Now that almost everyone has left, it seems as though Johannesburg is a bit quieter. The group stages are over so the majority of foreign fans have returned home and back to their jobs. Our group is down to 5 people, and will be just 4 people tomorrow when Andy leaves.
Ben, Ron, Bill, and I are passing the time until we fly to Cape Town early Saturday morning. We are staying at some apartments in Auckland Park, which is in west Johannesburg (we were previously in east Jozi). The accomodations are nice, but we prefer where we were. The lack of internet in the apartments and some poor management is not helping. And the area is a little different.
Nonetheless it is good to get a different feel of the city. Today we picked up Bill's Jabulani ball at the Bedfordview House where we had left a few things, and we took it back to Auckland Park where we played with a group of local guys on a nearby field. There were quite a few quality players out there, and if they had shoes on theyd probably be a little better. The game ended abruptly, however, when one of the locals accidentally kicked the Jabulani over an electric fence and into someone's backyard. We'll try and recover it tomorrow...
We are all about Joburg-ed out, and looking forward to next week and plenty of beach time!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Day 15 & 16: Apartheid Museum and Goodbyes
Yesterday Colin, Cammy, Ben, Bill, Mitch, and I headed out to the Apartheid Museum. After a very scenic route, we finally made it there. The first thing we saw was Mark Schwarzer, the goalie for Fulham FC and the Australian National Team. Colin was about as giddy as a 12 year old school girl.
The museum was very moving, and it was difficult just to see what went on here such a short time ago. I was very happy that we went to Lillysleaf, District 6, and through Soweto first as it really enhanced our experience at the Apartheid Museum. Some of the most moving exhibits were the execution room which had nooses hanging from the ceiling for every political execution and the wall of Apartheid laws as well. We left from there in order to make it back for the Brazil Portugal game, which amounted to nothing.
From there, Colin, Andy, Ron, and Bill headed out to the Spain v. Chile game which Colin can tell you about later. Cammy, Ben, Allie, Mitch and I headed to our favorite restaurant Adega for one last meal. Their chicken pasta is amazing.
We came back, met up with the rest of the crew, and then Cammy, Colin, Bill, Ron and I headed out to Colin's favorite spot Stones for one last celebration before Cammy and I have to leave today.
Today, we woke up, had another great breakfast prepared by Lu, and we headed to the mall for some last minute items. Ben, Mitch and I ended up kicking the ball around and sharing old soccer stories from the glory days for a while. Then everyone besides Mitch, Cammy, and myself left for Rustenburg for the big USA Ghana round of 16 game.
This trip has been absolutely amazing, and the biggest thanks has to go to Colin for planning the majority of it. These have probably been some of the best weeks of my life, and I can't wait to come back to South Africa some day. I'm going to have to start saving for Brazil 2014 tomorrow. The people here at Lampstand Lodge have been great, and have really made this a memorable stay, so a thank you to Lu, Dave, Roger, Vaughn, Lance, Shadow, and Simba for everything the last two weeks. Finally, gotta thank the whole crew for getting wild at all the games and knowing how to have a good time, so thank you to Cammy, Colin, Mitch, Pat, Preston, Andy, Ron, Wes, Ben, Bill, and Allie. I love you guys, and I'll see you in Brazil!
The blog is all Colin's now. Ryan signing off from JoBurg.
GO USA!
The museum was very moving, and it was difficult just to see what went on here such a short time ago. I was very happy that we went to Lillysleaf, District 6, and through Soweto first as it really enhanced our experience at the Apartheid Museum. Some of the most moving exhibits were the execution room which had nooses hanging from the ceiling for every political execution and the wall of Apartheid laws as well. We left from there in order to make it back for the Brazil Portugal game, which amounted to nothing.
From there, Colin, Andy, Ron, and Bill headed out to the Spain v. Chile game which Colin can tell you about later. Cammy, Ben, Allie, Mitch and I headed to our favorite restaurant Adega for one last meal. Their chicken pasta is amazing.
We came back, met up with the rest of the crew, and then Cammy, Colin, Bill, Ron and I headed out to Colin's favorite spot Stones for one last celebration before Cammy and I have to leave today.
Today, we woke up, had another great breakfast prepared by Lu, and we headed to the mall for some last minute items. Ben, Mitch and I ended up kicking the ball around and sharing old soccer stories from the glory days for a while. Then everyone besides Mitch, Cammy, and myself left for Rustenburg for the big USA Ghana round of 16 game.
