needed the ear plugs for this one.
Can you tell I'm cranky? It's because I'm also dealing with a mild food poisoning (or something of that variety) issue. Meaning I have no energy, am dizzy, and can't eat anything that does not make me puke it up an hour later. And a home cooked meal is not an option here in hotel land.
Now I'm contending with a 1 hour line for dinner. Locals here all seem to be below age 18?! And travel in packs, don't believe in lines and just sit at tables. The places are so busy they don't notice, so all chaos ensues ....
And I'm trying to have 'plain spaghetti' or something....uuurrrggghhh!
Not a happpy camper being sick and old. When did all these Tweens arrive ??
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Day 8 - the day after
Well I celebrated pretty hard for the England and USA wins. Which meant I woke up feeling a little 'delicate' today.
We had to be out the hotel at 11 and the flight was not until 6 so we went to Port Elizabeth boardwalk and watched the ocean, the people, and the continued celebrations of England.
Here's the pier - today was the hottest so far at 24C which did not match my dressing for a 10C day!!
I also had a nostalgia moment and bought the British paper to read the news of the match and other updates in the country.
The day ended with a baggage man being a little too zealous with his job for our luggage being 3kg over the limit. And me having to make a quick dash to the toilet for a 're-hash' of the day before's adventures. :(
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We had to be out the hotel at 11 and the flight was not until 6 so we went to Port Elizabeth boardwalk and watched the ocean, the people, and the continued celebrations of England.
Here's the pier - today was the hottest so far at 24C which did not match my dressing for a 10C day!!
I also had a nostalgia moment and bought the British paper to read the news of the match and other updates in the country.
The day ended with a baggage man being a little too zealous with his job for our luggage being 3kg over the limit. And me having to make a quick dash to the toilet for a 're-hash' of the day before's adventures. :(
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Day 7 - football gods shine on England and USA
We wake up with the big match / final Group C games where it will be final who goes through to the next round.
The odds were good that ENG and USA should go through but the earlier games were poor and it was all to play for in this group.
We went to Port Elizabeth stadium dressed to impress and to sing our hearts out for England. We used the blackberry to check status updates on Team USA.
The vuvuzela was ready to be played - musicallly to the England chants.
The stadium had 38,000 fans in it and it was 37,500 English supporters. Quite a sight that so many travelled to support the team.
They did not disapoint and brought their hearts and passion to the pitch!!! And they won / so though to next round.
Then as we left stadium dejected for USA as it was a draw at 90' we saw a goal had been scored in extra time?! For real???
Woo-hoo USA are through as well!!!
Boardwalk was kickin with fans that night all having fun and congratulating eachother on the success!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The odds were good that ENG and USA should go through but the earlier games were poor and it was all to play for in this group.
We went to Port Elizabeth stadium dressed to impress and to sing our hearts out for England. We used the blackberry to check status updates on Team USA.
The vuvuzela was ready to be played - musicallly to the England chants.
The stadium had 38,000 fans in it and it was 37,500 English supporters. Quite a sight that so many travelled to support the team.
They did not disapoint and brought their hearts and passion to the pitch!!! And they won / so though to next round.
Then as we left stadium dejected for USA as it was a draw at 90' we saw a goal had been scored in extra time?! For real???
Woo-hoo USA are through as well!!!
Boardwalk was kickin with fans that night all having fun and congratulating eachother on the success!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Day 5 - the end of the world
Most of the day was at La Colombe but we also went to see penguins in Simon's town and drove to the end of the world...
The beaches have the granite with magma infused crystals....quite a site to see the start of the world millions of years ago and the end of the world in it's point in one day.
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The beaches have the granite with magma infused crystals....quite a site to see the start of the world millions of years ago and the end of the world in it's point in one day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 6 - Port Elizabeth
Travel early to the next city and next match. This town is not quite as appealing as Cape Town.
So we took up the offer to go to Addo Elephant park and have a viewing of many animals.
What a beautiful sight of the majestic elephants.
