Playing the Vuvuzela at the World Cup
By: It's official, I am no musician. The African trumpet, otherwise known as the vuvuzela, has been my downfall. Still, who needs me? Africa, and Johannesburg specifically, have millions of them playing 24/7.
Meeting an idol of mine, West Ham and England legend Sir Geoff Hurst Thursday was quite surreal. Both of us come from East London and talking about the old days in a McDonalds in central Jo'burg was one of life's funny moments.
In Mandela Square on the day before the World Cup opener, great fun. Thousands of fans in national football shirts joining together and having a ball.
Whatever happened to fan segregation and hooliganism? There was NO animosity, just a common joy at being on holiday and having a great tournament ahead.
And a humbling moment. My driver here in South Africa, a great footie player himself, tells me he's building a bar in Soweto. It'll be the best sports bar in Johannesburg, he tells me, not just for blacks, but for everyone.
This country has some seriously poor people, over 40 percent living on $2 or less a day, and yet the hope and aspiration are humbling, especially as we in the West keep grumbling about our lot. We don't know we are living.
