The World’s largest, fastest, steepest, zip line!

If you are a thrill seeker, and just happen to be in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, be sure to check out the world’s most intense zip line in Sun City, South Africa! To get an idea of what you’re in for, check out this video:

Waka, Waka, This time for Africa- Shakira

“SOWETO SOUNDS

South African chorale music has always had a unique and very special sound due to the tone of resonance and the local accent in their voices. The vibration and intonation of the voices unified speaks to the spirit of the struggles the people have endured and the victories that have been made! Here’s a beautiful series of video of U2 and the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR in the mini-documentary entitled “Streets.” ENJOY!!!



2010 FIFA World Cup Stories: U2 “Magnificent”
featuring Soweto Gospel Choir





2010 FIFA World Cup Stories: U2 "Streets"
featuring the Soweto Choir





2010 FIFA World Cup Stories: U2 "Amazing Grace"
featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir

Bill Clinton, Chillin' with the US team

We know former U.S. President Bill Clinton watched Wednesday's big win over Algeria like a true supporter -- so emotionally invested in the late victory that his voice was shot for post-match interviews. But now we see that he celebrated like one too, by downing Budweisers with Carlos Bocanegra and the boys during the dressing room celebration.
Full article

Driving Safely at the World Cup

This year South Africa is hosting the World Cup for soccer. This means that there will be a massive influx of tourists into the country. Many tourists will choose to travel through the country via driving to and from the various cities. However, any traveler choosing this method of transportation should be mindful of travel safety, as the nation has different driving rules and regulations, and a long standing history of some violent crime.

Driving in South Africa:

• South Africans drive on the left hand side of the road, contrary to how Americans drive in the U.S. If you choose to drive in South Africa, be mindful of this, and that the driver’s seat is in the opposite side of South African Cars.

• Drivers are not permitted to use mobile phones while driving. Also, it is important to realize that road speed limits will be in the metric system as kilometers per hour, and not miles per hour.

• While driving in South Africa, be sure to keep to the left and pass on the right.

• Watch out for animals, especially in rural areas outside of major cities, as there is generally little fencing to keep animals out of the roads.

Road Safety:

• Staying safe is a major concern in South Africa, especially during the World Cup. When driving, it is very important to always drive with the windows up and the doors locked. If possible, keep all personal belongings out of sight, and locked in the trunk.

• If your vehicle is approached by a stranger, do not open the window all the way, but only open it a few inches.

• Make sure you are familiar with the route to your destination, and if you get lost, be sure to stop at a busy area or business instead of the side of the road.

• If by some chance you are rear-ended, be sure to wait to pull over until the nearest police station.

So what's with those vuvuzelas?

The vuvuzela – the plastic South African trumpet whose loud rasp has become synonymous with the 2010 World Cup – has proved a phenomenal success with soccer fans attending the tournament.

For many, this development has not been a good thing. While the troublesome trumpet does bring a new, authentically African vibe to the spectator experience , many complain it is at the expense of other enjoyable facets of the match-day atmosphere.

The drone that collective vuvuzelas make is awesome. Johannesburg's Soccer City resembled a giant beehive when Bafana Bafana played there on June 11, and when the crowd coordinates to produce the sound in waves, the effect is like nothing heard in a football stadium before.

However, it does drastically reduce singing among fans, which for an avid football follower is one of the highlights of attending a live game. The songs of teams from around the world – though often crude, rude and offensive – can often be humorous, touching and emotional.

It is often remarkable how a crowd of people can respond as one to an incident on the pitch through song. The vuvuzela reduces this reflex.

There is also less room for other musical instruments to convey their sound. The samba drums of Brazil were very muted at Ellis Park this week, and that wasn’t just because North Korea put up such a good fight.

However, for fans sitting in the comfort of their homes, watching the World Cup from afar, safe in the thought that the vuvuzela nuisance is only to be found in South Africa, there is a word of warning: beware, the trumpet is about to go global.

What are your thoughts on the vuvuzela?

Legos in the World Cup!

Gotta love legos!

South African Breakfast of Champions!!

I just couldn't resist posting this!

World Cup Lingo!

English may be South Africa’s official language but that does not account for several other local dialects you will hear at a moments notice. Here are a few tid-bits of advice for you to be able to better handle the language load before, after and during GAME TIME!!!

Let’s start with some “GAME TIME” linguistics so you’re not too left out of the fanfare!




Time to continue with a broader range of fun and interesting Vocab!

“HOWZIT”
This is the speedy way to say How’s it going? It’s one of the easiest ways to start off with a friendly, not too overly serious greeting to get the conversation going. “Hola” and “Heita” are also close substitutes for similar conversation starters!

“AYOOBA”
This term simply means cool.




“EISH!”
The exclamation mark is to be included in intonation of expression because this word represents annoyance and being surprised. This, I can foresee will be needed a lot when it comes to Football!

“FUNDI”
Okay, so Fundi means teacher in the Zulu language, however in this case this term is used during game time to refer to that Mr. or Ms. Know-It-All that is almost always present at the match.


This should get you started on some language basics!!! Have a good time!

World Cup Safety

With the world cup beginning today, a massive influx of tourists will be coming into South Africa. The following video gives some great safety tips and travel insight from South Africans.