World Cup 2010…Where Will You Be?
Filed under: Cultural Tension, Flights, South Africa, World Cup
We’re about two years away from World Cup 2010. I’m a huge fan of the game and have always wanted to attend a World Cup since I watched Italy win in 82. However the current World Cup 2010 news is not good at all: The South African stadium contruction is way behind schedule because of strikes, there’s a huge shortage of hotel space, transportation is poor, local violence and cultural tension in SA is way up, airfares on US carriers are skyrocketing, Blatter is talking to several backup (and more convenient) countries, and the world economy is in the tank. For the first time, I am thinking I don’t want to go - I don’t want to spend the money, I don’t want to be in an unsafe environment, I don’t want to risk anything happening down there so far from the US/Europe. Maybe a trip to London and watching in some pubs would be an overall better option. Maybe I should take the money and buy a 60 inch hi-def Samsung and watch from my couch. I am leaning against the trip…
But what do you think? Are you planning on going to South Africa, assuming it will be there? Would you prefer another locale? Are my concerns about the danger of the place real or not? Where do you plan on watching the World Cup? Thoughts?
I too am still very much on the fence about it. I was hoping it would be the trip of a lifetime but I think it could end up being just a lot more chaos then it’s worth.
If it gets moved to Brazil I’d consider going. Otherwise, I’m watching in glorious HD on my comfy couch.
I’ve been wanting to take my currently 7 year old son to a WC since 2005. I didn’t act quickly enough to get tix for Germany; and now I don’t think I want to take him to SA. If they move it, though, especially if they move it here, we will definitely go.
If a country like Brazil, that has the same security and infrastructure problems like South Africa, can organize the cup, then let SA at least attempt to prove their case.
On the other hand, if the tournament is played here or England, then I will definitely go.
-Sebastian
My tentative plan is to head over to Europe with some buddies after our graduation and watch the games there. I’m sure most big cities will have those giant screens set up, and I think watching Italy play in Rome would be a little nicer than South Africa. But if it gets moved, who knows?
I’ll be there whereever it is. I’m pretty excited about South Africa, but Brazil would be cool as well.
I would not mind going if I was traveling with a large group of other USA fans. I just don’t think South Africa will be able to pull it off.
I am planning on making the trip. I have some pals from SA and they said it should be all good plus the side trips to the coast and to the Veldt cannot be missed.