Quote

"Those who at times are not good, let them for just four weeks be good."
Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, addressing a crowd during the Free State for a World Cup prayer service, ahead of the June 11 opening of the tournament.

One more day.  Spain versus The Netherlands (my vote is for the Dutch).

One month after the start, here is an article in the 10Jul2010 NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/world/africa/10safrica.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

I was around for the 2008 xenophobic episodes.  It's the real deal.  So unfortunate.

Invictus (revisited)

This film has finally made it to DVD. Watch it! Then call me to talk about it.

World Cup 2010

June is upon us and the World Cup is 5 days away. I’m on my way to France via Japan on business and am excited that I will once again be in a foreign land to witness the excitement over the games of the World Cup. Four years ago, I was in China when the WC was hosted in Germany. We are surrounded by articles and features about South Africa from this week’s TIME to Delta’s SKY magazine. I Love it! Although it’s making me miss the country which I formerly called “home”, I am excited and proud to show off the richness and diversity of RSA. Here is a picture I took over a year ago of the new soccer stadium being built in Durban. Also, pictures of OR Tambo back in April during a quick trip. It looks like the whole country is ready. England versus USA June 12. Bring it on!

It's been a long while...with many great adventures.

Lots has happened since my last post. 
1. The Olympics in Vancouver (no, I did not attend).  Once that ended, all eyes turned toward the 100 days leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.  Yikes, only 100 days! 

2. My birthday in Switzerland.
3. I finally managed to "cash in" on my 30th bday gift and went to Patagonia.  3 weeks and 160 hiking km later...I have some awesome pictures of mountains and glaciers and the southernmost city in the world to-be-shared later.

4. Purchase of my first home- downtown Minneapolis.  More info later.
5. A quick visit to Joburg for business to finish up a project from my time there (which also achieves a milestone for my current job).  I had a great time diving in Sodwana (saw my first dolphins "in the wild"!), seeing good friends, and catching up with coworkers.  I left on 21Apr2010, the 50 day mark until the World Cup comes to Africa.  Admittingly, Joburg has really changed (for the better) as they are preparing for this huge event.  My fingers are crossed that all goes well.

Slavery?

The 18Jan2010 edition of TIME magazine had an article about modern day slavery and specfiically focused on the sex trafficking industry in South Africa.  It is definitely alive and real and the fear is that business will boom during the World Cup.  We need to pray. 

Happy 2010 (ringing in the new year in SF)!

I love San Francisco.  It was so good to see old friends, again.
Tina and I had lunch at Chez Panisse to celebrate her 40th.  Yum.

Great job Chelsea, Caroline, and Jessica on organizing a fun new years dinner party.

More pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/backroads.traveler/NewYearsInSF?authkey=Gv1sRgCIyw_PmG8-aguAE&feat=directlink

On my last day in SF, I received an SMS informing me that the HIGH in Minneapolis was below zero.  Meanwhile, Benita and I were enjoying winter in SF under the blue sky and sun.  This was the view from the top of Fillmore looking toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

This is about the time I started missing SF.

Next stop, San Diego

Good food, great friends, a bunch of little kids, sun, beach, and a bit of Rock Band.
Thanks Jenny and Andy for another great trip to San Diego.  And congrats on your new addition to the family!  I think this is becoming a bit of a pattern- you delivering shortly after my visit.