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Dear Readers and faithful friends,

After a number of years of wonderful blogging, this blog has effectively become dormant - except for occasional updates regarding my book, MAXDOG. I have left this blog as a legacy to my dog and a place of sanctuary where we can reflect upon his life. Take your time, peruse the pages spanning Max's 18 months in cyberspace. Feel refreshed and uplifted because his story is an amazing one of..."LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!"
My activities have now moved on to my new blog entitled "LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX". Please join me there where you can read about my family and canine companions. I also invite you to visit MAXDOG's FANPAGE on FACEBOOK. You can follow the specific links by clicking below:

* 'LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: click HERE
*MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: click HERE
* MAXDOG, the book: click HERE

If you would like to follow me on a deeper, spiritual level, then I invite you to visit my more personal blog:

May God bless you and thank you for following me!
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG's CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

TAMMY REPORTS ON "WORLD CUP FEVER!"...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!

TAMMY (Max's girlfriend) here...


Hello there to all our furry buddies from around the world!

We are taking a small diversion today as Mom has asked me, TAMMY, to do today's

very important blogpost!!!

So today I am playing the TOUR GUIDE for Max...what fun!
Why is today an important blogpost?

Well South Africa has exactly 100 days to go!!!

...before our soccer stadiums explode with the sound of celebratory "vuvuzelas"...

Yes, we are almost there...exactly 100 days before the kick-off to the

SOCCER WORLD CUP 2010!!!
We know that some of our bloggie-buddies are interested in this important forthcoming event, so we decided to talk about it today.

Some of our radio stations are also taking this landmark day seriously and broadcasting from one of our beautiful, newly constructed stadiums in Durban, South Africa.

Mom's nephew, "JP" recently went on one of the organised stadium tours of the Moses Mabhida Stadium and took some stunning photographs which he has given us permission to publish on this blog. Here goes...


PRESENTING...

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010:

THE MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM

(DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA)


This is a truly incredible soccer stadium!!!

It has caught the attention of international architects. It has taken 32 months to build and has provided approximately 26 000 jobs in the process. This stadium (one of many) has a 106m arch over the pitch and has a sky car to the top of the arch (or 550 steps) from which the view of the Indian Ocean is simply magnificent!!!...

The pitch is currently sporting healthy green grass which is overlooked by
66 000 seats!
Apparently this can also be adjusted to accomodate 80 000 spectators when necessary...

This is "JP"'s personal account of his recent organised tour of this impressive stadium:

“What a stunning design!!! Standing next to the stadium makes you feel like the smallest insignificant ant on the planet, but at the same time, makes you feel immensely proud to be South African. To be looking at something so giant and unique that almost everyone thought would never have been completed in time for the 2010 Fifa world cup. We are ready! Currently, it is one of the 5 most beautiful stadiums in the WORLD believe it or not!

The people/co-workers at the stadium are friendly, excited and have a brilliant knowledge of the new stadium. The stadium tour is very affordable. I would however suggest that you call the certain stadium/s beforehand to see whether VIP areas/change rooms are available on the day (use the following link http://www.mosesmabhidastadium.co.za/home/ for schedules and costs). The tours are available both pre and post the Fifa world cup.

The old “Kings park Soccer” Stadium was knocked down about 2-3 years ago and the cement from the old stadium was recycled and used to build the outer and some of the inner foundation of the new stadium, making it more cost efficient. Guess how much was spent on completing this particular stadium?? R3.2 billion it is! The roof is designed and imported from Mexico and the arch is originally designed in Germany. The engineers from South Africa and Germany got together to discuss a theme and design, so they decided on a Y arch - which symbolises the joining of two nations. If you recall, our South African flag has the green Y symbol representing the same inspiration. So this is the unique part of the "Moses" stadium, the other 2 new stadiums or the 7 upgraded ones have their own unique theme/s. The ‘Mexican’ nylon type roofing has a duct fitted to it so that rain water is collected and streamed down to underground holding tanks. This water will be used for the irrigation of the park including the surrounding vegetation, once again, being “eco-friendly”! 95% of the seating is covered from rain. The colour of the seats specifically characterize the colours of Durban, i.e. starting from the bottom, “navy and light blue” representing the ocean and then cascading into “orange and white” which represents the beach sand. The big screen in the ground is also the largest flat screen digital in Africa, I wonder how much that costs....

