Bye South Africa, Hello Ethiopia

This took us to Soweto where we tried to visit with a friend married to one of Nelson Mandela’s grand-daughters.  Unfortunately, the friend had to leave for Cape Town for urgent business while we were on our way.  Instead of turning back, we went onwards to Winnie Mandela’s house where many members of the family (including said grand-daughter) had gathered because they were still mourning the death of ….  Family friends also seemed to be coming in to pay their respects and give condolences.  008 and I felt as if we were intruding.  I did want to meet Winnie Mandela, and maybe in a different circumstance we could have, but I just had to contend myself with observing her in the dining room with the other elders.  In the foyer of the home were many plaques of achievement, and photos of dignitaries and family.  I felt honoured. …

We made a quick trip to the tourist area nearby to see both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu’s homes on Velazaki Street – the only street in the world home to two Nobel Laureates.  Mandela House, as it is known, is now a museum – he no longer lives there.  The Hector Pieterson Memorial site is also nearby, commemorating the spot on which 12 year old Hector was shot to death on June 16th, 1976 during the Soweto uprising – a symbol of resistance to the brutality of apartheid.

We didn’t spend much time there really.  In fact 007 was in a bar trying to watch the Germany – England game that had started. Despite the fact that I had predicted that my sweet Germany would be victorious and England (whom I do care for) would be punished for not being able to beat the USA (whose presence in the World Cup I could do without), he went in for the torture. Needless to say, he couldn’t handle watching the entire game so we left Soweto to continue on with our visits.

The evening saw me in Moyo, Melrose Arch where the remaining contingent watched Argentina pummel Mexico. I would have tried the famous ostrich, which supposedly tastes like tender steak, but I was not in the mood for another meal having partaken in a meal of pap, greens and tripe at 007’s Zimbabwean friend’s home.

We were all very tired and decided that this night would be a peace-keeping one. We said our last goodbyes and parted ways to meet again in foreign lands.

The following day, 007 and 008 dropped me off at the airport so I could embark on the other part of my trip – Ethiopia.  I hadn’t done any safaris, any real sightseeing, hadn’t gone down to Cape Town…. Man, I’m going to have to come back to South Africa one day! 

On this my second trip to Ethiopia I had wanted to be a tourist and go to Lalibela or Axum  and the like. But being low on funds and energy (as well as health) I’m just going to chill and recharge at my father’s home in Addis Ababa!

Ghana will be playing Uruguay in the quarterfinals the day before I head back to the USA. I actually have no idea how they will fare. When I speak to older Ghanaian men, they seem to think Ghana actually has a chance to advance to semi-finals.  As for me, my mission is complete and I’m very well satisfied. This is only our second World Cup appearance.  Given that we were sent home by Brazil in the knockout rounds in 2006, we’ve made progress by advancing one more stage, and the fact that we beat the USA again is just icing on the cake for me!

Sweet delicious icing.

I’ve had the opportunity to read some newsarticles and listen to television broadcasts. These Americans really thought we were an insignificant blob in their path to the finals.  I’m so offended! Well clearly now they know that the better team won and they are not as good as they thought they were. In my opinion, them topping Group C reflects how poorly England performed in this tournament despite being the golden generation and all.