Finished the day on the Fan Fest park - a way to provide a free central area for locals and visitors to watch the matches of the day. In this case Bafana Bafana were playing their final match - so the national pride was out in full force! Quite an experience.
We finished the night getting in a taxi not knowing where our hotel was in the city, and neither did our taxi driver....blind leading blind!! We made it back safely and now happily enjoying an Internet that works.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So we took up the offer to go to Addo Elephant park and have a viewing of many animals.
What a beautiful sight of the majestic elephants.
Finished the day on the Fan Fest park - a way to provide a free central area for locals and visitors to watch the matches of the day. In this case Bafana Bafana were playing their final match - so the national pride was out in full force! Quite an experience.
We finished the night getting in a taxi not knowing where our hotel was in the city, and neither did our taxi driver....blind leading blind!! We made it back safely and now happily enjoying an Internet that works.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, June 21, 2010
Lunch at La Colombe
One of the top 50 restaraunt in the world and we got a lunch booking. Here's what we had.
APPETIZER
Springbok tataki - the best of the starters with intense and well balanced components of meat, goat cheese, and sun dried tomatoes
Quail & languistine fricasse - unable to taste the distinction of the langustine to the prawn due to the heavy balance of pairing to a quail. The quail was superb in it's preparation with a crispy skin and succulent breast.
Warm salad of prawns and sweetbreads - my first time on a new food so although the flavor of the sweetbread was lovely it was difficult to get over the texture and mind thinking of what this is. So I stuck to the prawn with the lovely flavors.
MAIN
Fillet of chalmar beef - sold as an African beef that was simar to Kobe, I was excited at this dish. However this meat as well below par of a fillet let alone holding it to the standards of Kobe. The meat was medium rare but was still tough and stringy and not the buttery melting flavor expected.
Springbok and foie gras - overall enjoyable with an intense game flavor, pairing this with a fig was ideal. Foie gras execution was below the anticipation with the piece being sinewy and cold.
DESSERT
Quatro desert - sold as a apple tart this was actually 4 deserts, with tea gellee, chocolate encased with custard, and the best of the bunch at a raspberry sorbet. Yummy
Cheese plate - lovely to eatocal cheese with the cheddar and goat cheese. The european cheeses were preferred at the Brie and the Cremolat gorgonzola. Paired nicely with a peach chutney.
Summary: Great prices!! Dinner overall with wine was ~$150 for two which can't be beat for this quality. But it won't make it on the best meals of my life list.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
APPETIZER
Springbok tataki - the best of the starters with intense and well balanced components of meat, goat cheese, and sun dried tomatoes
Quail & languistine fricasse - unable to taste the distinction of the langustine to the prawn due to the heavy balance of pairing to a quail. The quail was superb in it's preparation with a crispy skin and succulent breast.
Warm salad of prawns and sweetbreads - my first time on a new food so although the flavor of the sweetbread was lovely it was difficult to get over the texture and mind thinking of what this is. So I stuck to the prawn with the lovely flavors.
MAIN
Fillet of chalmar beef - sold as an African beef that was simar to Kobe, I was excited at this dish. However this meat as well below par of a fillet let alone holding it to the standards of Kobe. The meat was medium rare but was still tough and stringy and not the buttery melting flavor expected.
Springbok and foie gras - overall enjoyable with an intense game flavor, pairing this with a fig was ideal. Foie gras execution was below the anticipation with the piece being sinewy and cold.
DESSERT
Quatro desert - sold as a apple tart this was actually 4 deserts, with tea gellee, chocolate encased with custard, and the best of the bunch at a raspberry sorbet. Yummy
Cheese plate - lovely to eatocal cheese with the cheddar and goat cheese. The european cheeses were preferred at the Brie and the Cremolat gorgonzola. Paired nicely with a peach chutney.
Summary: Great prices!! Dinner overall with wine was ~$150 for two which can't be beat for this quality. But it won't make it on the best meals of my life list.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Day 4 - getting out to see the sights
Got up early to go out and see the sights. We planned for the sightseeing bus but then it was less to hire a car for 2 days (crazy prices here?!?!). Fun to drive a tiny little manual car in the roads here. Shows the difference to the US again here.
So we hit the town hard with Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Downtown, and the Waterfront.
We expected the day to be overcast and cold from the day before but it ended up being clear and sunny at the mountain (but still ice cold and nippy winds). Then drove into the seaside.
We had fantastic fish!! Went geocaching, and saw the local tourists. Lots of local beggars(?) taking advantage of the tourists in town - can get a bit overwhelming when 4 men converge on you at your car.
I was feeling a bit low key today -just feeling the travel, leading, organizing, and no exercise pile up from the past week...we'll see how long I can push it before I break.
Overall, nice to see a bit of cape town. Table mountain is indeed a natural wonder that has to be seen in your lifetime.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So we hit the town hard with Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Downtown, and the Waterfront.
We expected the day to be overcast and cold from the day before but it ended up being clear and sunny at the mountain (but still ice cold and nippy winds). Then drove into the seaside.
We had fantastic fish!! Went geocaching, and saw the local tourists. Lots of local beggars(?) taking advantage of the tourists in town - can get a bit overwhelming when 4 men converge on you at your car.
I was feeling a bit low key today -just feeling the travel, leading, organizing, and no exercise pile up from the past week...we'll see how long I can push it before I break.
Overall, nice to see a bit of cape town. Table mountain is indeed a natural wonder that has to be seen in your lifetime.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Day 3 - Experiencing Real South Africa
Today was the day after the night before....so it was a slow start to the day. Exactly what a vacation is all about.
We then got to experience life with some old friends that live in Cape Town. They picked us up and drove us to their local pub.
We got to see the freeway, the local towns and roads, and where our friends live. It was a chance to see the non-tourist side and hear about the daily lives and politics of south Africa.
How FIFA is quite controlling about the branding for the world cup, even with little brewers on side roads. How corporate SA effectively has come to a halt during the games.
We were watching the football on tv when suddenly the channel was changed...I was shocked because there were so many people there with their SA flags and looking at the tv. But then my friend explained that the real game of SA was about to start - rugby.
The pride in everyone singing the anthem and cheering the first few minutes of the game was inspiring.
An observation - all rugby players are white (with the fans dominated in this pub towards white) and all the football players are black. It just struck home that there are still differences in cultures and people in this country.
We then got to drop by my friends house and it was a reminder of differences to the USA (San Diego). The house had an electric gate, a security alarm service, and bars on each window. This is common in all houses and buildings. Our hotel has double layers of security as well.
It adds to the awareness that crime and safety are needed to be on a higher level of alertness.
I returned back to the comfort of my hotel and watched football...with the drive being so beautiful of Table Mountain overlooking you anywhere in the city. What a great way to navigate where you are.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We then got to experience life with some old friends that live in Cape Town. They picked us up and drove us to their local pub.
We got to see the freeway, the local towns and roads, and where our friends live. It was a chance to see the non-tourist side and hear about the daily lives and politics of south Africa.
How FIFA is quite controlling about the branding for the world cup, even with little brewers on side roads. How corporate SA effectively has come to a halt during the games.
We were watching the football on tv when suddenly the channel was changed...I was shocked because there were so many people there with their SA flags and looking at the tv. But then my friend explained that the real game of SA was about to start - rugby.
The pride in everyone singing the anthem and cheering the first few minutes of the game was inspiring.
An observation - all rugby players are white (with the fans dominated in this pub towards white) and all the football players are black. It just struck home that there are still differences in cultures and people in this country.
We then got to drop by my friends house and it was a reminder of differences to the USA (San Diego). The house had an electric gate, a security alarm service, and bars on each window. This is common in all houses and buildings. Our hotel has double layers of security as well.
It adds to the awareness that crime and safety are needed to be on a higher level of alertness.
I returned back to the comfort of my hotel and watched football...with the drive being so beautiful of Table Mountain overlooking you anywhere in the city. What a great way to navigate where you are.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Day 2 - Fulfilling Some Life's Dreams
It's 2am in the morning and have to add this day to one of the best in my life.
