South Africa is wonderful and vibrant.
The South African people – black, cape-coloured and white – have been so warm and welcoming. It is my first World Cup and the atmosphere is amazing. It’s winter here, which makes it easier to work. It’s like an Irish spring day but it rained cats and dogs yesterday.
Breaking into the Dressing Room
Last Friday the England / Algeria game was poor for England but the hospitality and the Green Point stadium were amazing. The stadium only cost €45million euro to build – a tenth of the Aviva in Dublin – and it holds 66.000 compared to 45.000.
The security was tight, my wrist band for corporate level was checked about 5 times and my ticket also. Some security and police did seem a little confused about directions when asked. I don’t know how the English fan got into the changing rooms!
I visited Nederbug winery and Durbanville Hills vine yards, truly wonderful wine with a great view of table mountain. I stayed in a township called Malebo’s Bed & Breakfast in Graceland Khayelitsha in the Cape Town Suburbs and tried sheep’s head or ‘smiley’ as it’s called locally because when it’s cooked on a barbecue or braais. The tongue comes out of its mouth like it’s smiling. It was horrible.
Close Shave
I got a shave from a barber in the township and he cut me slightly – it only cost €2. It wasn’t a great shave so I bought Mach 3 in the V & A Waterfront (a big tourist shopping district) and was charged €17 euro. I’m still in shock… They should change the name to V & A rip-off front.
There are two South Africas – one wealthy and the other on just 80c an hour (the minimum wage). 15-years since the end of apartheid and most big businesses are still controlled by the white population.
Legacy
This World Cup has brought the rainbow nation of 11 different official languages together.
Before I go, I have to mention that while on safari a lion followed me but I managed to get back into the jeep in time. I left my passport behind in the township but I got it back. Crime and security problems in South Africa have been blown out of all proportion. I had my lap top stolen just off South Earl Street in Dublin, I still have my one here in Cape Town.
Bafana Bafana – Henry