This trip has been absolutely amazing, and the biggest thanks has to go to Colin for planning the majority of it. These have probably been some of the best weeks of my life, and I can't wait to come back to South Africa some day. I'm going to have to start saving for Brazil 2014 tomorrow. The people here at Lampstand Lodge have been great, and have really made this a memorable stay, so a thank you to Lu, Dave, Roger, Vaughn, Lance, Shadow, and Simba for everything the last two weeks. Finally, gotta thank the whole crew for getting wild at all the games and knowing how to have a good time, so thank you to Cammy, Colin, Mitch, Pat, Preston, Andy, Ron, Wes, Ben, Bill, and Allie. I love you guys, and I'll see you in Brazil!
The blog is all Colin's now. Ryan signing off from JoBurg.
GO USA!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 14: Soweto
Today, we recovered from the madness that was last night. We regrouped early at 9 AM and headed out on a tour of the South West Township (Soweto). It was amazing to see the other side of the city. We've been in pretty nice facilities and areas this entire time, but we got to see the poverty sticken area of JoBurg.
We saw a lot and learned a lot. The biggest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere is actually in Soweto, and many international medical students come there to learn as they are exposed to almost everything. Right next to the hospital, we were able to talk to a healer who operated our of a small storage closet with various roots and potions intended to heal various cases. She even showed us a powder called "waking the bull" which is their substitute for Viagra.
We then were able to walk inside of Nelson Mandela's house that he lived in before and shortly after his prison term. It was amazing to think I was in the same house that he once lived in. Actually on that street in Soweto, Archibishop Tutu also lived there. 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners lived within a block of one another on the same street. Wow.
We then went to another museum depicting the uprising of the Soweto area in 1976. It was very moving. The struggle that South Africans had to go through is tough to imagine, and only ended less than 20 years ago.
We left from there and headed to the Orlando Towers. It was here that Patrick, Cammy, Allie, Wes, and I bungee jumped 300 feet under the watchful eyes of Mitch and Ron. Wes and I are terrified of heights. I walked in to the check in station, and immediately walked out to join Mitch and Ron on the viewing deck. After watching 3 other jumps and hearing Wes give me crap for walking away, I went back and got strapped up.
We took a lift up the tower, where we were scared by the lift operator as he shut off the tiny lift. When we got to the top, I immediately sat down and starred at only my shoes. Of course, I would have to wait until everyone went and then be up there by myself before I was able to jump.
Patrick was first, and although he was shaking, didn't hesitate a minute and went over the ledge like a champ. Cammy got a little freaked out, backed away, and then went again. Kudos to her, I don't think if I backed up, I would have been able to force myself to go again. Allie jumped off without a hitch. As soon as Allie left, it was just Wes and I at the top, the two guys most afraid of heights. To make matters worse, the pump up music they had going up there stopped, so we were forced to sit there in silence, both freaking out. Wes walked down the bridge sooooooooooooooooo slowly. You would of though he was in a wedding procession thinking "step, feet together, step, feet together." He got over there and jumped off.
My turn. So not only am I now up there by myself, but I'm just insanely jealous of the people on the ground. I can here Wes yelling at me from the ground below. I made my way to the jump platform. The crew was very good. They went through every check point 3 times to make sure everything was set to go. It's no wonder why they haven't had an incident in 3 years. I inched my way to the front and hurled myself over. I didn't look down until I was actually in the air. Scariest moment ever and I still can't believe I was able to do it, but I concerred my fear of heights just a little today. I even got a "When the Yanks Go Marching In" chant while hanging upside down.
Here are the photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2129717&id=24501245&l=8e46428fe8
Anyways, only two days left before I fly back. I'll see you all soon.
- Ryan
We saw a lot and learned a lot. The biggest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere is actually in Soweto, and many international medical students come there to learn as they are exposed to almost everything. Right next to the hospital, we were able to talk to a healer who operated our of a small storage closet with various roots and potions intended to heal various cases. She even showed us a powder called "waking the bull" which is their substitute for Viagra.
We then were able to walk inside of Nelson Mandela's house that he lived in before and shortly after his prison term. It was amazing to think I was in the same house that he once lived in. Actually on that street in Soweto, Archibishop Tutu also lived there. 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners lived within a block of one another on the same street. Wow.
