Day 1

So Kavin, what did you learn today?

I learned that the English have an insatiable appetite for beer on game days. I learned that they have ridiculous soccer chants. And I learned that no one in our group of the World Cup can win a game…I mean, seriously--we tied England, Slovenia tied us, and England tied Algeria! This World Cup has really smacked us all with crazy upsets, crazy blowouts, and crazy uncertainties. Whatever, I'll just keep yelling what I've been yelling all morning:

"U-S-A! All-The-Way!"

We are definitely not afraid to be American, and it just might get me in trouble :P

I'm kidding. If there's one thing I've noticed, it's that the people here are very friendly. And I'm talking about the native South Africans, not the tourists. So far, my random acquaintances have told everything from where's a good place to eat to how to properly play my vuvuzela. I'd have trouble not getting along with everyone here.

On to my day:

1. Went to a tavern for lunch and were surrounded by the English.

2. Drank with said English till we were all singing their fight songs.

3. Went to the game and cheered for the English some more (if the US gets second in our group, we get to see them play here!)

I'd tell you more about the day, but here's pics (videos to come):

My vuvuzela outfitted with a sweet "sokzela"

Us with the English. Spot who's drunk. Hint: Not us...yet.

Mussels in lemon-cream sauce and chicken livers Peri-Peri with ciabatta.

Ron Weasley. 30 years older. Wasted.

Fans by the stadium.

It's Wayne Flippin' Rooney!

Check out the rest on Flickr and the video page…as soon as I can add them.

-kav