The trip home sucked. Long flights, long layovers, terrible airplane food, etc. I'm now sitting on the left hand side of the car driving on the right side of the road, and it seems so foreign. I'm going to miss South Africa. I'm going to miss the food, the new friends, the time spent doing anything but work. Now it's officially time to get back into the grind, and get back to real life. It's time to make money just so that I can pay bills, rinse and repeat.
There is definitely a downside to long vacations, and that is that all motivation to be a productive member of society leaves you when you come back home. I'd rather continue to wake up at 10 am, and have breakfast made for me every morning. I'd rather shower around noon, and then drive off to a soccer match or wildlife park. But I guess that's also what makes you appreciate your time off. If I absolutely loved every minute of my current life, there would be no point in going on vacation. The next big one could be in year, or it could be 4 years from now, but mark my words, I'll be in Brazil for WC 2014 and it will be a party and a half.
Mike
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Fear and Loathing in Johannesburg
We attended our second game at the legendary Ellis Park yesterday. It's one of the most famous Rugby stadiums in the world. (Watch Invictus and you'll understand) Our seats were probably 10 rows from the top, so it was also bat central. I'm afraid of almost nothing, but I do get pretty skeeved out by bats. The thought always enters my mind that one will dive bomb my head, and I'll get rabies. Of course that never happens. The Vuvazelas constant droning must've really been messing with the bat sonar because they were all over the place.
During the game, Spain never looked like they were going to lose. Although it was only 2-0, they absolutely dominated Honduras. By the 65th minute, Spain was literally WALKING up and down the field while the Hondurans frantically chased the ball to no avail. It was as if my rec league team decided to play against Real Madrid. Pretty much not fair at all. David Villa scored two goals, and probably could've scored 10 more. Everyone's favorite Gunnner, Cesc Fabregas, beat the keeper but was denied a goal on a great defensive effort by a Honduran defender about 60 minutes into the game. Fernando Torres had all kinds of opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. He's definitely fallen off his top form. Two years ago in Euro 2008, he was unstoppable. I don't know what happened.
We're off to Polokwane tonight to go see Messi trounce the Greek side. We're all pretty excited that we'll get to see the best player in the world up close and personal. However, none of us are looking forward to the long drive home in the middle of the night. At least it's all highway driving instead of the sketch backroads near Rustenburg.
Mike
Monday, June 21, 2010
This trip is a marathon for anybody's immune system....
First off, I need to get this off my chest. I hate Italy. They're a bunch of divers. That PK yesterday never should've happened.
So I've started to suck down Airborne. We've into the second half of the trip, and the lack of sleep + cold weather + constant screaming at games is starting to take a toll. Sore throat + runny nose = nothing a trip to the Chemist (Pharmacy) can't fix. If I'm not 100% run down by the time I get home, I feel like I will not taken this trip to its full potential. A marathon is a measure of how far you can take the human body......and so is minor sleep deprivation for a few weeks by choice to hang out with everyone until all hours of the night.
On the upside, I've heard the absolute greatest band name of all time. The Band Before Time. Mark, one of the Canadians in the house, drums for this band and we traded some band shirts. We were talking music a few nights ago, and jamming to some tunes. It's definitely catchy, and something worthwhile to check out. Anyone who's reading this and books shows, book these dudes from Halifax.
Looking for more foreign food and drink today, and then Spain vs Honduras tonight.
Mike
So I've started to suck down Airborne. We've into the second half of the trip, and the lack of sleep + cold weather + constant screaming at games is starting to take a toll. Sore throat + runny nose = nothing a trip to the Chemist (Pharmacy) can't fix. If I'm not 100% run down by the time I get home, I feel like I will not taken this trip to its full potential. A marathon is a measure of how far you can take the human body......and so is minor sleep deprivation for a few weeks by choice to hang out with everyone until all hours of the night.
On the upside, I've heard the absolute greatest band name of all time. The Band Before Time. Mark, one of the Canadians in the house, drums for this band and we traded some band shirts. We were talking music a few nights ago, and jamming to some tunes. It's definitely catchy, and something worthwhile to check out. Anyone who's reading this and books shows, book these dudes from Halifax.
Looking for more foreign food and drink today, and then Spain vs Honduras tonight.
Mike
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Adventure Quest: Fruit and Meat.
While in SA we are trying to eat things that are not easily available in the US. Here are some of the new things we have tried.
1. Grenadillas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granadilla The insides of these things look like frog eggs, slimy and black. However, they are super delicious. The ones we have aren't fully ripe, but still totally edible. You eat the seeds and fruit guts, but not the skin. It tastes a little sweet, a little sour, and crunchy because of the seeds. Looks terrible tastes awesome. Grenadilla is available in a lot of juices and yogurts around here.
2. Pepino: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_muricatum The insides of this one sort of looked like a mix of cantaloupe and papaya due to the color and seeds. The taste was a lot similar to a cantaloupe however. Really tasty, but I liked the grenadillas better.
