03 July 2010

Ciao!



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The best thing about Europe so far

Without the Socceroos to follow we didn't feel there was much need to hang around South Africa. We tried to get to the New Zealand game in Polokwane the day after our game against Serbia but for some reason it was not our destiny to get to watch them. Firstly we tried to watch the Italy vs NZ game the week before but due to the friendly robbers in Rustenburg we spent the morning at the cop shop rather than driving and arrived too late. This time we got an early start but busted a tyre about 100km into the drive, that wasn't too bad, put the spare on and kept going. Then 40 minutes out of Polokwane our spare went too. Being stuck somewhere in South Africa with only 3 wheels, your brother, your Dad and two donkeys eating grass for 3 hours isn't all that exciting. We eventually got back on the road again and arrived in Polokwane with about 5 minutes of game time to go. 

I'm now safe and sound in Switzerland. The land of clockwork is a funny place to end up after being in South Africa. Here the toilets flush, the paper cups don't leak and there are no random fires burning on the side of the road. In fact everything works so damn perfectly that it makes me miss the harmonious chaos of South Africa! 

I miss the charm and erratic behaviour, the sweet exchanges with proud locals, the kangaroo comments, shakin booties and rhythm but I cannot deny that Europe really knows whats going on. World Cup is on and if you hated the sport you might just want to kill yourself (or find a redneck town in South Africa). Every shop has a plasma screen TV viewing the games, supermarkets, department stores, shops on the street. Every child wears their preferred jersey. When England lost and the Germans won you knew about it. Luckily for me I love this sport and the European football culture makes me feel right at home. 

For now I think project Girl Meets Ball can go to sleep… It's been lots of fun sharing my trip to South Africa, but now I had better get on with the rest of my ideas. I'll be in Europe for two more weeks and will then be moving to London. 

Feel free to comment and say hi! I hope you enjoyed the ride.

Thanks and goodbye 
GMB X 




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The Swiss won in the gummibear World Cup!




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Germany just scored their 3rd goal against England




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I was in Paris on Wednesday and found their Fifa Fan Fest, I thought Sydney's was in a good location! Imagine watching France get knocked out of the group stage here... 




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A poster in Paris