Hey all,
it's been a few days since I've posted anything and that has everything to do with the fact that we were in the woods near Port Elizabeth and had no electricity. We went hunting and stayed at a lodge and then the girls met up with us and we stayed two nights at Gohora Elephant Camp which was incredible! We had elephants and lions near the truck and walking around our tents and it was the most unreal experience. We got back to Cape Town yesterday afternoon and got ready for last night's game which turned out to be a one sided flashy display by Spain and they defeated Portugal 1-0. It was a great game and we had really good seats. Sadly, it was the last game that we will be going to. There are only 8 teams left in the tournament and there are a few really good games coming up. If you haven't watched any of the games thus far, now would be a good time to tune in. Argentina vs Germany should be a great game. It sucks to say, but the USA just didn't play well against Ghana the other night and will not advance. They have work to do.
There are tons of great pictures that are being posted on Landy's blog and on the smugmug site. Check them out.
I hope everyone in Texas is bracing for the storm coming. More later.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
USA through to last 16
Hello all,
Our trip to SA is just getting more exciting as we drove up to Stellenbosch and went around to a few wineries for the wine and to eat some very good food! The beautiful landscape of South Africa just keeps getting more and more appealing. Stellenbosch is only about 45 minutes from Cape Town, but it's at a higher elevation and with its rolling hills and wine estates set against rugged mountains, the area is more than a joy to see.
It is great to see USA go through to the second round of the tournament as leaders of Group C! If they can beat Ghana they will have to play either England or Germany in the Quarterfinal, but we'll worry about that when it comes. Until then we will just be proud of already having a much better tournament than last time.
Our second match is tonight as Cameroon play Netherlands. It stands to be as fun a time as the first.
Check out photos and the other blog for more SA action!!
Our trip to SA is just getting more exciting as we drove up to Stellenbosch and went around to a few wineries for the wine and to eat some very good food! The beautiful landscape of South Africa just keeps getting more and more appealing. Stellenbosch is only about 45 minutes from Cape Town, but it's at a higher elevation and with its rolling hills and wine estates set against rugged mountains, the area is more than a joy to see.
It is great to see USA go through to the second round of the tournament as leaders of Group C! If they can beat Ghana they will have to play either England or Germany in the Quarterfinal, but we'll worry about that when it comes. Until then we will just be proud of already having a much better tournament than last time.
Our second match is tonight as Cameroon play Netherlands. It stands to be as fun a time as the first.
Check out photos and the other blog for more SA action!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
7-0?
Greetings from below the equator,
Wow! So our first game of the 2010 World Cup was a goal fiesta with Portugal destroying North Korea 7-0, in case you were not aware of the score already. The stadium in Cape Town is fantastic and there are really no bad seats in the house. We were on the third level and had clear views of all of the action. Half of us were in a separate section on the lower level, where the girls were sitting, which were basically right in front of the goal where Portugal scored 6 of their 7 goals! Great game, great fun. We took a lot of photos, so be sure to see them (landykos.com or krazykranch.smugmug.com) Michael Jackson was at the game!!!
We were all tired after the game and by the time we took the bus back and found somewhere to drive to get something to eat we were famished(strong word). We found this place that served ostrich bobotie (a South African specialty) and drove a ways to get it. The restaurant was really laid back and the waitstaff was really nice. We ate, watched the first half of the Spain match, and then headed back to the villa.
After only a couple of days in SA, I can honestly say that Cape Town is a very cool place. The scenery is beautiful, the people are really nice, and the locals all love the World Cup and Bafana Bafana. Camps Bay where we are staying, is very much a beach community, with surfers out in the mornings and the low key vibe of locals, while on the other side of Table Mountain is the cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the waterfront stadium is surrounded by skyscrapers and apartment buildings. On a clear day from where we are staying, you can see Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years. Being in the same place where such important 20th century events took place is something that I will remember forever. There is still evidence of apartheid rule, but since it ended in 1994 South Africa has moved a long way from such distinctive segregation and oppression.
Wow! So our first game of the 2010 World Cup was a goal fiesta with Portugal destroying North Korea 7-0, in case you were not aware of the score already. The stadium in Cape Town is fantastic and there are really no bad seats in the house. We were on the third level and had clear views of all of the action. Half of us were in a separate section on the lower level, where the girls were sitting, which were basically right in front of the goal where Portugal scored 6 of their 7 goals! Great game, great fun. We took a lot of photos, so be sure to see them (landykos.com or krazykranch.smugmug.com) Michael Jackson was at the game!!!
