Um, what happened to the last month of my life? Oh wait...World Cup happened. As anticipated, my life was taken over by World Cup and surprisingly, I loved every moment of it. The energy in the city from day one was incredible.

I had the fan fest around the corner from my office, the pleasure (and sometimes displeasure) of hearing the games streaming from the oversized screens, game day concerts (including a performance by R Kelly...this country is obsessed with him, huh?), humming of thousands of vuvuzelas and certifiably insane fans. Speaking of vuvus, I hope my hearing is not permanently damaged.

Every day was a celebration...imagine colourful painted faces (and bodies), waving flags from around the globe, impromptu dancing and singing, and some creative fans including the French who mounted their flags in French baguettes, Dutch dressed in traditional blue delft pottery costumes (but most in blinding bright orange), fans from Mexico adorning Sombreros, Brazilians in festive Carnival attire...the list could go on.

Mothers2Mothers did an incredible job catering to the World Cup experience and recognizing that it is a once in a lifetime experience for staff. They held a World Cup Opening Day Celebration where people were encouraged to dress in soccer attire supporting their favorite team or native country. They served cake in the shape of soccer balls and hosted a traditional soccer dance competition. They brought in a popcorn machine and foosball table for the entire month. Colleagues were also awarded a day off to view games of their choice. Grassroots Soccer, a local non-profit organization which uses soccer as a vehicle for educating youth about AIDS/HIV, donated over 500 tickets to our site coordinators and mentor mothers who could not afford to attend otherwise.

Despite concerns that it would be a failure, South Africa proved the world wrong by being very well organized!! Seriously not sure how they pulled it off. I remember a week before it started roads were being paved, structures being built, employees going on strike, homeless people on the street....and within days all of that was cleared up.

I attended four games including France vs. Uruguay, Netherlands vs. Cameroon, England vs. Algeria and a round of 16 game Spain vs. Portugal. Being in the stadium was so surreal. Magically, the people who hooked me up with tickets always had the best seats...either first or second section mid-field every time. Other than watching the game, I entertained myself by people watching and performing Shakira’s Waka Waka dance (if you don’t know, check it). PS, have you checked out the soccer players? They are some of the most attractive athletes in the world. Like I said, even if you don’t enjoy the sport there is fun for everyone!

Overall, it was an amazing experience and I really only have a few requests for next time. Dear FIFA, please serve something other than Budweiser...preferably, a full bar with a mixologist and since it will be in Brazil, fresh Caipirinhas would be nice; next, please try not to confiscate the cap to my beer...the cap is not dangerous, the beer is; last, if you need any assistance in the locker room, let me know!

Unfortunately the US didn’t make it past round of 16, however they played incredibly well against other international power players. The game where US scored a goal in overtime against Algeria to secure a position in round of 16, versus being eliminated, was one of the best moments! It seemed like the entire town was rooting for the US and at that moment you could hear screams everywhere. That night, streets were filled with US supporters, waving flags, singing Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen among other iconic American bands.

If I wasn’t attending a game, there was likely a braai (which is South African for barbeque) or some other party or event going on to celebrate. I know, I wasn’t a total lush this whole month. I still got my job done, actually doing three times as much work as agreed to in my objectives, and stayed active. Speaking of active, I have to tell you about these crazy hikes and dives I’ve been doing but will save that for later.

Overall, it was an amazing and surreal experience that I will never forget!!

For all photos, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/nicolenys/WorldCup#