World Cup Experience....Much more than just the game

With the excitement building as the 2014 World Cup edges closer, my memories of my own World Cup adventure come flooding back. It was four years ago when the opportunity to join in the celebration in South Africa came my way. A chance to attend a football match which gave so much more,  a carnival of cultures, friendship and camaraderie.

As per this years tournament, back in 2010 the press was full of negative stories that South Africa wasn't ready, with stadiums unfinished and that the areas high crime rate would affect travelling fans. The end result was a classic tournament enjoyed by thousands of travelling fans won over by the South Africans enthusiasm for being the host to the world for the month.

Our base for our stay was Johannesburg, the centre being a thriving modern metropolis, no sign of the poverty ridden shacks further out on the outskirts. It was here in Nelson Mandela square that we encountered fans gathering from all corners of the globe. Under the giant statue of the South African icon, football became a family as flags of all nations could be found draped over the shoulders of the throngs. It was the place to be on an evening as it became a nightly ritual for fans to attend and attempt to out sing their counterparts from other countries. Like a rap battle one group sang whilst their opponents patiently waited for their chance to sing back. The songs endings were greeted a mixture of playful heckles and loud cheers and applause.

The Argentinian’s with their Latin flair  quickly followed by a group of Wrestling masked Mexicans , looking like a super hero choir group. The trumpet wielding Uruguayans, the drum bashing Spaniards, the samba beated Brazilians.....music from all round the world, a party for all....  

As for the football itself, the match we attended was so much more than the run of the mill game normally
attended on a Saturday afternoon. This was an occasion, a carnival type celebration with the game itself being a bit of a side attraction. The match we attended was USA v Algeria held in Pretoria, just east of Johannesburg.


The sun shone shone down on the stadium, full to capacity with an anticipation and excitement so strong you could feel it in the atmosphere. The loud, excitable US fans decked out in Stars and Stripes whilst the colourful and boisterous Algerian fans, many decked out in national costumes, joined together to make a outstanding occasion. With little segregation fans sat side by side with no sign of aggravation despite their blinded loyalties towards their own countries, a smile between themselves spreading a message that their words wouldn't convey.

The much maligned Vuvuzela was very much in evidence and whilst on the televised games it was an annoying droning pain, in the stadium it seemed to add to the atmosphere and certainly played it's part in making the occasion special.

The match itself was not the greatest, a tense tight affair which was finally settled late on by a US goal. The differing emotions were evident, wild celebrations from the Americans whilst the Algerian fans wore the look of despair.

4 years on the memories are still crystal clear and i'm sure anyone who has the chance to experience the Brazill world cup will return with that same thrill, one that will stay with them forever.

Greenwich... gives you a Mean old Time

It had been a new experience for us, although regular visitors to London we had never travelled on the Docklands Light Railway before. The clean, modern carriages ran mostly overground taking us through numerous housing complexes, like a theme park tour ride based on inner city living. There is even a free downloadable audio guide to enhance your trip. Passing through the extravagance of the Canary Wharf development, it was evident that the area it is still rapidly growing judging by the numerous building projects taking place. Our destination point was Greenwich on the south side of the River Thames, a World Heritage site due to its role as the centre of the World Time Zone system. 

Our first port of call was appropriately the rivers edge and the awe inspiring “Cutty Sark”. The Tea clipper dating back to the 1870's is now fully restored back its original magnificence and open to visitors to explore. Although a fee payable attraction, the ship is well worth a visit and is a magnificent sight with its vast rigging's reaching high into the sky. Within the museum itself you can take a walk under the cooper covered hull before going on board to view all the decks within..  

Staying with the Nautical theme, it was just a short walk to the National Maritime Museum, another of London’s fantastic free offerings (Donations gratefully accepted). Celebrating the British nations role in all things seafaring the museum relays information on naval involvement in subjects such as  international trading, slavery, expedition through to warfare. The highlight of the museum is the current exhibition of "Nelson, Navy, Nation" highlighting the conditions that sailors endured  during life on board a warship. Amongst the many fine Nelson related exhibits you simply cannot miss seeing the splendour of the iconic hero’s uniform in which he died wearing, complete with bullet hole on the shoulder. 

The museum is incredibly child friendly with plenty of hands on exhibits, complete with a gigantic floor map of the world for them to go on their own expedition using an inter active hand held tablet device.Another attraction includes The "Ship Simulator" which allows your child to be the captain at the bridge taking charge of various situations such as the sinking of an enemy ship. Take a look at the colourful wall mounted display of ship figureheads like a collection of latter day cartoon characters.

High on a hill in the middle of the Greenwich Royal park is the Royal Observatory, its protruding Onion dome housing a giant 28 inch telescope, a prominent landmark since its introduction in 1893.


The trek up the long winding pathway towards it is certainly strenuous but you are rewarded with wonderful views once at the top. An image of two different times, from the stately historic buildings below to the futuristic high rise complexes of Canary Wharf in the distance, with the majestic River Thames separating them.  

Situated at the hill top is Flamsteed House the original Observatory building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675, now housing a museum with exhibits regarding Greenwich's historical connection with time. Within it's grounds is the "Meridian courtyard" giving visitors the chance to take the obligatory photo astride the meridian line, a footstep in both the east and western hemisphere. It's a shame that an entrance fee is required to enter this area although a far less glamorous continuation of the line can be found just outside its perimeter wall for those who wish to partake in the experience for free. 
The Observatory also houses an Astronomy Centre together with the London Planetarium, making this literally a "Star" attraction,  
  



Journeying back down the hill brought us to the elegant "Queens House" dating back to the 17th Century. Formally the home of Charles I queen, Henrietta Maria, it now houses an art exhibition with a mixture of periodic portraits, scenes and more obscure contemporary pieces.

With time running short it meant we had to leave the Old Royal Naval College till another day. A good enough reason to return however, the anticipation of visiting  the beautiful  twin domed building designed by Sir Christopher Wren on the grounds that were the birthplace of both Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. If this wasn't enough it was also the place where Nelsons body lay in state following his death, quite a pedigree for a historical site to have.

Back in the town, Greenwich Market offers visitors the chance to sample a range of foods from all parts of the world with stalls offering home cooked delicacies from the likes of the Middle East, Africa and Asia through to good old fashioned London Bangers. There was certainly plenty of choice for all palates particularly for those willing to try something new. The market also showcases an array of independent traders, selling all sorts of art works, crafts and  clothing, an opportunity to get that unusual item not seen in everyday shopping outlets. Although not as large as either Camden or Brick Lane, the market still has a positive vibe to it and draws you in with the uniqueness of the offerings on sale.

Greenwich is a great place to visit with plenty to see and do, you should expect to spend a full day there if you want to see most of the things it offers. Not only is it very picturesque with its white regal buildings, there seems a relaxed, feel good factor abound. It’s as if it has played it’s prominent part in British history and it can now live a more reflective, calmer lifestyle leaving the future to the “young upstart” developments across the river.