Went to watch the Argentina vs. Germany game in Cape Town this weekend and I must say I was completely overwhelmed by the whole experience. Even though Bafana Bafana and Ghana are no longer in the World Cup ( and I was rooting for Germany...) the South African Spirit was full-on, each supporter taking new sides as Argentina and Germany went face to face. The original plan was that we (a few girl-friends and I) would go to the fan park and sleep over, simple enough...
Our German friends, let's call them Lulu and Schnooby, gave us directions to the hostel they were staying in, unfortunately for us we didn't write them down and spent more than half an hour cruising through Cape Town's nooks and crannies. Saw some interesting graffiti though. We finally arrived at Ashanti Lodge-Gardens around 14:00 and after a very pleasant check-in ( with free-drink and Internet voucher, plus lunch-bars) we headed to the bar for a beer and some lunch.
We got a cab into the city centre, there where people everywhere, painted blue-and-white, red-and-black, and true to form, in the city where anything can happen, who do we see running down Long Street, but Dickson, a crazy Englishman that we had met at Stumble Inn. On a sad note, the reason for his desperate sprint become apparent when we started heading for the fan park and saw crowds of people streaming out. The venue was obviously already full. No matter, we headed to one of the pubs to watch the game. We got a spot in Dubliners and it was there on the floor in the packed bar that we experienced the sweet taste of victory as Germany scored their final goal to beat Argentina 4-0. The Germans, Lulu and Schnooby were, needless to say, over the moon, singing Deutschland, Deutschland. The highlight of the game for me, however was the great sportsmanship of the Argentineans fans in the bar. Through all the friendly rivalry during the game, especially the German versed " don't cry for me Argentina, the truth is you'll never score" they still turned around, shook our hands and congratulated the German team for a good game. I was really impressed, because of the sincerity with which it was said, it's a good feeling knowing that true comradery still exists.
After the game, we went to Zula's for some drinks and the after "party". We sat on the deck watching the people go by below, all dressed in support. Sipping our drinks, listening to the live band and chatting, we occasionally all got up in cheer when a German supporter passed by, they wore wigs, flags and some carried banners. I felt quiet bad for the Argentinean fans with "It's gonna get Messi" painted on their backs, but hey, it's all in good spirit. "Ger-ma-ny, Ger-ma-ny" went the chant to a back drop of vuvuzela's blasting away. Honestly I have to admit that I am not a big vuvu fan, but on that night I realised why people like it, it's fun. There is nothing better than hearing someone somewhere replying to the call of your vuvuzela...
The night was fantastic, but due to a series of unfortunate tequila shots Nina and I got a early cab back to Ashanti while the rest of the girls partied on, got some Nando's first of course...
We planned to camp with the Germans and while we were rearranging the sleeping bags I wondered how we were all going to fit in and hoped the girls wouldn't "earth-quake" the tent on their return. Had a smoke before bed, and was surprised when someone popped their head out from upstairs, where they were still celebrating the soccer, and enquired if the music was too loud and if they should turn it down... Who still does that? Working parti-time at a backpackers I know all about the eternal noise struggle. Ah, I love it when people are nice. And, " No worries" I replied, because it's also nice to be nice. "Hiccup"
That morning our stiff necks and churning stomachs were soon relieved by a scrumptious breakfast at Ashanti's cafe. We had a great stay and a good time. Go Germany!