I got to do 2 things on my "bucket list" or "things I want to do before I die"
(1) See England play at a World cup match (winning is just a little too ambitious)
(2) Attend a good DJ for a live Trance concert (never dreamt it would be Fat Boy Slim!!!)
Now #1 was planned on this vacation but #2 was a complete surprise!! We heard 2 guys talking on the plane about FBS playing after the match and we added to our "on arrival" list and tracked down tickets!!
The day itself was a bit of a lazy one trying to catch up with sleep and the time zone.
And of course Football!! A day of shockers I think with Germany losing to Serbia!?
We dressed up and went to the local for the USA match with many people staring at us - no other US fans?? Then seeing the drama of a 2-2 draw with being robbed the 3rd US goal!!
Finally going to the England match live in a stadium of 64,100 people with 80% British fans. It was such a buzz as a fan but unfortunately a poor match of soccer ending in 0-0.
Now there is going to be a mass scramble for who goes through the round. England and USA seemed certain to go through...now it might be a dream...
It was a sad walk back to the hotel...but we started to play some music for the next exciting phase.
The club was empty but soon filled up 1 hour later at 12 midnight. It was fantastic to dance and groove and sing to the music. I love trance for the beat it has, the way the rythmn and vibes can move through your veins and make you tingle.
Fat boy slim was worth it - a master at work! We danced at the front and were on the video of fans and danced some more...
I've returned back now reliving the day and the moments that made this one of the best in my life. This is what life is about - living the best moments!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I got to do 2 things on my "bucket list" or "things I want to do before I die"
(1) See England play at a World cup match (winning is just a little too ambitious)
(2) Attend a good DJ for a live Trance concert (never dreamt it would be Fat Boy Slim!!!)
Now #1 was planned on this vacation but #2 was a complete surprise!! We heard 2 guys talking on the plane about FBS playing after the match and we added to our "on arrival" list and tracked down tickets!!
The day itself was a bit of a lazy one trying to catch up with sleep and the time zone.
And of course Football!! A day of shockers I think with Germany losing to Serbia!?
We dressed up and went to the local for the USA match with many people staring at us - no other US fans?? Then seeing the drama of a 2-2 draw with being robbed the 3rd US goal!!
Finally going to the England match live in a stadium of 64,100 people with 80% British fans. It was such a buzz as a fan but unfortunately a poor match of soccer ending in 0-0.
Now there is going to be a mass scramble for who goes through the round. England and USA seemed certain to go through...now it might be a dream...
It was a sad walk back to the hotel...but we started to play some music for the next exciting phase.
The club was empty but soon filled up 1 hour later at 12 midnight. It was fantastic to dance and groove and sing to the music. I love trance for the beat it has, the way the rythmn and vibes can move through your veins and make you tingle.
Fat boy slim was worth it - a master at work! We danced at the front and were on the video of fans and danced some more...
I've returned back now reliving the day and the moments that made this one of the best in my life. This is what life is about - living the best moments!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The Ultimate Travel Accessory
I'm in the middle of a 30 hour travel marathon that involves 3 planes, 5 cities, and lots of sitting around.
So in planning this travel I needed to get the ultimate travel accessory to satisfy AND delight me.
Is it a Book? Puzzles? Music? (I did bring all of these but so far there are not the big hit...)
Ready .... It's the Snuggie!!! Yes, a soft pink blanket with arm holes in it. It's big enough to cover your feet and your shoulders and sooooo soft that sleeping is almost easy in any cramped spot you can find.
I am even writing this article sitting in the Snuggie because the arms are free (and still warm).
So now you know the Ultimate Travel Accessory.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So in planning this travel I needed to get the ultimate travel accessory to satisfy AND delight me.
Is it a Book? Puzzles? Music? (I did bring all of these but so far there are not the big hit...)
Ready .... It's the Snuggie!!! Yes, a soft pink blanket with arm holes in it. It's big enough to cover your feet and your shoulders and sooooo soft that sleeping is almost easy in any cramped spot you can find.
