San Pedro House

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Back from Africa

We returned safe and sound, and on time as well I might add. The final total was five matches, two vuvuzelas, a makarapa and millions of cherished memories. I'd like to thank everyone for all of their support. Without you guys, it wouldn't have happened. Thanks again.

The samba was swinging

We went to the Brazil-Ivory Coast match last night. The atmosphere was scintillating. People had been telling us how lucky we were to have tickets to this match because it was a hot seller. The match lived up to its billing. Brazil and its fans were in fine form. It was the second time in this trip we had seats that were less than 10 rows from the field. Another lucky break on this wonderful trip to the World Cup Where I Had Help. Thanks everyone.

A day off from soccer

We had one of the greatest days yesterday. On our only day without a match, we went to the Rhino and Lion Reserve. We saw three of the Big Five -- lion, rhino and Cape buffalo. It was so amazing to be so close to them. At one point, we had African wild dogs coming right up to the car. The lions were so beautiful. We also went to Sterkfontain Cave to see where remains of Australopithicus Africanus -- the earliest hominid -- were found. We have been truly blessed on this trip and thank everyone who has helped us get here.

Few can match this match

We went to the U.S.-Slovenia match today. It was probably the best atmosphere at a U.S. match that I can remember. The Americans were out in numbers never seen at a World Cup game abroad. They got their money's worth with the U.S. coming back from 2-0 down at the break to pull out a tie. On the second goal, Americans went crazy. The guy next to Betty hugged her with some much joi de vivre that they fell over on to me.

What a ride, make that rides.

We are really enjoying the hospitality of the South Africans. Today, we had quite the trek to get to the Argentina-South Korea match. We left the hotel at 10:30 a.m., taking a train, a van and a another train. When we finally got there, the match had already started. But we didn't let that bother our fun and neither did all of the South Africans and fans from other countries who keep a great attitude. Next up is the U.S. against Slovenia. Maybe we'll leave just a bit earlier.

We've made it

It's been an amazing first day in South Africa. The people have been great. We made it to the South Africa vs. Uruguay match, and it was a blast. The hour before kickoff was amazing. I can't recall a match where everyone was so excited to see their team. You probably could have lit up all the lights in Pretoria with the electricity in the stadium. Don't worry eveyone, I've got my vuvuzela. I think this is the first match I've gone to that I could say my cheeks were tired by the time it was over. Again, I just want to thank everyone who has supported the cause over the last six months. You guys are great. And it was worth every penny. AND THERE'S STILL FOUR MORE MATCHES TO GO.

Just one day away.

We leave tomorrow for a land caught in soccer. If our days are like the first three days of the World Cup, I will be the globe's luckiest guy. (Come to think of it, my girls already make me feel that way.) Our journey will be a long one. But I am determined not to let it concern me. And anytime I think of how long it's taking, I'm going to try to remember the European teams that went to the first World Cup in 1930 -- it took them three weeks by steamer to get to Uruguay.

What an opening day

It finally arrived and was well worth the wait. The first day of the South Africa 2010 was exciting -- and we're not even there yet. Dave scared the girls when he screamed "gooooooal" at the top of his lungs after South Africa scored. We were hoping to see the South Africans grab a point because the first match we are slated to see after we touch down in Johannesburg is South Africa versus Uruguay. There will be plenty on the line and the place should be going nuts with vuvuzelas blaring at deafening levels. The good Lord will and the creeks don't rise, Dave will be one of those puffy-cheeked individuals exhaling to his heart's content. Saturday holds in store two tasty offerings -- England vs. the United States and Argentina vs. Nigeria. Can't wait for the next serving.

It's less than 30 days till we head to South Africa and we celebrate it with a World Cup box pierced by the flags of all 32 teams. Emily had great fun punching the holes in the box for each flag. The excitement is definitely building. Stay tuned for more posts as we near the Cup opener.

We got tickets!

Today we locked down tickets to the Brazil/Ivory Coast match and now have tickets to three matches! Dave checks the FIFA web site every day for new tickets to appear. Hopefully we will see a few more matches. We're all very excited about the upcoming World Cup, which starts in 43 days!

We're Going!!!!!!

We had an amazing week! It started out with Dave being able to put together a travel package with flight and hotel to South Africa, and it ended up with Aunt Betty joining him!!!!! It made Carrie feel better to have someone else going along with him, and Aunt Betty is the perfect person for the job.
The week got even better when we held a yard sale on Saturday and Sunday that put a good chunk of change in the fund! We can also now say goodbye to the CD tower, the BBQ utensils, Papa's old golf clubs, and much more!!
We would like to give a special thanks to Alyne, who became one of greatest supporters and our best buyer at the sale! We'd also like to thank all the other folks who bought things as well as donated money. We greatly appreciate all those who were interested in our voyage.