For the adrenaline junkies:

They have just recently (March 2010) launched the “Big swing” where spectators can now bungee from the top (up the west arm of the Y arch) of the Stadium arch across to the other end of the stadium. This will set you back R600 for a swing.


For the adventurers:

The most fun part of the stadium is the “sky-car”!(which can carry about 25 people at a time) This item was imported from Switzerland. There are daily rides to the top of the arch, every twenty minutes or so (R50 per adult). I personally didn’t take the sky car ride but instead opted for the “Adventure walk”, where you climb to the top of the arch with harnesses. You start on the opposite side (the east arm of the Y arch) of the sky car and literally walk to the top viewing area. It’s very safe and if you feeling strong (550 steps up) on a particular day, I would recommend this healthy route! It will cost you R80 per adult (see link above). The view from the top is simply spectacular! A 360 degree panoramamic view of Durban!

Other than this, there are shops along the bottom outer part of the stadium, ranging from restaurants, clothing, sporting, supporter shops and others. What I am really looking forward to are the pre-game performances which will be held just on the outskirts of the entrance, where a dance/show of sorts (e.g. Zulu warrior dance) will take place. I'm looking forward to this surprise!

Some preparations are still under way:

- Extra seating is being installed for a max capacity of about 70 000 for the world cup. There are plans to fit even more seats after the world cup (+/- a total of 85 000) as South Africa will be bidding for the 2020 Olympics!

- Continuous polishing of the outer walkway around the stadium (slippery when wet!)

- The expansion of Durban’s beachfront is currently undergoing a R200 million redevelopment. This will be completed before the world cup kick-off and the new beachfront esplanade (which stretches quite far and wide) will almost look like a “Miami type” setting! Spectators will be able to walk from Durban beachfront to the stadium in a short time, as parking will be packed to the brim by television crew, officials, fans, buses, taxi’s etc. The preferred type of transport will be the public and private bus/taxi services during match days, running from certain places in Durban (i.e. from and to shopping malls, hotels, beachfront etc)

The largest “Virgin active” gym in the country will be opening after the world cup, the gym is located on the outer side of the stadium.

On a final note, I am very impressed with the stadiums outcome and that it has been a success!!"

Thank you so much, "JP" for your personal account to our bloggy-buddies!

We appreciate it very much!!!
---xXx---

As "JP" said,the Kingsmead Rugby stadium, not far from the MOSES MABHIDA stadium, seems small in comparison...

I am sure you will agree, this is an incredible monument to an occasion which is celebrated throughout Africa! It is the first time ever that we are hosting such an large event.

South African is extremely excited and ready to welcome all our visitors!!!

(And yes, we will have a few in our own house too!)

If you want to learn more about this beautiful stadium, please click

---xXx---
Now on to a
MAXDOG UPDATE:
Well, I am sure you also want to know about my bestest boy...
MAXDOG

He is doing really well it seems. He is pain free and sleeping well. From the outside you wouldn't say he is sick (but as you know the Vets think otherwise). He still looks well and is still enjoying his evening walk
(although its a bit short for me!).
We had a scare this morning, because Max didn't want his breakfast. Mom got cooking again - chicken and rice - and he eventually ate it all. I stood around drooling. (Life is so unfair at times). My opinion...my boyfriend is manipulating the humans to organise chicken and rice for himself!
He loves lying on the cool kitchen floor though...

He really spreads himself out...


Yeah, and he still has the energy to pick up clothes for mom in the house. He does this quite naturally whenever something is left around. He gets a biscuit for that effort...yes and he still likes biscuits!


