There are many reasons I was happy to be in South Africa. Firstly, I got to see my family there and spend some valuable time with them.

Secondly, I got to show Tony and Antonio my country of birth.

Getting some traditional face painting at an African restaurant at Zoo Lake.

  

Thirdly, I got to experience the madness of the FIFA World Cup.

Being in Johannesburg in the height of the excitement as the country prepared for this epic event was an amazing experience for us. In the few days of the buildup to the opening match the anticipation was palpable. 

This was a time where all differences were put aside and all participated and shared in the fun. Vuvuzelas were blasting and flags were flapping in the wind attached to any moving or still object. I had never felt so proud to be a born South African. 

You see those horns? They are called vuvuzelas and they are LOUD and they are everywhere here at the World Cup. They actually come from South Africa and they definitely enjoy using them here as the sound of this blaring horn can be heard all over the city. I'm told that if I don't where earplugs at the stadium, I'll get permanent ear damage from the 40,000 plus vuvuzelas that will be blowing through the matches.

style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> On the actual day of the opening match Mexico vs South Africa, the excitement brewed up to a climatic euphoria. There was not a place in town where vuvuzelas were not heard. 

Being lucky as ever, we got to experience the match first hand in the Soccer City Stadium. If you think a Formula 1 track is loud, try sitting at a stadium full of buzzing vuvuzelas! But a good nature and a couple of ear plugs will do the trick to ensure reasonable comfort. Antonio and Tony chose to support Mexico (as is understandable).

...while I pimped myself out in Bafana Bafana supporter’s gear. As the first goal was scored for South Africa, I experienced a rare moment in which you feel euphoria that is multiplied by the sheer number of people around you that you know for a fact are feeling the exact same thing. Sharing that moment of happiness with thousands of strangers is an experience that cannot be explained - only lived.