Today was the kick-off of the 2010 World Cup, with Bafana Bafana and Mexico sweating it out to finish 1-1. Well done to the teams. What a great start!
As one of the many restaurant dwellers, who sat more than double the time it would usually take on the highway to reach my destination, I had lots of time to reflect and watch my fellow travelers on their way to support our team.
All around me vuvuzela’s were braying like lonely donkeys at the break of dawn, everytime we had to stand and wait for yet another traffic light to turn green.
I saw groups of people – standing on the streets – not rushing anywhere, some joining the blaring noise coming from the cars. I saw people in cars, smiling at each other: whites, blacks, coloureds, Indians – the whole lot of us giving one another the heads up, because the time was here, at last: The 2010 World Cup has arrived in Johannesburg.
Yesterday’s traffic jams in Sandton was behind us. Today’s traffic jams just resulted in pulling up of the shoulders and a shrug: What did you expect, Sista, Bra? It’s World Cup and our team is playing! Be happy and sing da song: Waka waka, oeeeeeehh. Tsamina mina eh eh.
We ordered our food, plus an additional order: One goal for Bafana. The waiter said: “we don’t have “one goal” on the menu, Sir.” Our friend said: “Just write it down and bring it with the food.”
Waka waka oeeehoee, you’re a good soldier!
Just as the food arrived, the goal was placed neatly into the nets.
“We did it! You asked for it! We did it! I wrote it down!”
Never before had I seen a waiter serving food with so much gusto. He did it too! By being a waiter, and serving the food with the attitude of sharing: Waka Waka oeeehoee, we do it for Africa.
And never before had I enjoyed a meal as much as this.
Never before was there such a feeling of oneness between us and the rest of the guests (who brayed their vuvuzelas evertime Bafana got the ball), the waitrons and the restaurant staff.
We were all together. This time for Africa. We’re all Africa!
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What a start it was! And we were there, although we didn't actually plan it. It was wonderful to be part of the vibe & share in the joy as Bafana scored that goal.
ReplyDeleteHi fives were dished out freely!
I challenge all those who have never watched a soccer game before - risk it - you will love it!