A Glimpse of Life in Soweto

We had the opportunity to see the inside of one of the family dwellings in this shantytown, which was essentially a lean-to with corrugated steel roof and sides, with a total area no larger than 10' x 20', including the family room, kitchen, and bedroom . . . for six people! If you think that was bad enough, consider that there is no electricity, no running water, and no indoor toilet! This was quite sobering for our students to witness, and makes us appreciate even more all that we have and that we sometimes take for granted.

Visiting a Soweto Shanty

When we got off the bus at this Soweto shantytown, these kids mobbed our students and welcomed us with smiles and friendship! We gave them little tokens from the States, including Western New England College and USA gear, which you can see displayed in some of the photos (all Soweto photos courtesy of Nick Starr).

Soweto Tour

On Sunday, June 13, we took a tour of Soweto Township, which although African sounding, is merely an abbreviation for Southwest Township. It is the black, and mostly poor community within Johannesburg that was created under the apartheid regime, and it is also the boyhood home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

A Banner Day

As referenced in a previousl post, here's Dave Fitzpatrick, displaying the USA flag from the balcony that ringed the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg before the June 12 match between USA and England. Even though "Old Glory" was way outnumbered (you will see this in a future post), it was there on behalf of a proud and grateful nation, thanks to Dave and his crew mates!

Living the New Three Rs!

At Western New England College, we are purposeful about instilling and reinforcing in our students the value and importance of responsibility, resilience, and resourcefulness -- the new three Rs -- in their everyday lives . . . and I am happy to report that the students are demonstrating these characteristics in spades!

No one has been late to seminar, appointments, or bus departures, and there have been no lame excuses for assignments left undone. And everyone has assumed a heightened vigilance for each other's safety and security.

In light of several hardships that in another context would have launched a boatload of complaints, there has been nary a complaint about the frigid temperatures (both in the stadiums and in our sleeping rooms), the lack of towels for washing/showering until the second day after our arrival, and the restrictive internet access, among other setbacks. Our crew has shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from these and other challenges they faced along the way.

In bargaining over price for their many souvenir acquisitions, the students displayed a keen resourcefulness in knowing how to play the game. One example: the same set of coasters that I bought for 100 rand, two students got for 60 rand, and another student paid 50 rand! They also figured out how to attract the attention of the cameras and TV crews by their signs, personalities, and colorful dress, which got them interviews on "The Daily Show" and by Al-Jazeerah! But the best example would have to be the ingenious use of their identification cards that mirrored official FIFA accreditations to obtain close-in access to the soccer venues!

Arriving in Dubai

Enroute to Johannesburg, we had a two-hour layover in Dubai, where the students could stretch, take a walk, log on to the internet, and do some shopping. Here, Michael Jones and Dave Quackenbush are happy to get off the plane after the 13-hour flight from JFK!

Snap Update

Monday, June 14, 2010--Sun City. Sorry to have been on radio silence for two days, but the spotty internet access and our travel schedule have made blogging a major challenge. Since I am at a "satellite" location at the moment, I am unable to post photos during this session. To catch you up a bit since Friday when we attended the opening match (which ended in a rather anticlimactic 1-1 tie), we made the three-hour drive to Rustenburg on Saturday for the much anticipated USA-England match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Before the kick off, some our crew got into a little spat with a couple of testy Brits over banner-hanging territory and protocol. You see, in international soccer, partisan fans get to the stadium hours in advance to ring the balconies with their national colors (you will see in a future post what I am talking about). Long-story-short, an international incident was averted through friendly banter and diplomacy, but importantly, Dave and Shawn Fitzpatrick, along with Sean Healey, ensured that "Old Glory" would not be denied its place at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium that night!

An Electrifying Experience, Bar None!

This photo does not do justice to the pure electricity running through the Soccer City Stadium on opening night of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was at once colorful and festive, loud and boisterous, and quite emotional to be part of the scene with nearly 85,000 passionate soccer fans!

Quack and Fan

Here, Dave Quackenbush picks up a style tip or two about how an ultimate Bafana Bafana fan gets properly outfitted for the match!

Ally and Friend

This South African fan wants to know why Ally Ostler is not decked out in full Bafana Bafana kit, including game face paint!

This is how it is . . . .

Shawn Fitzpatrick shares some of the finer points of the game with fellow Western New England College soccer player Sean Healey, while Kevin Shaker listens in.

Outnumbered but not Deterred

In its opening match against South Africa, Mexican fans were out in force in support of their national team, but they were no match for the South African fans, who must have outnumbered them 500 to one! In the photo, you can see this lone Mexican fan in a sea of Bafana Bafana supporters.

