World Cup 2010 - Day 6 - June 14th
So today is the day we get to our first match: Netherlands vs Denmark. We woke up late this morning, barely making breakfast. I woke up at 9:45am which is amazingly late for me and made my way out. We had Pat call us a cab and made it out the door by 11:15am. Our game time was 1:30pm.
Traffic is terrible, the driver takes a long route, and we end up making it to our seat 5 minutes late. We didn't miss much at all. The seat views were great, the fans were awesome, and we had a fun time experiencing a game!
Once the game ended, we had some issues. Well, once you get there, it is no problem, but when you leave, JoBurg has had some issues on how to deal with transportation. Cabs aren't allowed near the stadium, the line to the buses, were very, very, very long, and we didn't even know how to get to the train.
We asked around, and the girls were asking a security guard for some help, when two men, offered to take us back. OF COURSE, you are in a different country, the answer would be no, but I felt extremely comfortable, and we had a 20 minute walk to the car. As we walk, we get to know Kuben, Jason, and company. Turns out they work for one of the very large banks in South Africa and were using the corporate vehicle.
As one of them put so eloquently, in this country "If we see those who need help or assistance and do not offer it, then it is a shame to our ancestors and family." For that reason, they wanted to show us South African hospitality and help. We go to the drop-off point, but they ask us to a place called Billy the Bums for a drink, but that place is not "happening" so we head over to Montecasino, which is the happening place. Monecasino would be like the Venetian in Las Vegas....as full on casino, nightlife, movie theaters, etc. It is a great place...we have dinner, hang out, and Kuben drops us off to our hotel...without charging a penny. This is truly South African hospitality and we make some good friends!
Here are some pics from today:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aquadri26/WorldCupDay6#
Traffic is terrible, the driver takes a long route, and we end up making it to our seat 5 minutes late. We didn't miss much at all. The seat views were great, the fans were awesome, and we had a fun time experiencing a game!
Once the game ended, we had some issues. Well, once you get there, it is no problem, but when you leave, JoBurg has had some issues on how to deal with transportation. Cabs aren't allowed near the stadium, the line to the buses, were very, very, very long, and we didn't even know how to get to the train.
We asked around, and the girls were asking a security guard for some help, when two men, offered to take us back. OF COURSE, you are in a different country, the answer would be no, but I felt extremely comfortable, and we had a 20 minute walk to the car. As we walk, we get to know Kuben, Jason, and company. Turns out they work for one of the very large banks in South Africa and were using the corporate vehicle.
As one of them put so eloquently, in this country "If we see those who need help or assistance and do not offer it, then it is a shame to our ancestors and family." For that reason, they wanted to show us South African hospitality and help. We go to the drop-off point, but they ask us to a place called Billy the Bums for a drink, but that place is not "happening" so we head over to Montecasino, which is the happening place. Monecasino would be like the Venetian in Las Vegas....as full on casino, nightlife, movie theaters, etc. It is a great place...we have dinner, hang out, and Kuben drops us off to our hotel...without charging a penny. This is truly South African hospitality and we make some good friends!
Here are some pics from today:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aquadri26/WorldCupDay6#
Hey Aman! Good to see you are all safe and enjoying the trip. I especially like the picture of the gentleman holding the "carton" of beer, with the warning stating, "Do not drink and walk on the road...you may get killed." Can't beat a good ol' warning label like that! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLL!!
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