June 11th has arrived.

This is what we all have been waiting for. This day started out on a sad note. We learned over night, after the opening concert featuring the likes of: Angelique Kidjo, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Shakira; while in transit home; Madibas' {Nelson Mandela} great granddaughter, Zenani Mandela; just 2 days past her 13th birthday, was a victim by way of being a passenger of a drunk driver. The family driver, who is now being charged by the authorities, admitted to consuming alcohol at the party and then getting behind the wheel. SIGH!!! The Mandela Foundation asked for prayers for the family and excused the 90 + yr old, as they are all in shock and mourning their loss.

The kick off between Mexico and the host nation South Africa was a wonderful way to begin the day here in a very warm and humid day in Chicago... With temps reaching in the upper 80's, Tanja and I watched the celebration, until I was called into work at the 15 minute mark. Sigh!!!

"Oh well, it is being taped" I spewed, as I dashed out... To my surprise we finished earlier than I had anticipated so, the 2nd game of France vs Uruguay was viewed during our lunch time hours.
Armed with Brie Cheese and a Baguette, ***[Go France]*** my Tanja watched from her bedroom, due to a ill feelings onset. I hope it is just a 24 hour bug! I took up residence in the "Price Fan Park", until the mosquito's scored several times. 10 min's into the match, I decided to join the the dog,who enjoys the climate control environment of our living room.

Here is a look into our homemade viewing area, which is setup like a mini fan park with the various soccer nations hanging above our heads, as we sit comfortably eating and drinking. For anyone interested in watching the matches know that we will be having an open house daily, until we depart for Capetown. Join us this Saturday June 12, 2010 at 12:30 CST. On the menu will be chicken curry and english ale as the USA takes on England. Oh yeah , I have apple pie and beef hot dogs for the USA fans as well... of course Budweiser could not be forgotten. Cheers for now!

With two weeks to go, the vacation of a life time awaits...

Television news stories, videos and blogs have been running rampant about everything from the players parents too the security in South Africa. I am mostly interested in the fans and how they like to celebrate with FIFA every 4 years; for a month long pause, from daily life. Recently, I have been working really long hours (mostly middle of the night stuff) and reading the South African times, by day. [It seems to be the only two accomplishments that I am able to report. I can not focus yet on the fun, until literally getting on the plane on the 21st of June.]

Finally for us here, in the home of the brave, the US press has started to catch up to the rest of the world with the World Cup fever. I am able to boast that the City of Chicago has even done one better, by becoming a host world city... Fans new and old are welcome to gather at Daley Plaza starting Friday morning at 08:30 am -5:00pm... ***(9:00am)South Africa will open the tournament as they play Mexico and then at 13:30 pm ***Uruguay and France will battle it out, on the first day of an amazing 30 days of excitement.

If you can not make it downtown, just know that I will be having a small gathering every day, until we leave. Tanja and I will be gleefully honoring every game played in the "motherland.

" Bring your families and enjoy the true soccer spirit. Some games maybe on tape delay due to our work commitments. We will start the games around 4 pm nightly M-F... As well as at their scheduled time on Sa/Sun's. Wear your favorite country jersey or ask for a specific face paint from our many choices.