South Africa, at last!!

Beth and I had a fairly uneventful trip down to South Africa.  Easy trip from Dublin to London, then found Mike & Jen's favorite pub at Heathrow (the Tin Goose) before watching the beginning of the US-England game at the airport (we were DEFINITELY in enemy territory).  Saw the England goal, but had to head to our gate before the US scored. Luckily, there were some US fans at the gate who informed everyone that the US had tied England.  When the pilot announced on the plane that the US and England had tied, you could feel the disappointment of the England crowd (and the excitement of the US crowd - what an accomplishment to tie England!).

Despite Mike, Jen, and my parents fantastic experiences on South African Airways, Beth & I had a typical trip on our overnight flight.  My seat didn't recline, nor did my TV work.  Food was average, service was decent.  Sleep was poor.  When we deplaned, we saw that our plane was completely white - no markings at all - an anonymous South African Airways jet!  (we surmised that they rented the plane for the World Cup to increase their capacity, hence the plane being older and not nice as normal SAA planes)

Weather in Cape Town was supposed to be rainy, but we ended up with some intermittent sunshine and clouds throughout the day.  Scuttled our plans for Robben Island (canceled all boats) and Kirstenbosch, and instead ended up eating and drinking in Camps Bay and a trip up Signal Hill to see the views of the ocean and the city.  Then off to V&A Waterfront where we encountered thousands of World Cup fans from all over the world (most crowds Mike & Jen have seen by far!).  The vevezulas are as obnoxious here (every.where.) as they are on TV.  The worst people at blowing them all the time are the tourists, not the South Africans.  Sheesh.  Bought some nice South African items at the craft market, looked for our favorite soap at Woolworths (warning: can't find the same stuff!  yikes!  we think they may have rebranded it - we'll keep looking), and a pub dinner at Quay 4 for fried food and beers.

The crew in Camps Bay

Guinea fowls for Erin

We were REALLY excited to see seals at V&A Waterfront.  Really excited.

South Africans love wearing these hats to the soccer games.  We may have to get some before our first game.

Some clouds, some sun, and a lot of the Atlantic Ocean.  

Requisite tourist picture

 Chicago is how far away??