Hi there, all soccer lovers!

As you know, the first WORLD CUP on African soil kicks off this Friday. I am from Cape Town, South Africa and I love soccer. We cannot wait to welcome the world to this great event. Our citizens are driving around with national flags on our cars and wearing the yellow and green of our national team.
Our national team are called 'Bafana Bafana' which means "The Boys". The mascot for the event is called Zakumi. He is a little leopard dressed in soccer gear, holding a soccer ball and sporting an African dreadlock style haircut. The official ball that will be used is called Jabulani, which means 'celebrate'. Then their is the Vuvuzela, a flute like pipe that you blow to make a noise. We either love or hate this instrument. I hate it, 'cos it makes one hell of a load, irritating sound. But one thing is for sure, this will give the tournament an unique African atmosphere. One can even buy earplugs if you can't stand the sound in a stadium.
Our stadiums are world class, we have enough accommodation and hopefully enough transport, ranging from trains and busses to airline flights.
South Africa is a country of contrasts. The gap between the rich and poor are tremendous. We have serious political problems, severe poverty, a very high AIDS rate and a huge crime problem. Some tourists will be very upset when they see the conditions in which the poor live. In respect to crime, they must not wear expensive jewelery and carry expensive gadgets like cameras etc. in clear view of everyone. Tourists should always lock their doors, day and night, and not visit so-called high risk areas. They should always ask hotel staff or locals for information before they visit an area.
South Africans are friendly people and we would always do our best to help. We are so honoured to receive all the people of the world to our beautiful country. We have beautiful tourist attractions, scenery, beaches, wine estates and wildlife parks. And remember there are no lions walking in the streets!
Our biggest cities, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth etc. are modern and has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment. We have world class shopping malls, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, etc. There will also be designated 'jolkolle'(outside party spaces) with huge TV screens, music, food and drink available.
If you are lucky enough to be here, try 'Pap and Wors'(corn pourage and sausage), an outside 'Braai'(barbeque), 'Bobotie'(curried meat), 'Potjiekos'(meat and vegetable stew in a black pot,roasted over an open fire), 'Kerrie vis'(curried fish) etc. And, of course, enjoy our great variety of wines. But we have over and enough beer and spirits to go around!
Another thing, if you are coming, you can even buy your countries flags and shirts in our shops or at a street crossing. And remember, we call our traffic lights, 'robots'! And we drive on the lefthand side of the road. If you need directions, information etc, just ask us. You would be able to use English everywhere.
Well, back to the soccer. I think the excitement for 'The Beautiful Game' to begin is now tangible around the world. If you are coming, I hope you have a wonderful time. I know I'm being biased, 'cos I live in Cape Town, but you have to come and see Table Mountain!
Is there anyone out there coming to South Africa? And if you are watching from your couch, which team do you root for? And which team do you think will win? I think it will be Spain.

Viva World Cup 2010! Viva South Africa! Viva 'The Beautiful Game'!