3. Ostrich. I was convinced that because ostrich is a giant bird, the meat would be similar to all other poultry. But when the waiter asked how it should be cooked... um don't you fully cook poultry? Actually the meat is just like a super tender fillet. Some of the best meat I have ever tasted in my life. Cooked perfectly with a semi spicy rub on it with mashed pumpkin. Mike could describe this better since he ordered it, but the piece I tried was incredible. And I am most definately attempting to make mashed pumpkin instead of mashed potato.
4. Springbok. The spring bok is similar to an antelope. The meal I had was chicken wrapped around springbok medallions. Again, a super tender meat that is a mix between venison and beef, but completely different and amazing. I really could eat this in place of all other beef products.
The food here is some of the best I have eaten, and it's all so well priced, if not dirt cheap. Paired with a Hansa Pilsner or Castle Light and it's damn near perfect.
God Bless America, and God Bless South African Chefs.
Emily
1. Grenadillas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granadilla The insides of these things look like frog eggs, slimy and black. However, they are super delicious. The ones we have aren't fully ripe, but still totally edible. You eat the seeds and fruit guts, but not the skin. It tastes a little sweet, a little sour, and crunchy because of the seeds. Looks terrible tastes awesome. Grenadilla is available in a lot of juices and yogurts around here.
2. Pepino: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_muricatum The insides of this one sort of looked like a mix of cantaloupe and papaya due to the color and seeds. The taste was a lot similar to a cantaloupe however. Really tasty, but I liked the grenadillas better.
3. Ostrich. I was convinced that because ostrich is a giant bird, the meat would be similar to all other poultry. But when the waiter asked how it should be cooked... um don't you fully cook poultry? Actually the meat is just like a super tender fillet. Some of the best meat I have ever tasted in my life. Cooked perfectly with a semi spicy rub on it with mashed pumpkin. Mike could describe this better since he ordered it, but the piece I tried was incredible. And I am most definately attempting to make mashed pumpkin instead of mashed potato.
4. Springbok. The spring bok is similar to an antelope. The meal I had was chicken wrapped around springbok medallions. Again, a super tender meat that is a mix between venison and beef, but completely different and amazing. I really could eat this in place of all other beef products.
The food here is some of the best I have eaten, and it's all so well priced, if not dirt cheap. Paired with a Hansa Pilsner or Castle Light and it's damn near perfect.
God Bless America, and God Bless South African Chefs.
Emily
Saturday, June 19, 2010
What the hell?
I went from the happiest person in the world to the angriest person in the world in 6.2 seconds flat. The US played shitsville in the first half and gave up two goals. The second half they came out with a purpose. This could've been one of the greatest comeback wins in World Cup history. In my mind, it was a victory. The actual result is ass and a half. Half dos, Bradley finally put Benny and Edu on the field and we switched to a 4-3-3 with Clint, Jozy, and Landycakes. Head Coach Bob Bradley, now forever to be known in this blog as HCBB, finally realized Findley was ass and subbed him out at half....hooray. Instantly the ball movement was better, and chances galore started happening. Landon roofed a great goal from in close, and then in the 82nd minute Bradley tied it up. The energy in the building was growing, and then it happened.....
Maurice Edu scored off Landon's free kick in the 86th minute. I was hugging every person I could find. Colin was literally picking up small children and screaming in their faces. One of the happiest moments I've had since coming over here instantly became a total shit show. Before we knew what had even happened, the goal was disallowed. That referee now is on the top of my shitlist. If I could kick him in the balls, I'd do it 7897324879234795861 times. FUCK EVERYTHING. The entire bus ride back, nobody knew what happened. We watched a full replay when we got home along with post-game coverage. Everyone that I've spoken with on the issue has been completely dumbfounded. Complete Bullshittery. No one from Mali should be allowed to ref in the World Cup.
HCBB better get his troops to kill Algeria. Findley is suspended after 2 yellows, so there's no chance of his unskilled ass being on the field. God Bless FIFA for Yellow Card suspensions.
In non-soccer related news, we hit the J'Burg Zoo today. Hippos, Rhinos, Hyenas, Monkeys, Gibbons, Baboons, Lemurs, Cheetahs, Tigers, Lions, TONS of different Owls, Gazelles, Giraffes, Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear, the only Polar Bear in all of Africa, a Gorilla, Camels, etc etc etc. You could get sooooo close to the animals. The zoo was extraordinarily large, but definitely a better experience than most zoos I've been to.
Need to hit the Cradle of Humankind before we leave. The caves and fossils are supposedly amazing.
Maurice Edu scored off Landon's free kick in the 86th minute. I was hugging every person I could find. Colin was literally picking up small children and screaming in their faces. One of the happiest moments I've had since coming over here instantly became a total shit show. Before we knew what had even happened, the goal was disallowed. That referee now is on the top of my shitlist. If I could kick him in the balls, I'd do it 7897324879234795861 times. FUCK EVERYTHING. The entire bus ride back, nobody knew what happened. We watched a full replay when we got home along with post-game coverage. Everyone that I've spoken with on the issue has been completely dumbfounded. Complete Bullshittery. No one from Mali should be allowed to ref in the World Cup.
