Not much has happened since my last update on Friday. I’ve slept a whole lot, and done very minimal homework which adds up to a very nice weekend. 

On Saturday I went to the South Africa v. Australia rugby game with CIEE, my program. It was quite the experience. First and foremost, I think its important to mention that I have never seen a rugby game before in my life, nor do I know the rules, positions, anything. However, despite all this, I had a great time!

Our tickets were in the standing section, which at first seemed like it was going to be terrible. An hour+ of standing to watch a game I didn’t understand? No, thank you. However, I quickly learned that this is where all of the extremely dedicated fans are that can’t afford the seated tickets. 

Now all Americans, at some point in their lives, have been to a football or baseball game. There are those crazy people that get all dressed up, face paint, hair, everything. There’s yelling, standing, jumping, lots of energy.

Well…the rugby games here in SAfrica are SO. much. more. I have never experienced such energy in one location in my entire life. The closet thing that I could imagine is the scene in Harry Potter 4 when you first get a view of the Quiddich stadium. Every single fan, from the 5 year old little girl to the 90 year old man was dressed from head to toe in green Springbokke jerseys, carrying SAafrican flags and yelling at the top of their lungs. It truly was an experience that showed me how easily people can rally around a loved team.

Also like in HP, even miles away from the stadium the fans can be seen. On our multiple mile walk to and from the stadium, the green jersey’s dotted the paths and restaurants. All of the cafes and shops had their doors open and were yelling “GOOOOOO BOKKESSSSS” as we would walk by. If even one Australian was seen on the streets, the look on their face was terror. I felt scared for their lives if they were caught by a group of Bokke fans. 

Until tomorrow,

333KEC