MY 2010

The Soccer World Cup has come and gone. South Africa has certainly done the world proud.  We entertained and hosted thousands of foreign guests and a good time was certainly had by all.  Vuvuzelas and kuduzelas filled the air with monotonous cacophony, while flags and "socks" adorned car aerials, windows and side-view mirrors.

I have never been a huge soccer fan and will never become one, but the atmosphere was electrifying.  Having such a huge, world-class event happening on your doorstep made it even more special. 

Nelson Mandela Bay was bursting at the seems but everything seemed to be under control - no power cuts, the depleted water supply was enough to sustain the masses and the transport system proved to be successful.

It was, in essence, a successful event worthy of international praise. 

To Brazil we'll go in 2014.  Hope to see you there.

HIGH SCHOOLS' QUIZ - 2010

Thanks to Andrew Rabie for their hospitality in hosting the High Schools' Quiz Finals.  After two nail-biting semi-final matches, Sanctor and Bethelsdorp Juniors were left on the battlefield.  Sanctor narrowly beat Bethelsdorp by one point!

The two rivals St Thomas and Victoria Park made it through to the Senior Finals, but it was the St Thomas team who raised the trophy in victory.

Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School

Runners up - Junior Competition

Sanctor
Champions - Junior Competition

Victoria Park
Runners-up - Seniors

St Thomas Secondary
Champions - Seniors

JULY 2010

What a wonderful experience it was.  Marlene, Mike and The Americans (Charles and son, Sebastian) arrived on 09 July 2010.  It was good to see Marlene after all this time.  Still the same bubbly personality.  It just would not be Marlene if it were any different.

Time was spent with her friends Debbie and Delia.  We did the Alliance Française thing in Richmond Hill, then it was off to Cubana and finally to the Stadium (our very own Turban).  Seated in what seemed to be the best vantage point, certain individuals experienced some moisture overload, when the heavens opened.  I, of course, was quite dry and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Way to go South Africa!

Marlene and Friends at entrance to

Alliance Française

The Richmond Hill experience

This was a mini festival organised by the Alliance Française, Port Elizabeth.  Music, food and wine flowed freely (at a price!)

 Then, of course, it was off to the play-off for 3rd and 4th position.  Everybody (thing) was abuzz with excitement.  Germany and Uruguay certainly entertained the crowd.  The crowd responded with simple air-punching to the more majestic Mexican Wave.  Some of the excitement is evident below: