Journal of This Southern Africa Adventure
July, 2000
6 July
It was in the bag. There was no doubt about it. The celebrations were set up in all of the major cities with huge screen TVs set up so that everyone could see the 5 minute announcement. South Africa's competition had been falling by the wayside for the past several months. Brazil, one of the early front runners, made a deal to support South Africa if South Africa returned the favor for the 2010 Cup. England was virtually eliminated when some of its hoodlum fans caused an uproar in recent European championships. No African nation had never hosted the World Cup and everyone thought that it was Africa's turn. Soccer, after all, was by far, the most popular sport in Africa. Morocco was the only competition for South Africa within the African continent. Late comer Germany was a strong contender but had hosted the World Cup in the 70's. South Africa had done all it could to host the cup, even having Nelson Mandela, its living saint, help in the negotiation.
A large TV screen was set up in Church Square in Pretoria just 1 block away from our work location. Brian Thomas and I went to see the results. We stayed as close as possible to the work location in case celebration riots occurred as had happened in the past. However, policeman were everywhere so we felt fairly safe.
The balloons were set up near the stage ready to be released upon the announcement. There had been some chanting and singing and almost celebrating even before the announcement. The president of the FIFA committee appeared on the screen at last but then took forever to make the announcement. Everyone was confident that South Africa would be the 2006 host to the Soccer World Cup... and then the initial announcement that this was the closest vote ever recorded by the international organizers of the event (12-11). People became visibly shaken and very nervous. People began praying on their knees that South Africa would win. How could it even be close they asked.
Finally the announcement came, "...and the winner is ...," the balloons were released; the president unfolded a large piece of cardboard, flipped it open and revealed the winner, "Deutschland."
A blow, a shock, how could it be. This was major disappointment. People's heads hung low and most people left quickly to get back to work.
Aftermath: It turns out that there was one abstaining vote. If the vote had been a tie then the president of the committee would make the decision and he was a very vocal African supporter. The fellow from New Zealand decided, when England was eliminated from consideration to abstain. He had been a South African supporter but England was his favorite. The man was so ridiculed for his abstention that he was forced to resign a couple of weeks later. South Africa continues to appeal the decision with little chance for success. And what of Germany, what of their celebrations? There was none. The German people did not really think that their fortune in winning the bid, was very exceptional.
8 July
What do Americans do in South Africa on July 8th? They celebrate the 4th of July, of course. The US Consulate puts on a real 4rth of July picnic every year. Almost everyone there was American. There were hotdogs, and hamburgers served with Heinz Ketchup, and, coke, and corndogs, and apple pie and chocolate cake. OK, so the apple pie was from McDonalds, the beer was not American, and the day was chilly (but sunny). No one cared, everyone enjoyed themselves.
Picture us with the US ambassador to South Africa
(l-r, Me, Mike, Brian, US Ambassador, Bessy, Brian2)
Picture courtesy of Miguel Buchwald
15 July
We visited Lion-Rhino Park, again. This time we went to see some Lion's feeding, and, well, I never get tired of seeing Rhinos.
20 July
Went to an African tourist restaurant called Carnivores. Needless to say there was meat, meat, and more meat consisting of giraffe, crocodile, ostrich, gemsbok, pork, ham, and beef. There was no warthog this time, and that's my favorite.
26 July
We are about to take our first trip home since arriving in South Africa, 11 months ago. I do not know if we will hate it or love it. Will there be too much rush-rush, too many choices and decisions to make, too crowded? Well, we will only be there for a week and a half so ... who knows?
As we contemplate our trip we are thinking about those scenes of Africa that are in our mind. They are so common here that you see them every day. When we leave permanently, we may never see them again. So I am carrying my camera with me more often than not attempting to get permanent records of:
These are some of my most everlasting memories. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile we are collecting some artwork. Check out some paintings!
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