Double Dose of Crazy Hats

Emily is modeling one of today's goofy hats, a three-handed headress in the colors of the German flag. Daddy picked this one up at the World Cup in Germany in 2006. Dave is sporting a stylish foam agave hat procured for free at a Mexico National Team match in Phoenix.

Soccer Souvenir of the Day

A 3D soccer ball puzzball!

Hat of the Day

This was a hat that Dave bought as part of a set with pants and shirt, all in the same material, that honored the Cameroon team at the 1994 World Cup in Palo Alto, California.
Cameroon, which has the nickname "The Indomitable Lions," is one of six African teams that will be in this years' World Cup.

Something to look forward to daily

We decided we'd do a "Soccer Souvenir of the Day" or "Silly Soccer Hat of the Day." This is one of many Dutch soccer inflatables that Dave has picked up along the way. If you've been watching the Olympics you know about the crazy Dutch fans and their love for the color orange, which is the color of their royalty.

We also went through some boxes in the garage full of soccer stuff-surprise, surprise- and Dave and Em had a wonderful time looking at all the treasures.

Crazy Fan

We've hit a little lull in action lately. We are still waiting hopefully to hear back from Brett from the Global Futbol Initiative (if your reading this Brett, we emailed you and are anxiously waiting to hear from you!!) I (Carrie) thought I would give you some great photos of Dave that the newspaper took of him for the last World Cup. Each picture represents a crazy fan from a different country! Enjoy!

Monday Monday

We picked up a good chunk of change on Monday thanks to Dave selling off a bunch of baseball cards in Phoenix. We also went to the Chicago Fire/Arizona Sahuaros match to make it a really good soccer trip. But we're still a ways away and can still use any/all the help we can get!

EXCITING NEWS!!!!!

We just received an wonderful email from Brett Maurer, Executive Director of the Global Futbol Initiative (www.globalfutbol.org). They are small charitable organization that donates soccer balls to children living in poverty all around the world! In honor of the World Cup 2010, they have created a goal of giving away 10,000 soccer balls to children!
They are looking for people to blog about and help further their mission in South Africa! This is right up Dave's alley and would be something he would absolutely love to do. Stay tuned to see where this possibly exciting doorway may lead to....!

We'd Like to Thank Coldplay

We'd like to thank Coldplay and numerous other recording artists for adding to our "Send Dave To The World Cup" fund. No, they didn't put on a huge concert called something like Ordapalooza or DaveAid nor did they record a single on our behalf, but selling a few of the old CDs brought in some more dollars.


The African Cup of Nations has reached the semifinals with three World Cup-bound teams in the final four — Nigeria, Algeria and Ghana. One of the semifinals features the fascinating and tense match-up between Algeria and Egypt. Egypt defeated Algeria in October to set up a World Cup qualifying playoff a few days later that Algeria won to advance to South Africa and eliminate Egypt. Expect this semifinal to be about as heated as they come.

World Cup Draw

The whole world watched the World Cup draw last month, but I'd like to see a more riveting draw than this one that Emily made above. The artist is not really revealing its meaning, so here is one man's interpretation: The figure in the bottom left corner is a certain Dave Ord, the outline on the right is of Africa and the upper left-hand figure is the rainbow of colors that come together every four years for the greatest sporting event in the world. Watch out Matisse.

In a bold-stroke of fund-raising, my sister added a nice chunk of change to the Cup trip kitty when she sold a couple of old gold pieces — a lonesome earring and chain without clasp. I couldn't help but notice the irony (albeit not to the O. Henry level, perhaps) of her selling gold to help pay for a trip to the No. 1 gold producing country in the world. For that, she should receive the Golden Ball for the week's top performance. Anybody else got any gold just sitting around? We can always use the help. Thanks to all who have become a part of our quest.

A Little Support

5 Months Till the World Cup!!!!

Today represents the five-months-to-go date! We celebrated by starting our wall chart with the flags of the 32 teams for each game. We did about 6 teams, including the U.S., and Emily came up with her own flag! I'm glad Bhutan and Swaziland didn't make the World Cup, their flags are really tough (see below)!






I looked into some World Cup packages today. It's really exciting to just even be thinking about going! We're moving along but still have a long way to go.

Great start!

Hey everyone,
I finally figured out how to keep the video at the top and still have blog posts. Dave and I are truly grateful for all the positive feedback and the donations we have received. We still have a long way to go! We'd like to thank these contributors thus far:
The Belcher Family
The Bos Family
Betty Ord
Andrew Person

With everyone's help and a small donation, we can make a dream come true! Thanks again for coming to the site. Bookmark it because we will update regularly on the progress!

A Small Request

Thanks to all my friends and family for the positive input. I'd be forever grateful if you watched and forwarded it on to as many friends as possible. Thanks! Carrie

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