Differences... Day 2

There is an 9 hour difference between here and Arizona. The first day we finally go to shower and catch up on sleep a bit. When you have been traveling for 2 days and have long layovers in several cities, it is amazing that a shower is what makes all the difference. We got up and went to a picnic with all of Marco's friends. We played an hour of soccer.. the teams were a bit skewed as Cammi and I's team lost... We stopped for a while to eat.. And that is where we realized that we didn't have any food.. All three American's were not worried but the South Afrikan, Marco was a bit distressed. There were 25 other people there and as soon as we sat down, they shoved food in our face... in a good way ;-). Everybody shared everything that they had. There was no talk of money or paying back. It was very chill and honestly, it is what caught us off guard. First of all, in the states, I feel like when you do something for someone, people keep score or tally what is owed. It was not the case. South Afrika has much more of a community feel than the US. I mean, honestly, when is the last time you went to a park and had a picnic and played a game of pickup whatever. It was such an awesome feeling. People here I feel are much more open and inviting than back home. People want to share. Everybody brings stuff and if you forget to bring something, it really bothers them that they didn't. As opposed to the states, we are much more possession oriented. We like what is ours and don't like other people taking what is "Mine."

We had a blast with all the our new friends we met. In fact, later that night before the Bafana Bafana game, we played a couple of group games that were very fun. We played a game called 30 seconds which is a combination of charades, taboo, pictionary, and hand puppets. It was a blast. Then the Amerikans stepped in and taught them the classic game of spoons. If you don't know how to play, you aren't a true Amerikan... jk. It is a game where intensity, sacrifice, and passion is encouraged, required, and necessary for success. Needless to say that there were a few injuries! Your's truly placed 1st and 3rd and now has a broken arm... jk... We left the flatt and went to the fan park called sandton for the Bafana Bafana game. We arrived and there was at least 5000 fans/people from all over the world. Dan and I immediately started taking pictures with anyone that wanted to take one! There was air of celebration! The South Afrikans were so proud to be hosting the first Afrikan World Cup. Fans were cheering, dancing, singing, blowing the vuvuzelas, waving flags, sharing drinks... Just celebrating! It was an amazing feeling. "Ke Nako" means "It is Here" and yes.. It was. There was only 2 things wrong with the night... It was balls cold... 25 degrees in fact. And the Bafana Bafana team could not score a goal to save their lives and lost 3-0 to the dismay and tears of the crowd. Other than that, it was amazing!!!

The feeling of a World Cup. The Aura of the greats past. The rising of the new. The tears of joy... The tears of pain. The pride of playing for ones country. The shame in failing. Incredible