We call it Jozi, because Johannesburg is rather long and boring. Just keep in mind that we're the greatest city here in SA. The best city in Africa. Everybody knows about us. Well, they should.
This is the City of Gold. Once upon a time we were rolling in the shiny stuff. There were sneakers with platinum shoelaces and authentic gold eyeshadow. Kentucky Chicken was coated in golden breadcrumbs. My favourite toothpaste was bubblegum and mined treacle.
Anyway, that was a long time ago. The perfect memorabilia, besides vuvuzelas and makarapas, is a freshly minted World Cup gold coin. It's taking a piece of Earth and culture, something you will want to pass onto your children. You can even tell those at home that you won a medal for the best fan, instead of taking an tribal African mask that was probably made in Taiwan.
When the World Cup trophy [I've always thought it was rather ugly] descended in South Africa, it reminded us of that glittery past. When the soccer stars started coming, it brought the scent of golden glory.
I thought that when the players arrived they would be like movie and music stars, with an entourage of minions behind them, flicking their hair at the cameras and flashing their diamonds. These guys carried their own bags, looked really jet-lagged and waved sadly. It was kind of disappointing, but now I can't wait for the grand entry, when they finally step onto the field and everybody cheers...
I can't wait!
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