So here we are in 2010 finally. I’ve applied for World Cup tickets in Cape Town, and because they cost rather more than I thought, I am sort of hoping I don’t get all that I applied for as I’ll be flat broke, but then, on the other hand, I’m in SA, the World Cup’s in SA, and it would be a crying shame not to attend any matches.
Had a wonderful 6 days in Joburg at the end of last year / beginning of this year, thanks to one de Soto, who put me at ease right from picking me up at the airport. Some of the things we did:
Walked out of the play “The Woman in Black” at the Montecasino theatre half way through as it was kind of morbid for new year’s eve and seemed to be going nowhere. This after the play started late with no apology from anyone until the audience started slow clapping in protest. This was our “first official date”.
Went to Sedibeng (have to check the spelling), a pub/restaurant in Meadowlands Zone 10 in Soweto to bring in the new year.
Went to see Invictus at The Zone in Rosebank for our “second official date”.
His family were amazing, and welcomed me with open arms and smiles. I got to say “Aangename kennis” to a lot of people, and he kept on going on about how I’ve learned more Afrikaans in 6 days in Joburg (and that from Matt Damon in Invictus for goodness sake!) than in two years in Cape Town. (NOT TRUE).
We all went to the Apartheid Museum, which was a real eye opener. I had no idea of the extent of this country’s history, and will endeavour to be more sensitive and compassionate from now on.
Went to see Sherlock Holmes, which he loved although his fidgeting suggested otherwise. He actually had the cheek to ask if I had understood it and if I needed him to explain any of it. The boys went to see Twilight: New Moon Saga.
Watched a lot of test cricket between SA and England at Newlands in Cape Town. I learned the rules from Clive and sort of kept up, although I stand by my opinion that cricket is the second most boring sport, after golf of course.
He made me “ideal coffee” every morning and called me “Rozalina”, which I loved.
He was actually going to make scrambled eggs for breakfast and then there was a power cut so we had to go to Wimpy for breakfast. That afternoon I tagged along to this pool joint called Magic’s, I think, on the road to Vereeniging, and immediately felt transported to redneck country somewhere in Virginia, although he assured me the owners are really nice, which they were.
He tried to throw sharp knives at me and had me mopping up his kitchen floor.
Zwe’s jazz was truly amazing. I am not a jazz fan, and it is quite definitely an acquired taste, but I reckon I learned how to appreciate some of it. It was fascinating watching Zwe play with his eyes closed, totally lost in the music. And then I looked at the pianist and the drummer and they too were individually lost in their music. That was inspiring.
He loves trash TV and would rather watch the likes of Scandal and Isidingo than hang out with me.
I bought him District 9, which he enjoyed, and we all watched it together.
He said I should read “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga, which was absolutely brilliant. The other book he recommended I read is “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett which I am currently reading.
He’s right — we are compatible.
Well, it appears this has turned out to be a de Soto praise post, but what the hey! 2010 is so far looking good.