100 Days!

Big wigs of soccer celebrated the 100 Day Kick-off for the 2010 World Cup with a gala last night in Durban. Jozi had a different plan in mind, and today droves of football fans came out to Sandton City for an extraordinary celebration. I couldn’t contain myself, and I believe everyone had their own way of celebrating the excitement. Perhaps I’m partial because I now live here, but hands down, Jozi was definitely alive with excitement for the big day! Raise your hand if you were on Maude Street learning how to do the Diski or found yourself grooving to a familiar beat (for those who already know the dance)! Since I arrived three weeks ago, South Africa has welcomed me with open arms– and although I’m an American, there’s a special excitement I feel whenever I see someone waving a South African flag because I then begin to realize that the World Cup is really happening, that it’s almost here, and that I am actually going to be apart of the experience. The vuvuzelas, the boisterous fans! It’s the South African way. And it’s not hard to get with the program when it comes to sports because happiness especially when it comes to soccer seems to be a way of life. Forgive me for making blanket statements, but so far the locals have made it very easy for me to feel at home. South Africans show love to every nation. And today especially, the entire country was on fire! From team USA to Brasil, it’s really all one love! Take today’s paper for example. The front page of The Star highlighted a colorful range of soccer fans from around the world! And yes, I must admit that I was very proud to see my flag’s red, white and royal blue hand painted on the body of an adoring fan make the cover! The rainbow nation really is a hub of many lands, everyone’s here– or making their way! So it’s a no brainer that I wore my Bafana Bafana jersey today in solidarity! Just last week I received that special green and bright yellow skipper as a gift, and since I’ve used any excuse to wear my it. Footbal Friday, Bafana Jersey! Kaiser Chiefs vs. Orlanda Pirates game, Bafana jersey! 100 Days, Bafana Jersey! Talk about catching the spirit– 100 days down, 99 more to go!