We were all tired after the game and by the time we took the bus back and found somewhere to drive to get something to eat we were famished(strong word). We found this place that served ostrich bobotie (a South African specialty) and drove a ways to get it. The restaurant was really laid back and the waitstaff was really nice. We ate, watched the first half of the Spain match, and then headed back to the villa.
After only a couple of days in SA, I can honestly say that Cape Town is a very cool place. The scenery is beautiful, the people are really nice, and the locals all love the World Cup and Bafana Bafana. Camps Bay where we are staying, is very much a beach community, with surfers out in the mornings and the low key vibe of locals, while on the other side of Table Mountain is the cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the waterfront stadium is surrounded by skyscrapers and apartment buildings. On a clear day from where we are staying, you can see Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years. Being in the same place where such important 20th century events took place is something that I will remember forever. There is still evidence of apartheid rule, but since it ended in 1994 South Africa has moved a long way from such distinctive segregation and oppression.
Monday, June 21, 2010
1st Game is today!!!
Hey boys and girls,
today, in our second full day of action in SA, we have our first game: Portugal vs. North Korea. It is the early game which kicks off at 1:30pm local time (6:30am central time)and it promises to be a great one. Portugal need to win in order take second place in group G going into the round of 16. There should be some great opportunities for for some great photos. Be on the lookout for the dancing fool in the Michael Jackson mask (not me).
Yesterday, we took full advantage of a clear day and took it upon ourselves to hike up Table Mountain, the iconic outcrop of Cape Town. It was a daunting trek up to the top which sits at 1100m (3300ft). We got to the top and took some lovely photos and then had a couple of beers from the cafe. We then rode the cable car down and headed out to get wine and food. We drove into Cape Town proper in the evening(I am becoming a very efficient opposite-side-of-the-road-driver) and saw some more of the city. By the time we left to come back, night had fallen and the mountain was lit up by lights, which was a great backdrop to the boats and the throngs of people watching the Italy vs. New Zealand match in the bars and on the giant screen television in the square. Be sure to check out the photos posted on the sister blogs for match photos and more.
To Be Continued...
today, in our second full day of action in SA, we have our first game: Portugal vs. North Korea. It is the early game which kicks off at 1:30pm local time (6:30am central time)and it promises to be a great one. Portugal need to win in order take second place in group G going into the round of 16. There should be some great opportunities for for some great photos. Be on the lookout for the dancing fool in the Michael Jackson mask (not me).
Yesterday, we took full advantage of a clear day and took it upon ourselves to hike up Table Mountain, the iconic outcrop of Cape Town. It was a daunting trek up to the top which sits at 1100m (3300ft). We got to the top and took some lovely photos and then had a couple of beers from the cafe. We then rode the cable car down and headed out to get wine and food. We drove into Cape Town proper in the evening(I am becoming a very efficient opposite-side-of-the-road-driver) and saw some more of the city. By the time we left to come back, night had fallen and the mountain was lit up by lights, which was a great backdrop to the boats and the throngs of people watching the Italy vs. New Zealand match in the bars and on the giant screen television in the square. Be sure to check out the photos posted on the sister blogs for match photos and more.
To Be Continued...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
We are here!
Hello all,
we are in Cape Town! Camps Bay more specifically. We got here yesterday morning local time and right away had to try our hands at driving on the other side of both the car and the road. It's actually a lot of fun! We checked into the place we are staying and then went around to find something to eat for lunch. We picked a fine Indian restaurant that was right on the main road and as we started into the simosas, England goal keeper David James walked by and posed for some photos with the girls. Crazy! We had been in town for a very short time and had already seen a major star of the tournament. Pictures of it are on landykos.com.
We woke up this morning and walked to Glen Beach and took some great photos of the sun coming up over Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Look out for those postings on the krazykranch.smugmug.com site. More later today!
Michael
we are in Cape Town! Camps Bay more specifically. We got here yesterday morning local time and right away had to try our hands at driving on the other side of both the car and the road. It's actually a lot of fun! We checked into the place we are staying and then went around to find something to eat for lunch. We picked a fine Indian restaurant that was right on the main road and as we started into the simosas, England goal keeper David James walked by and posed for some photos with the girls. Crazy! We had been in town for a very short time and had already seen a major star of the tournament. Pictures of it are on landykos.com.
We woke up this morning and walked to Glen Beach and took some great photos of the sun coming up over Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Look out for those postings on the krazykranch.smugmug.com site. More later today!
Michael
Monday, June 14, 2010
T minus 3 days and counting...
Algeria 0-1 Slovenia
Serbia 0-1 Ghana
Germany 4-0 Australia
Things are starting to heat up and this tournament is only the beginning. We are finishing our packing and realizing that we are going to South Africa. We have been thinking about it for so long that to know that it is finally here makes for a very interesting feeling. Cape Town promises to be a great world city, a great place to spend some time gaining perspective.