I am even writing this article sitting in the Snuggie because the arms are free (and still warm).
So now you know the Ultimate Travel Accessory.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Arriving in Cape Town
Well it's now been 2 days or 48 hours on the official clock that have passed but less than 40 when you knock down the time change.
So what are the first impressions of South Africa? I know I'm only seeing the front tourist end with airport staff, taxi drivers, and hotel greeters - but very much like any welcoming international city. Smiles and courteous and willing to help.
I have to say I'm a little nervous as a Yank. I am spoiled by the expectations that money and this nation brings. South Africa only just broke apartheid 15 years ago and it takes generations for this to level out a nation's economy and culture.
Plus when the printed guide books state very clearly "don't go out at night" and "don't go anywhere alone" and there is a " high rape crime rate" ...I pause a little at embracing a tourist exploratory nature.
But arriving at midnight to this gorgeous hotel apartment room is just wonderful. Looking forward to this stop for the next 5 days.
Let's just hope England and USA win their matches tomorrow...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So what are the first impressions of South Africa? I know I'm only seeing the front tourist end with airport staff, taxi drivers, and hotel greeters - but very much like any welcoming international city. Smiles and courteous and willing to help.
I have to say I'm a little nervous as a Yank. I am spoiled by the expectations that money and this nation brings. South Africa only just broke apartheid 15 years ago and it takes generations for this to level out a nation's economy and culture.
Plus when the printed guide books state very clearly "don't go out at night" and "don't go anywhere alone" and there is a " high rape crime rate" ...I pause a little at embracing a tourist exploratory nature.
But arriving at midnight to this gorgeous hotel apartment room is just wonderful. Looking forward to this stop for the next 5 days.
Let's just hope England and USA win their matches tomorrow...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, June 18, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Ready for vacation
I am ready to have a mental break. Get away from the office and work people and get refreshed and nourish the soul.
Just trying to make sure I don't drop balls, piss off anyone, or leave a mess.
I reached out to a good friend to just IM chat today and decide how to live life. Work a 'job' and fit it passion. Or go all out for a job and passion together.
The trade offs for the factors of money lifestyle people interaction can all be important -and the easy life is hard to give up.
Ah well let's see what a nice vacation provides....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Just trying to make sure I don't drop balls, piss off anyone, or leave a mess.
I reached out to a good friend to just IM chat today and decide how to live life. Work a 'job' and fit it passion. Or go all out for a job and passion together.
The trade offs for the factors of money lifestyle people interaction can all be important -and the easy life is hard to give up.
Ah well let's see what a nice vacation provides....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
What did I do this weekend? 9 hours and 27 miles of adventure racing! Here's my write-up:
http://bit.ly/cKdXNu
http://bit.ly/cKdXNu
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Loss in the family
After 13 years of love laughter claw marks vet visits airplane trips....my beloved Ouzo passed on.
I felt shock, then relief, the guilt, then shock, then relief all night.
Am I that heartless and unfeeling to be glad he has passed on? He was not having a good life for the past few months...
Then I wake today and just feel an overwhelming sadness and loss. Of grief and a need to retreat from the world of people.
I chose to go through the motions today but I'm sure it was noticed. The smile was fake. There was no laughter. The comments made in meetings were half-hearted at best.
I am mourning the loss of a member of my family of 13 years. Of the joy and pain he brought. Of the memories he helped to create and of those that will now form without him.
I love you Ouzo and may the next life be filled with little pink prawns and mice.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I felt shock, then relief, the guilt, then shock, then relief all night.
Am I that heartless and unfeeling to be glad he has passed on? He was not having a good life for the past few months...
Then I wake today and just feel an overwhelming sadness and loss. Of grief and a need to retreat from the world of people.
I chose to go through the motions today but I'm sure it was noticed. The smile was fake. There was no laughter. The comments made in meetings were half-hearted at best.
I am mourning the loss of a member of my family of 13 years. Of the joy and pain he brought. Of the memories he helped to create and of those that will now form without him.
I love you Ouzo and may the next life be filled with little pink prawns and mice.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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