Soccer, Wine and the Big Five: Why I’m Headed to South Africa
Now, I’m not a huge soccer fan. Let’s face it, I’m just in it for the travel. But when you visit a new place during a big event like the World Cup, the international soccer (although the rest of the world calls the game football) tournament that takes place every four years, you get a chance to see a new part of the world, and experience a cultural phenomenon.
So here are the top five reasons I’m heading to South Africa next year and you should, too:
1) The World Cup!
There is something extraordinary about being in the epicenter of a world sporting event. I remember walking the streets of Germany, watching the little pods of fans, donned in their country’s colors, just cheering, singing, and dancing all in celebration of their team. The Swedes in yellow, the Dutch in orange, the Brits in red. It made me feel as if I was in some international village, not the streets of a major city. I just loved it and I can’t wait to see what the streets of Cape Town look like!
2) Wildlife.
Who doesn’t dream of going on a safari some day? Ever since I saw Robert Redford in his khakis in Out of Africa, I have wanted to go to Africa and experience the game viewing. The parks in South Africa are some of the best on the continent to view the elusive “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). In the Sabi Sands Reserve, most people see these within the first 20 minutes!
3) Wine. Wine. Wine.
While South African wines are not as popular yet as those from Australia and New Zealand, they have quite an emerging market. The Cape Winelands are located just a short distance from Cape Town and offer some of the best food and wine in the world. After a few nights of “roughing it” at our luxury safari camp, we are going to meet some friends in Franschhoek, a French-influenced village, for a little bit of indulgence and some rest and relaxation.
4) Cape Town.
This city is becoming one of the world’s most cosmopolitan. In addition to the Cup, there are an endless amount of activities for visitors to take part in. I can’t wait to explore the local dining, shopping, and nightlife, all of which have a reputation for being phenomenal. In addition, you also have the scenic Tablelands and Cape Point, which host gorgeous views of the surroundings.
5) South African history and culture.
No one can deny that this country has had more than its fair share of hardships. From colonialism to apartheid, things have not always been the best for the local South African people, and I think it is important, even among all the festivities, to pay proper respect. In order to further my knowledge, I am looking forward to visiting Robben Island, the infamous prison that once housed Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners.
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