More Pre-Match Entertainment

Here's a shot of one of the pre-match music acts, which amazingly is staged right in the center of the soccer pitch!

Opening Ceremonies at the World Cup

Prior to start of the June 11 South Africa-Mexico World Cup opener, there was a two-hour entertainment spectacular dubbed the "opening ceremonies," which featured thousands of entertainers, including top-line music artists, dancers, and children of South Africa, as well as several fly overs by jets and prop planes. Did I mention that our seats were three and four rows up from the pitch on a corner? The sight lines were incredible! From the photo, you can see that we were practically right on the field!

Dr. Walker is in the House!

As you know from a previous post, Dr. Sharianne Walker is our delegation's 14th member . . . and here she is with some of our crew -- Michael Jones, Kevin Shaker, Dan Gould, Nick Starr, and Dave Quackenbush -- at the opening match in Soccer City on June 11 in Johannesburg.

BFF

As you can see, Golden Bear and Zakumi, the mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, have become fast friends! Zakumi, though, does not have one of those cool identification/accreditation cards as worn by GB. In a future post I will explain just how useful the ID card is around here.

Odd Man Out

For the World Cup opening match on June 11, several of the delegation members outfitted themselves in the yellow home colors of South Africa's natonal soccer team (from left, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Sean Healey, and Dan Gould). Not-yet-a-real-soccer-fan Tim Conrod, on the other hand, is decked out in the colors of the Springboks, South Africa's national rugby team.

African Mime

On June 10, we stopped at Carlton Center, a shopping/hotel complex and home of "Top of Africa," the tallest building in South Africa, where we took in the sights from the observatory deck for a 360-degree panoramic view of Johannesburg. In the photo, Kevin Shaker, Ally Ostler, and Dave Fitzpatrick are not yet aware that the mime is next to them doing some pretty funny things!

Shout out to Western New England College

Backing up a few days, when we departed JFK International Airport June 8 for Dubai, the purser announced over the cabin P.A. system that Emirates Airlines was "proud to be transporting passengers -- including 13 from Western New England College -- to the FIFA World Cup." We were the only group to be singled out for mention by name. Now how cool was that?!

Look . . . my first passport stamp!

Now fully certified as a bonafide international traveler, Tim Conrod shows off his passport with its first stamp upon arrival June 9 at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Quackenbush on Vuvuzela

Dave Quackenbush and a friend play a duet on the vuvuzela!

Nick on Horn

While waiting in line to clear the security entrance to Soccer City Stadium on June 11, Nick Starr demonstrates his vuvuzela horn blowing ability and style!

Morning Seminar

At our first morning seminar at 9 a.m. on June 11, Tim Conrod and Michael Jones present their report on South Africa's Premier League (professional soccer) to an attentive audience. Every day, students give a 20-30 minute presentation on different topics related to soccer and/or South African history, culture, and politics. In contrast to our first seminar abroad at the Beijing Olympics, where seminar hour was at 7 a.m., this leisurely start seems like a cake walk!

Stylin' Dan

Soccer fans know that it is de rigueur to be properly outfitted at a match in your team's colors, so Dan Gould along with Spencer Severs and a few other students bought South African team jerseys for the SA-Mexico match . . . but Dan went out all with the scarf action to make a fashion statement!

Viva Mexico!

The Mexicans were out in full force in Sandton City/Mandela Square the evening before their team's 2010 World Cup debut against South Africa. Here, Spencer Severs (center) and Kevin Shaker jump in a "two-way" photo op!

On The Daily Show

On June 10, we paid a visit to Sandton, an upscale commercial complex and Mandela Square, where ESPN set up one of its satellite outdoor studio locations. While there, the crew had its first celebrity run-in with John Oliver, the Senior British Correspondent for Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. Tim Conrod (far right), was interviewed on camera by Oliver about Americans' knowledge of soccer, which clip was slated to run on an episode this week.

Photo-Op at the IBC

Here we are outside the FIFA International Broadcast Center, which is adjacent to Soccer City, the 94,700-seat stadium in Johannesburg. While in country, we are ultimate fans of Bafana Bafana, as evidenced by Tim Conrod's waving of the South African flag!

Sustenance

After a long day of touring, the crew stopped for dinner at a restaurant in northern Johannesburg. Ally Ostler, Dan Gould, and Dave Quackenbush enjoy their chocolate mousse dessert after a fine meal!

GB on Tour

Not to miss out on anything, Golden Bear is on the bus on his way to the opening ceremonies and match between South Africa and Mexico!