HCBB better get his troops to kill Algeria. Findley is suspended after 2 yellows, so there's no chance of his unskilled ass being on the field. God Bless FIFA for Yellow Card suspensions.
In non-soccer related news, we hit the J'Burg Zoo today. Hippos, Rhinos, Hyenas, Monkeys, Gibbons, Baboons, Lemurs, Cheetahs, Tigers, Lions, TONS of different Owls, Gazelles, Giraffes, Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear, the only Polar Bear in all of Africa, a Gorilla, Camels, etc etc etc. You could get sooooo close to the animals. The zoo was extraordinarily large, but definitely a better experience than most zoos I've been to.
Need to hit the Cradle of Humankind before we leave. The caves and fossils are supposedly amazing.
Friday, June 18, 2010
I ain't afraid of no Ghost Pops
Since last posting, we have been to the France v Mexico game and are preparing for the US v Slovenia game. The outfits for the France v Mexico game have been the best so far. I thought that topping the "You can't Dutch this" shirt at the Netherlands game would be a tough feat, but then we saw the Mexicans.
1. Multiple Thierry Henry jokes. People with Henry masks, jerseys, etc. All with GIANT hands with a soccer ball attached. Awesome. He didn't even play that game!
2. The Mexican headdresses were super elaborate. How they got those on the plane is a mystery to me.
3. Luchadore masks. Normally I would think this would be uncomfortable to wear for a whole game, but thanks to the cold, they looked smart.
4. Irish fans dressed as leprechauns. I was thinking I should have brought an Irish flag to the game...but forgot.
There were also foozeball tables and free beer and parties everywhere in Polokwane. Incredible atmosphere.
Snack update: Ghost Pops are really good. They are like spiced super lightweight corn snacks. Delicious, melt in your mouth snack attack. I think Ghost Pops are my #2 after Biltong.
God Bless America, and God Bless the families of these piss poor referees, because their lives may be in danger after some of these shitty calls.
Emily
1. Multiple Thierry Henry jokes. People with Henry masks, jerseys, etc. All with GIANT hands with a soccer ball attached. Awesome. He didn't even play that game!
2. The Mexican headdresses were super elaborate. How they got those on the plane is a mystery to me.
3. Luchadore masks. Normally I would think this would be uncomfortable to wear for a whole game, but thanks to the cold, they looked smart.
4. Irish fans dressed as leprechauns. I was thinking I should have brought an Irish flag to the game...but forgot.
There were also foozeball tables and free beer and parties everywhere in Polokwane. Incredible atmosphere.
Snack update: Ghost Pops are really good. They are like spiced super lightweight corn snacks. Delicious, melt in your mouth snack attack. I think Ghost Pops are my #2 after Biltong.
God Bless America, and God Bless the families of these piss poor referees, because their lives may be in danger after some of these shitty calls.
Emily
Thursday, June 17, 2010
J'Burg is the Catz Pajam's
We hit up the Lion Park and the Croc Park yesterday, and saw a ton of wildlife that I'll probably never get the chance to see again......at least that close up. All of us took pictures with lion cubs and pythons. Again, when we stop being lazy, we'll post pictures. Maybe on our next day off.....Saturday I think.
For dinner, we hit up the Catz Pajama's. It looks like a total scumfuck establishment outside, but inside it's rather glorious. The blue lighting and modern decor was pretty great. The really really high ceiling was adorned with the flags of all the nations in the tourney. The food was amazing. I had the Catz Cordon Bleu. Bacon wrapped chicken cordon bleu over top of penne in a mushroom and onion cream sauce.
We finished the day by driving up to the Fan Park for the Bafana Bafana (South Africa) game. The locals were going absolutely nuts. Tough luck on the red card. Total BS call. I guess the way to describe that one would be not "Ayoba". Uruguay was diving all game. They may have turned into my most hated nation in the tourney.
Today our game is at 8:30 PM in Polokwane (Mexico vs France). Without traffic, it's probably a 4 hour drive.....so it's probably going to take us 6 hours. It's going to be a late one tonight, then a quick recovery before USA vs Slovenia.
For dinner, we hit up the Catz Pajama's. It looks like a total scumfuck establishment outside, but inside it's rather glorious. The blue lighting and modern decor was pretty great. The really really high ceiling was adorned with the flags of all the nations in the tourney. The food was amazing. I had the Catz Cordon Bleu. Bacon wrapped chicken cordon bleu over top of penne in a mushroom and onion cream sauce.
We finished the day by driving up to the Fan Park for the Bafana Bafana (South Africa) game. The locals were going absolutely nuts. Tough luck on the red card. Total BS call. I guess the way to describe that one would be not "Ayoba". Uruguay was diving all game. They may have turned into my most hated nation in the tourney.
Today our game is at 8:30 PM in Polokwane (Mexico vs France). Without traffic, it's probably a 4 hour drive.....so it's probably going to take us 6 hours. It's going to be a late one tonight, then a quick recovery before USA vs Slovenia.
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