It's Sunday, June 6 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup starts in 4 days. Our flight from DC to South Africa leaves on Thursday and there is still so much to do. Still need to pack and although it is summer here in DC, can't forget that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere and it will get chilly down there. Note to self, shorts are not a good idea; it may get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to packing need to read "How Soccer Explains the World" by Franklin Foer and ESPN's World Cup Companion.
So what will this adventure to South Africa entail? Well, the trip will include 3 World Cup Games, Meetings with World Cup Sponsors and a couple of tours.
1. 3 Games: England vs. USA (Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng Stadium)
Slovenia vs. USA (Johannesburg - Ellis Park Stadium)
A third game yet to be determined.
2. Meetings with Executives from FIFA World Cup SA, Gatorade, James Grant Sports, Octagon SA, Nike, NBA International, Visa and we hope to add meetings with International Broadcast Centre (IBC), Coca Cola, Adidas and Sony
3. Tours to the Pilaneseburg Game Reserve and to the city of Soweto and its Apartheid Museum. Soweto played an important part in the struggle against Apartheid, and
So what do you pack? My suggestion: non-wrinkle slacks, non-wrinkle shirts and casual dress shoes for the meetings; jean/kakis, polos, and sneakers for the games; and, for everyday, a warm jacket, socks and underwear.
Don't forget toiletries, converters, camera and electronics to stay connected.
Well lots of time and little to do...wait, scratch that and reverse it! Off to Pack and Read!