DON'T TURN AWAY!!! You owe it to yourself to watch and get excited and hooked on the World Cup!! Trust your feelings...!... You know you want to watch the best athletes in the world compete in the best sporting tournament in the world! What else do you have to do? Pay Special attention to USA vs. Slovenia on Friday. Watch!
There is so much to do...
Serbia 0-1 Ghana
Germany 4-0 Australia
Things are starting to heat up and this tournament is only the beginning. We are finishing our packing and realizing that we are going to South Africa. We have been thinking about it for so long that to know that it is finally here makes for a very interesting feeling. Cape Town promises to be a great world city, a great place to spend some time gaining perspective.
DON'T TURN AWAY!!! You owe it to yourself to watch and get excited and hooked on the World Cup!! Trust your feelings...!... You know you want to watch the best athletes in the world compete in the best sporting tournament in the world! What else do you have to do? Pay Special attention to USA vs. Slovenia on Friday. Watch!
There is so much to do...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Saturday's game's
Here are Saturday's kickoff times:
South Korea vs. Greece @ 0630 cent.
Argentina vs. Nigeria @ 0900 cent.
England vs. USA @ 1330 cent.
Early times for the first two matches, but with a 130 Saturday afternoon kickoff, there should be no excuse not to watch the England vs. USA game or follow it live some how. It is the 21st century, you know? Get with the program.
South Korea vs. Greece @ 0630 cent.
Argentina vs. Nigeria @ 0900 cent.
England vs. USA @ 1330 cent.
Early times for the first two matches, but with a 130 Saturday afternoon kickoff, there should be no excuse not to watch the England vs. USA game or follow it live some how. It is the 21st century, you know? Get with the program.
The Game is underfoot... Huh?
So as we prepare to get on a plane to start our greatest adventure, the action has begun in SA!!
South Africa 1-1 Mexico
The home side (rightfully) scores the first goal of the tournament. The Host country put up a fight in the second half against a favorable Mexican side that could have taken all three points. Good start to 2010!
Uruguay 0-0 France
Great defensive clinic by Uruguay to frustrate a lackluster French team. A draw should benefit the South Americans, but France has yet to begin to get into gear. Remember 2006.
Had to watch the late match after work, but I really didn't miss much did I? Where Was Ribery? Malouda should have started, not coming off the bench. Uruguay looked like they wanted the draw, but you can't really blame them for being cautious, can you?
Hello 1950?
Well, tomorrow is the big day. England vs. USA! I can't wait! I have to see it! I have to work. But... for those of you feeling sorry that I can't watch it, please text me about the big moments of the game (handballs, offsides, corners, throw-ins, goals, yellow cards, tackles, shots on goal, saves, great dribbles, choice passes, bad calls, free kicks, sendings-off, back passes, and penalties) that would play a factor in the outcome of the match.
Any predictions for the end result between these two teams?
I predict England 1-0 USA. Sadly I don't thin that USMNT will be able to beat England. While I do think that we will get out of Group C to possibly play Germany in the second round, I am realistic that England will be up for this game and will have most of the possession of the ball. USA will demonstrate a strong defensive ethic and try to catch them on the counter, but in the end a persistent England will prevail. That said, I don't think that USA will be walked all over either. It should be a great game. What do you guys think?
South Africa 1-1 Mexico
The home side (rightfully) scores the first goal of the tournament. The Host country put up a fight in the second half against a favorable Mexican side that could have taken all three points. Good start to 2010!
Uruguay 0-0 France
Great defensive clinic by Uruguay to frustrate a lackluster French team. A draw should benefit the South Americans, but France has yet to begin to get into gear. Remember 2006.
Had to watch the late match after work, but I really didn't miss much did I? Where Was Ribery? Malouda should have started, not coming off the bench. Uruguay looked like they wanted the draw, but you can't really blame them for being cautious, can you?
Hello 1950?
Well, tomorrow is the big day. England vs. USA! I can't wait! I have to see it! I have to work. But... for those of you feeling sorry that I can't watch it, please text me about the big moments of the game (handballs, offsides, corners, throw-ins, goals, yellow cards, tackles, shots on goal, saves, great dribbles, choice passes, bad calls, free kicks, sendings-off, back passes, and penalties) that would play a factor in the outcome of the match.
Any predictions for the end result between these two teams?
I predict England 1-0 USA. Sadly I don't thin that USMNT will be able to beat England. While I do think that we will get out of Group C to possibly play Germany in the second round, I am realistic that England will be up for this game and will have most of the possession of the ball. USA will demonstrate a strong defensive ethic and try to catch them on the counter, but in the end a persistent England will prevail. That said, I don't think that USA will be walked all over either. It should be a great game. What do you guys think?