I think I will have to learn how to do these tricks so that I too can get biscuits! Mind you, Mom just gives me one anyway when Maxi earns his.

Hope you enjoyed me playing TOUR GUIDE!?!
ONLY 100 DAYS TO GO!!!
Lotsalittlelicks
TAMMY-GIRL IN SOUTH AFRICA

41 comments:

kks said...

that is one huge stadium!
maxdoggie looks good and his tummy doesn't look distended....
he's playing service dog cleaning up the house!
xoxo

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Tammy you are one fine tour guide!!! What a beautiful stadium and surrounding area. I know you all in SA are excited about this new facility. Thank you also for the update on your sweet handsome boyfriend. Give Max a big hug from us and know we are thinking about you all,
Madi and Mom

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! That a magnificent stadium. Thanks for sharing, Tammy - outstanding tour guide. Woof! Woof! to you MAX - chicken n rice for a meal is always the best. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Your country should be very proud of that beautiful stadium and all that it encompasses and symbolizes. We hope the Games are a huge success.

Great to see and hear that Max is still doing far better than many expected. Way to show them, Max.

Woos, Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Unknown said...

The football stadium looks huge!!

I'm glad Max is doing well and he ate his chicken and rice. Sorry Tammy that you couldn't eat it. It sounds yummy.

houndstooth said...

Wow! That stadium is amazing! We all wish we could go there to see it in person!

We're glad to see Max is still being so helpful around the house!

Bunny

KB said...

Thanks for telling us about the soccer stadium. My dad and brother are soccer maniacs, so I'm sure that they'll spend the World Cup sleep deprived as they try to stay up all night to watch the games. It really is a unique and beautiful stadium.

MaxDog looks really good. I love that he picks up items from the floor, just like my K. It's fun when the dogs feel that they have a job@ I'm glad that you managed to whip up some food that he'd like... We have to cook for one of our dogs all the time because she has severe dietary restrictions. Our other dog looks SO jealous, so we know how Tammy feels.

Enjoy your day with MaxDog and the crew.

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos Tammy! Great job doing the tour! We are most impressed with the soccer stadium! Wow that is huge, think of the zoomies woo could do in there!
Nice to see Max is still getting yummy things to eat, I love rice and chicken too!
-Kira The BeaWootiful

MurphyDog said...

Tammy, you are doing an excellent job as tour guide! A girl's perspective is nice to have...especially a smart pretty girl like you!

Glad to hear Max continues to do well. He's one smart doggie to manipulate the humans like that.

wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog

Jacqueline said...

Tammy, you did a wonderful job as Tour Guide; your stadium is magnificent!...Everything you guys have shared about life in South Africa has been lovely...I am very happy Max is doing so well; love works wonders!...Best wishes for your continued good days together.

BRUTUS said...

Wow! You South Africans really know how to build! That stadium is just beautiful (and we've never said that about another stadium, honest!). Even if you aren't a soccer fan, you'd have to go for a visit just to check out the cool architecture!
Tammy, thanks for the update on Max! I bet he'd teach you all his tricks if you just ask! He'll certainly want to pass on his duties to someone who can carry them out properly!

Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie

Ina in Alaska said...

That is one gorgeous stadium with lots of optional activities to enjoy! I shared this with my husband. Thanks, Tammy and JP for the fabulous pictures and description. Hugs also to Max, nice service he provides!! xoxo

Mrs. JP said...

You know I should follow soccer more. I love sports, our son played soccer for years, now my grandkids play it. I don't understand the rules but I like to watch the games. You have beautiful venue for this upcoming event.
Well, Max is a picker upper!! I'd like to teach one of my dogs that. Violet would be the most likely candidate. She's more of a clothes (socks really) thief right now but maybe I could channel that theiving energy into something positive like Max does.
Tammy you are a beautiful girl. Love to Max and the gang.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Thanks fur the pawesome tour!

What an inkhredible akhkhomplishment!

As fur Max's khomfy pose - Merdie says WAY TO GO!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Angus said...