Croc Wrasslin'

Here's Tim Conrad, getting down to wrestle with an African crocodile! Fortunately for Tim, this one was long stuffed and mounted!

Kevin Shaker and Friends

From left, Dr. Dan Covell, Michael Jones, Dave Quackenbush, Kevin Shaker, Tim Conrod, and Nick Starr are shown here with three tour guides (in suits) at the FIFA International Broadcast Center adjacent to Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Fantastic Four!

Delegation member Sean Healey is shown here with his four match tickets to the FIFA World Cup!

Breakfast of Champions

Since we are staying at Tshwane University of Technology, we start our mornings (after an optional 6:30 run) with breakfast at the campus dining room. So far, so good!

Airport Group Photo

Here we are with our College banner at OR Tambo International Airport, under the gaze of former South Africa President Nelson Mandela.

A Warm Welcome

Coca-Cola, one of the FIFA World Cup sponsors, had their people out in force to greet arriving passengers at OR Tambo Airport and offer their soft-drink products to quench our thirst!

All Present and Accounted For

At OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, everyone cleared customs and passport control without incident . . . including Golden Bear!

Maiden Voyage

Tim Conrad, who had not previously flown on an airplane, is shown here about to board his first flight, from JFK to Dubai enroute to Johannesburg . . . to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa!

Hujambo (Greetings) from SA!

Friday, June 11, 2010--Pretoria. We arrived in Johannesburg on June 9, and as you can see, it is now two days later. Internet access, you see, has been a bit of a challenge. There is no internet service in our living quarters here at Tshwane University of Technology, and the internet cafe is only open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., which is when we are out and about. Thus, this is our first opportunity to squeeze in a few minutes before we have to catch our bus to Soccer City in Jo'burg for the opening ceremonies and Match 1 of the FIFA World Cup between South Africa and Mexico! Another problem is downloading photos, because the internet cafe computers' USB port cannot accommodate my transfer adapter. I'll have to figure this out, because after all . . . a photo is worth a thousand words! I'll post this now to assure readers that we are here and doing very well . . . the enthusiasm and excitement among our delegation and the people we've met are exceedingly high!

Half Way There!

Not that it is obvious from the photo, but here's the crew at Dubai International Airport in the UAE . . . looking good after our 13-hour flight from JFK! Now we're awaiting our eight-hour connecting flight to Johannesburg!

Embarkation Day!

As the travel team revels in the excitement of heading to the World Cup in a matter of a couple hours, I would like to thank the parents and families of the students for their support, without whom Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/South Africa would not have come to pass. I also send a special "shout out" to Dr. Sharianne Walker, who as the Sport Management Department chair and abiding good friend, has given her enthusiastic support to our crew and this program. For reasons best known by her, Sharianne is regarded as our delegation's "14th Member."

A Country on the Brink?

A special report in the June 3, 2010, issue of The Economist (links below) takes a comprehensive look at the host country of the 2010 World Cup, and considers whether strides made since the end of apartheid and minority rule are mostly in the name of progress . . . or not. Only sixteen years after becoming a true democracy and with a windstream of optimism at its back, South Africa is poised to position itself as a leader of the emerging nations of the developed world. At the same time, it must shake the perception -- if not reality -- that it is a country beset by violent crime, incessant poverty, the scourge of HIV/AIDS, government corruption, and lingering racial tension. An incident-free and otherwise successful World Cup will go a long way toward bolstering national confidence and imbuing South Africa with the belief that it is capable of hosting important global events in exquisite fashion, and deserving of accolades yet to come.

http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displayStory.cfm?story_id=16248589&source=hptextfeature

http://economist.com/surveys/displaystory.cfm?story_id=16248671

Golden Bear Daily

Dave Quackenbush, one of the "Enviable Eleven" and editor-in-chief of the Golden Bear Daily, is filing his reports from the front lines at http://wnecgoldenbears.blogspot.com/

South Africa or Bust!

On Tuesday, June 8 at 5 a.m., the 13 members of the Golden Bear FC (aka Western New England College CISB Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/South Africa program) will board a bus in front of Deliso Hall and begin our journey that will take us from JFK International in Queens to Johannesburg, with a brief stopover in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. We have been waiting for months in anticipation of this moment, which is finally upon us. Among our planned activities is a behind-the-scenes tour of the FIFA International Broadcast Center, which is the media nerve center that allows fans in 200+ countries to be tuned in to the spectacle that is the World Cup. We will visit Soweto, the township famous for the 1976 uprisings in protest of the then-government's apartheid policy, as well as boyhood homes to Nobel Peace Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. Of course, we will not pass up the opportunity to photograph South Africa's "Big Five," which we hope to see at Pilanesburg National Park and Game Reserve. And oh, yes . . . since we will be in country during the once-in-every-four-years playing of the World Cup, we will take in at least four matches, including the June 11 opener between South Africa and Mexico, and the USA-England smackdown on June 12. Stay tuned for dispatches from across the pond!

