Markets around Diagonal Street in Joburg

Awesome local markets and scenes today as we explored the Central Business District and Newtown (Diagonal Street) areas.

Shrek

Everyone in the city is excited about the cup, even Shrek.

Accessories

Almost every car in Joburg has flags attached to them as accessories. There are the kinds you see in the states that attach to your windows and then there are the kind that wrap on your sideview mirrors. I've never seen the latter in the states, could be a good business venture...

Street Vendors

Street vendors are a part of daily life in Joburg and the World Cup has given them a chance to do some solid business. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that these guys are 2-3 at almost every corner, with even more walking down the middle of traffic. They are super friendly and will cheer for whatever team you shout out the window.

Makarapa

You've probably seen these on the heads of a few fans during the games. The makarapa is a traditional part of the South African fan's gear - it's a hand cut and hand painted hard hat. These are two that were on sale at the US v England game.

Bus 2056

This is a photo of me and my favorite bus...or you might think it was favorite bus. My wife and I spent 10-11 hours on it yesterday on the way to Rustenburg for the US game. The reason those hours entered double digits is a long and sordid tale best left for some good beer. Amazingly enough, the 38 US fans and 2 English fans stuck on the journey never really lost their cool. I can't really begin to describe the occasions we got lost, the failed attempts at voting for the next destination, a drunken tour guide, and a mysterious group of 7 lost passengers.

Kulula Ad

Kulula (local SA airway) has been an fan favorite and a FIFA nightmare with their creative ads geared at the frustration over FIFA's control over the World Cup brand name. They have been publishing ads that have a ton of tongue in cheek humor that is centered on referencing the cup without actually stating its name. There is a lot of frustration with some in SA related to the control FIFA has exerted.

This ad cracked me up. I'm sure you can read the big part, the smaller text reads:

"...we're offering fully inclusive one way flights from R419. Unless your name is Sepp Blatter of course. So Sepp, if you need to be anywhere in the country in the most convenient way possible, email us at ImSeppBlatter@kulula.com and we'll fly you for free. This offer I'd valid for the duration of that thing that is happening right now."

Classic.