So it's the Nazis vs. the former Nazis. And now it's 4-0. Good grief. You know coming out of the group portion, I said to myself, "Self, watch out for Germany, they're good." I was right. That is two sports teams I should have put money on. First the 2009 New Orleans Saints (I surmised that they'd be good last year and make it to the Super Bowl) and now the 2010 Germany team. Well American football season is coming up, so hopefully I'll make another correct prediction. Your 2010 Cleveland Browns, baby! (Kidding, of course)
So where have I been? Well I went to the Algeria game - I have pictures of that. I'll post them tomorrow. I went to the USA-Ghana game - again pictures of that tomorrow. The pregame was awesome.
Other than that, I've been in a pretty big funk for the last week. So sorry I haven't written. I've been trying to get things up and running at work, and I felt a little setback the last week or so. Frankly, it caused me to get a major case of homesickness. It's been one month that I've been here, and I think being away for so long finally caught up to me. The newness is dying down, I'm falling into a normal life routine, and I do miss all of you, my friends and family terribly.
This is something, that if you've known me for a while, getting down just happens sometimes, and has happened for quite some time. It's a struggle to deal with, and I admit that it can consume me when it happens.
One thing I have still yet to learn is patience. I've learned a lot about it, but being here is teaching me a valuable lesson - some things in life and work and everything you just have to wait for it to happen. And sometimes obstacles need to be cleared in order for better things to happen.
But, I am better now - feeling much better with a renewed sense of energy. And thanks for the emails and comments asking where I was. I really appreciate it!
One final comment, specifically to Max: I really am proud of you for getting your new job. You most definitely deserve it. I see tremendous opportunity for you in the future for your career, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
Ok serious post is over. See, I told you they wouldn't be all "Tra-la-la look at me and the soccer games, aren't you jealous?"
Thanks again - will post more soon. I promise!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
USA - Slovenia Pictures
Ok, hi! Did you miss me? I know, we're all busy. But hey, I went to the USA - Slovenia game yesterday. Oh boy, were we robbed. You know I thought it was a goal at the time, but seeing it on replays later, I know it was definitely a goal. It's a good thing they are thinking of banning that ref, because he was awful. It wasn't just that call; he missed a whole multitude of calls earlier, including an offsides on Slovenia on their second goal. But you probably got all the commentary you ever desired from ESPN. You're here to see pictures. Ok then, you got it! Some commentary once I get to the pictures.
First off, this is the view of Joburg from my hotel/apartment. Pretty swanky, eh?
The tower on the left is the Ponte Place Apartments. It used to be the hot address to have in the city. Then in the '80s, gangs moved into the place and by the '90s it became a slum. They're wanting to revitalize it, but it's a tough slog. But it is a good symbol for what Joburg is. The tower on the right is one of two telecom towers in the city and is located near the first tower. Both are near Ellis Park, which is where the game was held yesterday.
Before going to the game, we stopped by the California Grill and Bar. Odd title for Joburg, but hey I've seen Tennessee Street here (Tennesseesuid for you Afrikans in attendance), so nothing is out of the ordinary. Needless to say, it reminded me of a frat house.
This is the bar area where you purchase your drinks. Basically you could get a Castle or Windhoek (Namibian Budweiser, but much better) 750ml for 25 rand. That's about a half bottle of wine for about 3 1/2 dollars. Yes, seriously. I kid you not.
And here's Teresa getting her face painted. Not bad, hey?
We're watching Germany lose to Serbia. How did that happen? Oh also this guy was told to drink the big beer in under 10 seconds. He didn't make it. Still though, definitely a frat house feel.
Part of Ellis Park on the sideline. Oh yes, I had front row seats. No, really I did! I don't know how that happened, my tickets said row DD and I thought that was going to be in the back. NOPE! It was AWESOME!!!!
Americans and the American Flag ready for the National Anthem.
Here's the start of the game. Notice we're already having troubles with that crooked ref.
Slovenian goaltender.
Here's a wider view of Ellis Park. You remember the movie Invictus? Yes, it was shot here. Yes this is where the World Rugby Cup final happened. So many memories all in this park!
Ugh - stupid ref.
Ok, I was trying out something with my camera with the sport option. I think this turned out pretty well!
And these guys were just, um, interesting. How they were able to breathe is beyond me!
And there they go!
Here's a corner kick we had on Slovenia. We didn't score here, but you can pretend we did if you would like.
Still on their side of the field.
That was a horrible first half. How we were able to even get back in the game is beyond me. And yes, again, we should have won. I didn't take pictures of the second half, because I was too much into the game. But I hope you enjoyed. Tomorrow is the Apartheid Museum.
First off, this is the view of Joburg from my hotel/apartment. Pretty swanky, eh?
The tower on the left is the Ponte Place Apartments. It used to be the hot address to have in the city. Then in the '80s, gangs moved into the place and by the '90s it became a slum. They're wanting to revitalize it, but it's a tough slog. But it is a good symbol for what Joburg is. The tower on the right is one of two telecom towers in the city and is located near the first tower. Both are near Ellis Park, which is where the game was held yesterday.