Be warned - the mongeese are even now planning their itineraries. I've tried to explain that Durban in winter is not the same as Durban in summer - what's the betting they roll up in shorts and t-shirts?

Joy said...

wonderful, wonderful story/information! 'Wow' is not the most expressive comment, but... WOW! That stadium is huge and beautiful! Yes, South Africa will be the place to be for the World Tournament and it looks like you're ready for the Olympics also! (Okay, so these would be the summer Olympics---I don't think I'll be able to compete in the Luge then...) Must learn new atheletic skill) ;) MAX dog is as sweet as ever. Tammy is doing a great job as tour guide.

Piappies World said...

Hi Tammy,

We are happy that you took us for a tour today. Mommy is amazed with that HUGE stadium! That's gonna fit a LOT of people she says and the best thing is the World Cup is showcases how beautiful South Africa is to the world. Mommy has friends who have influenced her on soccer so she's really excited.

For Max, we love this photo hanging on to Mom's shirt and also his relaxed pose. He is very lucky to have you by his side, really. You are constantly in our prayers.

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar & the Piappies

D.K. Wall said...

The stadium is beautiful and the event should really showcase the beauty of S.A.

And glad to see Max continues to do well. Sorry about the food scare, but sometimes you just have to spark the appetite.

Pip said...

Nice report Tammy, its good of you to fill in for Max, we all wait to see how everyone is doing down there.
Thank JP for us, for the wonderful picshurs and the great report of the stadium from the field.
I loves the picshur of Max picking up clothes- I wonder what he does with them, does he put them in the hamper? Does he rent out?
Thanks again Tammy, you did a grate job! (I think you deservs a biscuit for your fine reporting!)
TK

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Thank you, Tammy, for the wonderful and very informative World Cup tour!

We also love the pics of you and Max. We think it's so sweet of him to pick up clothes! I tend to , ahem, pick up the cats' toys....

Woofs,
Tommy

Clive said...

What a brillant report on the football stadiums! If only Ireland had qualified - we would have been over in a heartbeat!

All our news programmes here today have been doing reports from Durban - it is very exciting to watch the momentum building! We're looking forward to watching the matches but I bet you can guess who we won't be cheering for!

Did we mention there was a great display of SA items in the huge department store - El Corte Ingles in Marbella last week! We got some great little ornaments and some lovely jewellery - all really reasonable priced.

Anyway, we wish SA the very best of luck with the World Cup!

Glad to hear that Max is still holding his own.

lots of love
Clive and the NSLM

Two French Bulldogs said...

Wow Tammy thanks for showing us around. we saw an ad on TV here in California for the World Cup. So exciting for you
Benny & Lily

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Such wonderful information Tammy. Thanks for being our tour guide!

Smileys!
Dory

Deborah said...

The stadium looks beautiful! I think I won't do any bungee jumping though! Shopping sounds good to me!
I'm glad Max is doing well!
xxoo
Deborah

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much Tammy, you are doing an excellent job as tour guide! Weknow that Max appreciates the rest!

I am not into sports but I have to say that the stadium is really an architectural marvel! Thanks for the website.

Max, you sure are a cutie!

Hugs, Tessa

the booker man said...

thanks for the awesome tour, tammy! that stadium is amazing. my mama and daddy (especially my daddy) can't wait for the world cup!!
*woof*
the booker man

Molly the Airedale said...

What a beautiful soccer stadium! You were a sensational tour guide, Tammy!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

sprinkles said...

You are an excellent tour guide Tammy!

Max is still looking good!

I'm not much into sports but that stadium is incredible!

I like the idea behind the Y.

Amy & the house of cats said...

Tammy you did a great job as tour guide - you got our attention and we aren't even interested in the world cup (if it isn't a cup of milk, we really don't know much about it!)

We are glad that Max is still doing good - and that he is eating his food (we really think he wants the tasty chicken and rice so that was why he stalled today).

Still sending lots of purrs and prayers!

Scout and Freyja said...

