Aftermath...

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", the opening line from a Tale of Two Cities epitomises the way I feel at the moment.  Now you may think, judging from most of the material on this blog, that I have just experienced a major life event or that some major incident that is potentially life changing has occurred.  And you may be right.  Like all things, the World Cup is coming to an end. 

For just over a month now we have been at the centre stage of the world hosting what is probably the most prestigious sporting event in the world today.  It has been reported that the number of tourists over the period has increased by twenty percent to one million, up by two hundred thousand, compared to the same period as last year.  What makes this different is instead of tourists moving around experiencing the beauty of our country, they are concentrated in the major cities of Johannesburg, which has three stadiums in close proximity, and Cape Town, which is considered one of the most desirable cities to visit.

The other world cup cities, have briefly experienced the influx of fans on match day, and only caught a glimpse of the energy and incredible spirit of the people.  Hearing people communicating with each other in different tongues, adds to the cosmopolitan feel of the cities and gives a feeling of being part of not just the African stage, but the World stage.  Something we as South Africans, because of our tainted past and the location of our country at the southern most tip of Africa, have never felt before.  Like it or not, we have been united by this event, to experience the best football teams the world has to offer and the tournaments spirit has overtaken us all.

The interludes between the matches as the final match draws closer found me surfing the channels for a dose of football.  I have made my way to the malls to walk among the crowds of people in order to imprint the feeling of elation and well being on my soul.  To be a part of and totally immerse myself in the experience. 

So when it all ends, I can recall and relive it all and take joy in the fact that I am a part of the human race and a proud citizen of Planet Earth. 

"Live long and prosper" :-)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Surprise...

Although I have been surprised on many occasions in my life, very few have left an impression on me. There are even fewer where i can admit that i have been at a complete loss for words. On Wednesday I was surprised, pleasantly I might add, but to such an extent that I was, for a significant amount of time, at a complete loss for words. A friend of mine, that I had not seen in the last thirty years, and I arranged to meet at Sandton City for a cup of coffee.  Walking through Nelson Mandela Square, i could not help but notice, that all the restaurants were filled with tourists from all over the globe who had come to our beautiful country to share in the World Cup experience.  The chatter of people in various tongues contributed to the cosmopolitan atmosphere that prevailed in the square. We made our way to a coffee shop and proceeded to catch up on the last thirty years.  It was fascinating listening and chatting about how our lives had turned out.  It occurred to me at that moment
Read more

A Friend Indeed - The Second Leg

I am happy and sad at the same time.  Happy, because I had strengthened the bond that binds us and sad because I had had to leave home for the next stage of my journey, and it is never easy to take leave from the love and warmth of home, but go I must. Back on the paved road I head towards Springbok and after refueling the car, on towards Cape Town.  The road winding its way through the mountains.  Kamieskroon, Garies, Verhynsdorp, Klawer, Clan William, Citrusdal, Piketberg and Moorreesburg, towns seemingly forgotten along the way, before the familiar Malmesbury and Cape Town. A distance of some six hundred kilometres. Mouille Point, Cape Town.  A fresh wind blows across the parking lot.  The smell of the ocean assaults my senses.  The apartment is modern and tastefully furnished but it is the balcony which becomes my haven.  An early morning cup of coffee overlooking the most stunning of beach fronts is very hard to beat. A trip to Franschoek with its quaint streets and famous r
Read more

The Rose

Is it not strange how sometimes you hear and old familiar song and decide to actually listen to it and you realise what a fantastic song it is?  Today it happened to me.  I was on my way to Hyde Park, the rain splattering on the windscreen before being wiped away by the windscreen wipers when this song burst forth from the radio.  I turned the volume up because it sounded familiar and for the first time i listened to the song.  The lyrics blew me away and I rushed over to the shopping center and rummaging through the music DVDs found a copy of the song.  I have been listening to it non stop since then.  The song, The Rose, sung by Bette Midler and written by Amanda McBroom. The Rose Some say love, it is a river That drowns the tender reed Some say love, it is a razor That leaves your soul to bleed Some say love, it is a hunger an endless aching need I say love, it is a flower And you, its only seed It's the heart, afraid of breaking That never learns to dance It'
Read more