Friday, June 11, 2010
The preperation
Well folks,
I know it's hard for us all to believe, but another four years has passed and as we get settled into the month of June, it's time for us to reflect on the most important sporting event of the year: The 2010 World Cup. Yes it's been a long time coming since Italy took home the trophy in 2006, and there are many here in the United States who would like to see our team do well.
We officially leave for South Africa on June 17th, with a 7 hour layover in London, the trip should be nice and long. A visit to Stamford Bridge is a possibility, though the timing of the flights of the day will be the main decider, of course. We'll see...
We have a great line up of matches that we were lucky to get in the draw. All of our matches are to be held in Cape Town.
Our first, on June 21st, is:
Group G: Portugal v. North Korea.
Should be a nice Portuguese display.
The second is on the 24th, is:
Group E: Cameroon v. Netherlands.
I am looking forward to this one! Wanted to see the home team play, but alas, the luck of the draw left us to watch this boring match! (Kidding. Joking.)......Long pause..........Anyway, this one will be fun!
The third match on the 29th is:
Winner of Group H vs. Runner up of Group G.
Oh, the Second Round Match! Spain-Portugal? Spain-Brazil? Spain-Ivory Coast? ( Sorry North Korea, I just don't think you'll be able to get through).
I think it's a great set of matches to get to see and I am especially interested in the round of 16 match, as anyone would be. The prospect of Seeing Spain vs possibly Brazil or Portugal, to me, is exciting beyond words.
So, i will not have my own computer for this trip and that may hinder my ability to write everyday while we are in Cape Town, but I will try my best to write something down about something. Hopefully pictures from the trip will be posted to krazykranch.smugmug.com, as often as possible. There should be some great shots of the games, pubs, hiking, wine tours, candid pub shots, zebras, Greater Kudu, Torres, Christiano Ronaldo, Great Whites, pub shots, and surfers and anything else that looks interesting. I will post scores for the day's matches with every post.
Lindy will probably be contributing an entry or two, for continuity's sake. She will be jotting down some of her own thoughts and writings about how important the world's game is to her as a human being (right!) Hopefully she will post a poem or two that will relate the experience of traveling to South Africa and inspire further adventure.
This trip promises to be a great one and hopefully will plant the seeds for planning Brazil 2014 in many people's minds. Stay tuned...
I know it's hard for us all to believe, but another four years has passed and as we get settled into the month of June, it's time for us to reflect on the most important sporting event of the year: The 2010 World Cup. Yes it's been a long time coming since Italy took home the trophy in 2006, and there are many here in the United States who would like to see our team do well.
We officially leave for South Africa on June 17th, with a 7 hour layover in London, the trip should be nice and long. A visit to Stamford Bridge is a possibility, though the timing of the flights of the day will be the main decider, of course. We'll see...
We have a great line up of matches that we were lucky to get in the draw. All of our matches are to be held in Cape Town.
Our first, on June 21st, is:
Group G: Portugal v. North Korea.
Should be a nice Portuguese display.
The second is on the 24th, is:
Group E: Cameroon v. Netherlands.
I am looking forward to this one! Wanted to see the home team play, but alas, the luck of the draw left us to watch this boring match! (Kidding. Joking.)......Long pause..........Anyway, this one will be fun!
The third match on the 29th is:
Winner of Group H vs. Runner up of Group G.
Oh, the Second Round Match! Spain-Portugal? Spain-Brazil? Spain-Ivory Coast? ( Sorry North Korea, I just don't think you'll be able to get through).
I think it's a great set of matches to get to see and I am especially interested in the round of 16 match, as anyone would be. The prospect of Seeing Spain vs possibly Brazil or Portugal, to me, is exciting beyond words.
So, i will not have my own computer for this trip and that may hinder my ability to write everyday while we are in Cape Town, but I will try my best to write something down about something. Hopefully pictures from the trip will be posted to krazykranch.smugmug.com, as often as possible. There should be some great shots of the games, pubs, hiking, wine tours, candid pub shots, zebras, Greater Kudu, Torres, Christiano Ronaldo, Great Whites, pub shots, and surfers and anything else that looks interesting. I will post scores for the day's matches with every post.
Lindy will probably be contributing an entry or two, for continuity's sake. She will be jotting down some of her own thoughts and writings about how important the world's game is to her as a human being (right!) Hopefully she will post a poem or two that will relate the experience of traveling to South Africa and inspire further adventure.
This trip promises to be a great one and hopefully will plant the seeds for planning Brazil 2014 in many people's minds. Stay tuned...
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