The first question in our momma's head was if your momma was gonna go bungee jumping in the stadium and if she does, WE WANT A PHOTO!

Tammy, we pick up our momma shoes and boots and carry them around the house, especially when we have company and want a little more attention - well, all of the attention, really. When momma needs to go out of the house she has to look all over the place for shoes or boots ☺ to put on her paws!

Lastly, we are happy that Max is holding his own. When one of us need to eat rice for an upset tummy momma will use salt-free chicken broth instead of the water to give the rice extra taste. Maybe your momma could try that for dear Max - you, too, Tammy, because you are a good girl, too. Heck you can even give some to the little furballs with the big attitudes, hehehe!

Hugs, to all with little kisses to Max...

Unknown said...

I enjoyed your tour guide very much because I learned new things. I loved your Max portion of the post because you were funny and cute and the photos were adorable.
Twinkie

Lorenza said...

I love your post!
All that info is pawesome!
100 more days and my soccer boys will face your soccer boys!
Glad Max is doing well. He looks adorable picking the clothes up!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Anonymous said...

Hey Max, I forgot to tell your Mom to look for the package of snow that we sent you. We know how much you would love to see it. Let us know when you get the snow.

tee hee hee

Hugs and Kisses, Tessa and Blu

kissa-bull said...

oh max ish just preciousness
and of course so are you which ish why you get tweats as well
teehee
pibble sugars and wee wags
the houston pittie pack

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Tammy
Your stadium is awsome. Thank you so much my sweetness for showing me all the beautys and happenings in your country.
You must be so tired after all that tour that you showed us- so lets all go snuggle close to Max and take a little nap. Okay?
I promise not to snore.
love
tweedles

McGillicutty said...

Wow! What a stadium. MX, YOU are me man!!!!!

Iriah Lov,
McG

WFT Nobby said...

Hi Tammy!
Thanks for showing us those amazing pictures of the stadium. I too am looking forward to the World Cup, although sadly we England supporters who live in Scotland tend to avoid outward displays of our allegiance, as the common perception here in Aberdeen, rightly or wrongly, is that if you put an England flag in your window, you'd probably soon have a broken window. ...
Glad to see Max still soldiering on. That's amazing that he still clears up your clothes!
Cheers,
Gail.

Kate said...

I'm glad that Max still enjoys his biscuits!!! Most important!!!

Wow you have some big preparations going on. In New Zealand they are preparing for 2011 Rugby World Cup!

Your Pal, Koda

Anonymous said...

Hey Tammy,
What a GReat tour you provided. We realize that Football (Soccer) is a really big sport, the biggest, around the world. It just doesn't seem to catch on here in the US as elsewhere. Professional America Football within our National Football League (NFL) is our big thing. SA is really gonna put on an impressive show for the World Cup and we'll be able to watch most of it on our TV's ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network). The Moses stadium is an amazing design and construction achievement and is definitely a jewel among venues. We are impressed.
Thanks for the Max update. Dad was concerned about keeping on top of the situation whikle he was out of town and we checked in first thing this morning and breathed the proverbial sigh of relief. We hold you all closely in our hearts and prayers. We wish Max many more days of Grace. We love him, and y'all, dearly. Our best to MISTER Toffee and Tommy and Ms. Caryl.
- TBH&K

Mochi and Bali said...

You were a great tour guide, Tammy! Wow, we sure learned a lot today! :)

I'm still impressed with Max picking up the laundry! They could never get me to do that! :)

Mochi

ocmist said...

WOW!!What an awesome stadium and a GREAT job of being a tour guide, Tammy! This was all so interesting and would really be something to be able to see! Very wise of them to find ways to recycle the water and to make money to help with upkeep and bills.

Our pal, Max, looks great! OC, Sadie, BG and now Gimli do the "pick up around the house" thing too, for Grammy. She always has lamb and rice jerky around to pay them with for their work. I, on the other hand, am the Princess, and do NO work, and still get paid... so who is smarter? Mmmm. Dott