We then went to another museum depicting the uprising of the Soweto area in 1976. It was very moving. The struggle that South Africans had to go through is tough to imagine, and only ended less than 20 years ago.
We left from there and headed to the Orlando Towers. It was here that Patrick, Cammy, Allie, Wes, and I bungee jumped 300 feet under the watchful eyes of Mitch and Ron. Wes and I are terrified of heights. I walked in to the check in station, and immediately walked out to join Mitch and Ron on the viewing deck. After watching 3 other jumps and hearing Wes give me crap for walking away, I went back and got strapped up.
We took a lift up the tower, where we were scared by the lift operator as he shut off the tiny lift. When we got to the top, I immediately sat down and starred at only my shoes. Of course, I would have to wait until everyone went and then be up there by myself before I was able to jump.
Patrick was first, and although he was shaking, didn't hesitate a minute and went over the ledge like a champ. Cammy got a little freaked out, backed away, and then went again. Kudos to her, I don't think if I backed up, I would have been able to force myself to go again. Allie jumped off without a hitch. As soon as Allie left, it was just Wes and I at the top, the two guys most afraid of heights. To make matters worse, the pump up music they had going up there stopped, so we were forced to sit there in silence, both freaking out. Wes walked down the bridge sooooooooooooooooo slowly. You would of though he was in a wedding procession thinking "step, feet together, step, feet together." He got over there and jumped off.
My turn. So not only am I now up there by myself, but I'm just insanely jealous of the people on the ground. I can here Wes yelling at me from the ground below. I made my way to the jump platform. The crew was very good. They went through every check point 3 times to make sure everything was set to go. It's no wonder why they haven't had an incident in 3 years. I inched my way to the front and hurled myself over. I didn't look down until I was actually in the air. Scariest moment ever and I still can't believe I was able to do it, but I concerred my fear of heights just a little today. I even got a "When the Yanks Go Marching In" chant while hanging upside down.
Here are the photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2129717&id=24501245&l=8e46428fe8
Anyways, only two days left before I fly back. I'll see you all soon.
- Ryan
Day 13: THE GAME
We all woke up from the previous night pretty tired. However, we rallied and made sure we were ready for the crucial USA v Algeria game. We needed a win to advance.
We drove up and made it to Pretoria, the site of the game, by noon. When we got that we walked by the American Embassy and headed over to a bar that had been taken over by hundreds of Americans. We hung out there for about 2.5 hours. In the meantime, we sang, chanted, and drank with our fellow countrymen. Bill even made a trip to the barber shop to get a mohawk, which was awesome. I've never seen anything like that. All I can say is whoever says Americans don't care about soccer, has to go to a game because it's not true.
We then marched over to the stadium with everyone, again singing and chanting. We got to our seats. Sitting with Colin and I were Allie, Cammy, Ben, Andy, Lance, Bill, Preston and Mitch. We watched all game intently hoping for a bit of magic. Soon, our focus turned into nerves. Throughout the game, Ben, Mitch, Colin, and I kept looking at each other, unable to cheer. We know the USA was supposed to advance, and every minute that passed was more and more nerve racking, especially when we could look into the suite behind us and hear that the score was 1-0 England in the other game. We couldn't tie.
Just as we though the game was over and the game advanced into injury time, Tim Howard launched a fifty yard throw to set Landon on the break. He passed it to Altidore, who crossed it to Dempsey for a shot that was initially saved by the keeper. Donovan comes sprinting in and finishes it. What came next, besides the greatest feeling of our lives, can only be described by the individuals I was able to see:
After the game, the US team stayed out on the field as almost every American in attendance was still in the stadium for another hour, yelling and screaming. There was dancing, singing, hugging, and photographing going on everywhere. There was a full blown mob just outside the stadium banging drums and signing. Basically, it was the greatest party you'd every been to. Absolutely amazing. Nothing in American professional sports compares to this. All I can say is, everyone needs to make it to a World Cup in their lifetime. This game made this the most amazing trip I've ever been on.
We drove up and made it to Pretoria, the site of the game, by noon. When we got that we walked by the American Embassy and headed over to a bar that had been taken over by hundreds of Americans. We hung out there for about 2.5 hours. In the meantime, we sang, chanted, and drank with our fellow countrymen. Bill even made a trip to the barber shop to get a mohawk, which was awesome. I've never seen anything like that. All I can say is whoever says Americans don't care about soccer, has to go to a game because it's not true.