The Global Game

Time Magazine, in its June 14, 2010, issue, did a splendid job in previewing the World Cup that opens this Friday in Johannesburg's Soccer City. (Did I mention that 11 Western New England College students, Dr. Dan Covell, and I will be there?)

The beauty of the "Beautiful Game" is its virtual accessibility to all of humankind. Regardless of life's circumstances, there is nary a barrier to participation. Modern civilization's embrace of the sport transends race, color, creed, religion, nationality, sex, age, and practically any other demographic, and once every four years the World Cup draws an unparalleled TV viewing audience (715 million people, according to Time).

Time's picks of the teams that could win it all include Brazil, Spain, Argentina, England, Netherlands, Italy, and . . . the USA! The magazine did not cite the basis for its selections, but it did remind that surprises do occur, like the time when North Korea beat Italy . . . in the 1966 World Cup! Do you believe in miracles?

Shaker in the News!

After reading the story about North Adams resident Kevin Shaker in iberkshires.com (link below), you'll understand why the students who are about to embark on Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/South Africa are being regarded by their friends as the "Enviable Eleven."

http://iberkshires.com/story/35109/drury-grad-heading-to-world-cup-in-south-africa.html

In the photo, Kevin is modeling one of the Golden Bear Football Club's (that's our delegation's alias) special travel kits, designed by Western New England College Creative Director Deb Chappell for this World Cup edition of the CISB's seminar abroad series.

Euro-South American Axis?

Interestingly, of the 18 World Cups held to date, the continental victors have been split right down the middle: nine South American and nine European countries. According to a report by the Swiss financial firm UBS, the teams with the best chance of making the World Cup Final this summer are Brazil, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, and Argentina, in that order. This listing takes into consideration past performance, host status, and something called the Elo Rating, which determines current strength based on goals scored, strength of opponents, match location, and whether the game was an official competition or not. So there you have it . . . and we'll just have to wait and see if the economists know anything about predicting success at the World Cup!

CISB Enrichment Program

In anticipation of our June 8 departure for South Africa, the students are finalizing their preparations to ensure that the mission is a success. You see, each member of the Seminar Abroad 2010: FIFA World Cup/SA delegation has a defined role outside his or her academic obligations. For example, Tim Conrod is blogging at http://wnecworldcup2010.blogspot.com/, while Dave Quackenbush will be filing reports from the front lines for the Golden Bear Daily. Dave Fitzpatrick is our base camp coordinator, Dan Gould will look after our transportation needs, and Nick Starr will take care of any protocol issues (hopefully there will not be any international incidents!). Meanwhile, Shawn Fitzpatrick is our in-stadium signage meister, which means if we don't make it on television, it is all on him! Spencer Severs is our communications director/media liaison, and Michael Jones is responsible for coordinating down-time (unscheduled) activities. To ensure that that we stay healthy and reasonably fit, Sean Healey, our delegation's head trainer, will get our butts out on the soccer pitch at Tshwane University of Technology (our base camp) for some intramural action. Ally Ostler is our staff meteorologist and will advise the group daily on weather-appropriate attire, in addition to being the delegation's head bear keeper and chaperone of Golden Bear. Upon our return stateside, Kevin Shaker will produce a DVD photo/music album as the delegation's memory book, and he along with Michael will also conduct video and audio interviews of South Africans, foreign visitors, and delegation members alike. Dr. Dan Covell is the chief academic officer (after all, this is an educational mission), and he is also in charge of our ticketing. As for me, I'm the chef de mission, which basically means that a la John Belushi in Animal House, I get to be on double-secret sabbatical and enjoy the fruits of everyone's labor!

South Africa's Big Five

Accountants and students of accounting know that what is now the Big Four used to be the Big Five, before the Enron-fueled demise of Arthur Andersen. Back in the day -- pre-merger and
acquisition -- the major accounting firms were referred to as the Big Eight . . . but I digress.

In South Africa, the term "Big Five" refers to the greatest of Africa's wild kingdom -- lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros -- which were chosen not for their size but for the difficulty in hunting them. Note to students: most visitors to South Africa consider their trip incomplete without at least spotting the Big Five . . . so put it on your to-do list!