Before going to the game, we stopped by the California Grill and Bar. Odd title for Joburg, but hey I've seen Tennessee Street here (Tennesseesuid for you Afrikans in attendance), so nothing is out of the ordinary. Needless to say, it reminded me of a frat house.
This is the bar area where you purchase your drinks. Basically you could get a Castle or Windhoek (Namibian Budweiser, but much better) 750ml for 25 rand. That's about a half bottle of wine for about 3 1/2 dollars. Yes, seriously. I kid you not.
And here's Teresa getting her face painted. Not bad, hey?
We're watching Germany lose to Serbia. How did that happen? Oh also this guy was told to drink the big beer in under 10 seconds. He didn't make it. Still though, definitely a frat house feel.
Part of Ellis Park on the sideline. Oh yes, I had front row seats. No, really I did! I don't know how that happened, my tickets said row DD and I thought that was going to be in the back. NOPE! It was AWESOME!!!!
Americans and the American Flag ready for the National Anthem.
Here's the start of the game. Notice we're already having troubles with that crooked ref.
Slovenian goaltender.
Here's a wider view of Ellis Park. You remember the movie Invictus? Yes, it was shot here. Yes this is where the World Rugby Cup final happened. So many memories all in this park!
Ugh - stupid ref.
Ok, I was trying out something with my camera with the sport option. I think this turned out pretty well!
And these guys were just, um, interesting. How they were able to breathe is beyond me!
And there they go!
Here's a corner kick we had on Slovenia. We didn't score here, but you can pretend we did if you would like.
Still on their side of the field.
That was a horrible first half. How we were able to even get back in the game is beyond me. And yes, again, we should have won. I didn't take pictures of the second half, because I was too much into the game. But I hope you enjoyed. Tomorrow is the Apartheid Museum.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
USA - England Pictures
What a great game! We tied the Englanders (I guess it's not Brits, but from now on, I will refer to them as the Brits) and we have a really strong chance of winning our group. If we do, watch out for us! Pictures of the event follow. There's quite a few. I won't comment on all, but I will give some flavor to them.
Here we are waiting for our bus to take us to the game. The guys, not sure who they were but the girl on the left is Molly. She helped me getting the ticket for the game. Thanks Molly!
And here are the England fans. Don't they look happy beforehand?
These guys were from England on our bus. They started drinking (like the rest of the Brits) just as soon as we left.
And this is Amy. Teresa's is turned around so all you see is her hair.
And this is Teresa. Hello!
We're ready to go to the game!
This is the Magaliesburg Mountain range. That's Magaliesburg (prounounced Ma-ha-lee-s-burg).
Sunset on the African plains.
I told you the Brits started drinking after we left. We had to take a bathroom break for them. So all the Brits went to piss on the other side of a hill. All the American fans stayed on and took pictures.
Lots of Brits. Go USA!!!
Leading up to the stadium.
And here's the inside of the stadium.
Some of the many fans that were at the game. This was a small stadium - 38,000 people could fit inside.
More fans. Notice all the England flags!
Just about to start.
During My Country Tis of Thee. Oh sorry God Save the Queen. I read reports that the Brits sang their national anthem stronger than the Americans. That's not true - the Brits sang their version, the Americans sang My Country Tis of Thee even louder - so the whole stadium was singing during that song. The Brits - they don't know our song, so that's why it wasn't loud. Also? More Brits in the stands than Americans.
And this is during our National Anthem.
That was after England's goal, 4 minutes into the game.
Ok hope you enjoyed the pics!!!! More coming for Slovenia vs. USA!
Here we are waiting for our bus to take us to the game. The guys, not sure who they were but the girl on the left is Molly. She helped me getting the ticket for the game. Thanks Molly!
And here are the England fans. Don't they look happy beforehand?
These guys were from England on our bus. They started drinking (like the rest of the Brits) just as soon as we left.
And this is Amy. Teresa's is turned around so all you see is her hair.
And this is Teresa. Hello!
We're ready to go to the game!
This is the Magaliesburg Mountain range. That's Magaliesburg (prounounced Ma-ha-lee-s-burg).
Sunset on the African plains.
I told you the Brits started drinking after we left. We had to take a bathroom break for them. So all the Brits went to piss on the other side of a hill. All the American fans stayed on and took pictures.
Lots of Brits. Go USA!!!
Leading up to the stadium.
And here's the inside of the stadium.
Some of the many fans that were at the game. This was a small stadium - 38,000 people could fit inside.
More fans. Notice all the England flags!
Just about to start.
During My Country Tis of Thee. Oh sorry God Save the Queen. I read reports that the Brits sang their national anthem stronger than the Americans. That's not true - the Brits sang their version, the Americans sang My Country Tis of Thee even louder - so the whole stadium was singing during that song. The Brits - they don't know our song, so that's why it wasn't loud. Also? More Brits in the stands than Americans.
And this is during our National Anthem.
That was after England's goal, 4 minutes into the game.
Ok hope you enjoyed the pics!!!! More coming for Slovenia vs. USA!
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