We then marched over to the stadium with everyone, again singing and chanting. We got to our seats. Sitting with Colin and I were Allie, Cammy, Ben, Andy, Lance, Bill, Preston and Mitch. We watched all game intently hoping for a bit of magic. Soon, our focus turned into nerves. Throughout the game, Ben, Mitch, Colin, and I kept looking at each other, unable to cheer. We know the USA was supposed to advance, and every minute that passed was more and more nerve racking, especially when we could look into the suite behind us and hear that the score was 1-0 England in the other game. We couldn't tie.
Just as we though the game was over and the game advanced into injury time, Tim Howard launched a fifty yard throw to set Landon on the break. He passed it to Altidore, who crossed it to Dempsey for a shot that was initially saved by the keeper. Donovan comes sprinting in and finishes it. What came next, besides the greatest feeling of our lives, can only be described by the individuals I was able to see:
- Mitch/Ben: Mitch and Ben immediately dogpiled half our row jumping up and down screaming with Colin, Andy, and I. Others may have been in there too but like I said, it was a blur.
- Andy: Andy was part of said pile, then pulled away cursing loudly in celebration, and then switched jerseys with an Algerian fan.
- Cammy: Cammy, after a post celebration hug, moved up several rows to stand on the seats and hold up a sign, only to fall into the row behind her. She got up like a champ and kept going.
- Colin: Colin was in the original dogpile, then started sprinting up and down the steps. He broke his camera in the madness, called someone, and started crying. Never seen the kid so happy.
- Myself: I stood up on my seat as soon as the rebound came out so I avoided the brut force of Mitch and Ben. I jumped on top at first, turned around to the South Africans in the suite behind me, and just jumped in there and started jumping around with them. Ben soon joined me at the railing, where we were given Budweiser and a full glass of whiskey from the South Africans that we'd spend the next 30 minutes with.
After the game, the US team stayed out on the field as almost every American in attendance was still in the stadium for another hour, yelling and screaming. There was dancing, singing, hugging, and photographing going on everywhere. There was a full blown mob just outside the stadium banging drums and signing. Basically, it was the greatest party you'd every been to. Absolutely amazing. Nothing in American professional sports compares to this. All I can say is, everyone needs to make it to a World Cup in their lifetime. This game made this the most amazing trip I've ever been on.
Day 12: Lillysleaf
Tuesday, Cammy, Allie, and I went to Lillysleaf Museum. Lillysleaf is the former secret headquarters to the ACN during Apartheid, including Nelson Mandela. It was at this very farm that the leading members of the ACN were captured and arrested, sentenced to varying terms.
It was easily the coolest museum I've ever been to, filled with technology I haven't seen in the states. The conference/dining room had a table in it which was basically touch screen and fully interactive. The museum also featured one of the original safari trucks in which the ACN smuggled guns and weapons into South Africa.
After that, we came home and went to the Italian Club to watch South Africa beat France (AWESOME). The place was filled with South Africans and everyone was pulling for Bafana Bafana. They won, but sadly were unable to move to the knockout stage.
At this point, we headed to a Portuguese restaurant called Adega. The food was amazing, and we basically took over the restaurant with our loud American antics. After that, we went to News Cafe with Wes, Ben, Bill, Cammy, and Colin. Total gong show that ended with Bill somehow getting behind the bar, and us chanting "When the Yanks Go Marching In" after we closed the place.
All in all, a good day.
It was easily the coolest museum I've ever been to, filled with technology I haven't seen in the states. The conference/dining room had a table in it which was basically touch screen and fully interactive. The museum also featured one of the original safari trucks in which the ACN smuggled guns and weapons into South Africa.
After that, we came home and went to the Italian Club to watch South Africa beat France (AWESOME). The place was filled with South Africans and everyone was pulling for Bafana Bafana. They won, but sadly were unable to move to the knockout stage.
At this point, we headed to a Portuguese restaurant called Adega. The food was amazing, and we basically took over the restaurant with our loud American antics. After that, we went to News Cafe with Wes, Ben, Bill, Cammy, and Colin. Total gong show that ended with Bill somehow getting behind the bar, and us chanting "When the Yanks Go Marching In" after we closed the place.
All in all, a good day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
