Round 2

Barely enough time had passed for the shin splints to recover and the next game was upon us: Switzerland versus Spain. The walk down the hill was a little more subdued second time around - mainly because we were all sporting drink related injuries from the previous game. My peg leg was playing up; Kath has a dodgy back from sleeping (passing out) funny; Jonny's tummy was still feeling delicate (he wins the prize for loudest vomit) and Hermann had already had 4 beers. Nevertheless, we sampled the hospitality of the local shebeen - Cha Cha's - before heading to the game. The stadium was mostly filled with Durbanites supporting Spain in a wide variety of costumes and accessories. Beaded flag earrings seem to be all the rage - while many of the younger female fans seemed to be wearing slightly less clothing that one would imagine was appropriate for a winter's evening in Durbs....perhaps on the hope of catching a roving Spanish eye or two. Jonny, Kath and Hermann were all nominally supporting Spain, whereas a tenuous link to an acquaintance of Brenda's (the Annique lady) meant that I was full on supporting Switzerland. Unfortunately, the closest thing I had to Swiss colours was my red and white Take That t-shirt. Turns out it was very appropriate with Switzerland beating the Spaniards 1-nil.

After the game we braved the cold to hustle our way into Udo's Fan Park at Suncoast, in the mistaken belief that we would stand for an hour and a half before the Bafana Game even started. 3 samosas were not enough to persuade us to stay. A mere 15 minutes, one beer and a pee later and we were caught sneaking out. Oh well, at least we successfully managed to persuade taxi driver Tammi to drive us back up to Morningside via Durban North to avoid the road closures. He even did a tour of the bottle shops so that we could stock up with more beer. Hermann did us proud and managed to procure a case of Windhoek and 2 packets of crisps well after closing time.

Benedicta was a bit surprised to see us home early - mainly cos the kids were still up and forcing her to undergo some serious medical procedures involving a plastic doctors kits and a lot of imagination. It took us just under 10 minutes to clear downstairs of all little people and settle down to watch the game. I'd like to be able to report first hand on the local reaction to a 3-nil defeat and red-carded goalie....but I was asleep on the sofa well before the first goal was scored. Oh well, there's still hope.....slightly more subdued....ayoba....