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.