Hello As winter is replacing our city's colour purple with a dull grey-ish pallet, Pretoria is still full of colourful flags, representing our guests' patriotism and desires to take the cup home! What an experience and privilege it has been so far!

Things to do in July Moyo Fountains moyo Fountains is set in one of the oldest and most popular nature reserves in the country's capital city of Pretoria. The reserve has two natural springs, which provide part of Pretoria's daily water supply. moyo Fountains, is a long overdue addition to this area filled with historical sites and ideally located on the route from the OR Tambo International Airport to Sun City and various Game Reserves. In addition to the 400 seater restaurant, the private lawns surrounding this venue can accommodate events of up to 2500 guests. The moyo signature African entertainment will always be available and promise to blow your hair back whether you are only visiting our beautiful city or if you have lived here all your life. The decor reminds of an African bush safari and the mouth watering South African delicacies will be a treat to all pallets. The restaurant is child friendly with loads of activities to keep the young ones occupied. During the month of July (for the duration of the World Cup) moyo will be screening all matches and offer true South African entertainment to make your experience even more memorable. This restaurant is truly ayobalicious! Urban Safari - Rietvlei Nature Reserve When in Pretoria, visit the Rietvlei Nature Reserve just north of Centurion. At 3800 hectares, it is one of the largest urban nature reserves in the world! The Reserve boasts a plethora of animals, including the worlds largest antelope, the eland, zebra, red hartebeest, springbok, waterbuck, reedbuck, ostrich, buffalo, white rhino, bushpig, black-backed jackal, mountain reedbuck, ribi, grey duiker, steenbuck, brown hyena, porcupine, xpringhare, aardwolf, banded mongoose, hippos and cheetah. There are also 272 bird species, including Grebes, Cormorants, Anhingas, Herons Egrets, Bitterns, Ibis, Spoonbills, Ducks, Geese, Swans, Hawks, Eagles, Kites, Secretary-bird, Pheasants, Partridges, Guineafowl, Rails, Gallinules, Coots, Bustarts, Avocets, Stilts and many more. Rietvlei is an ideal and very reasonably priced day-trip. Dining amongst the roses If you are always on the hunt for unique restaurant experiences, we have just the place for you. Spiced Coffee, situated at the well know Ludwig's Rose Farm, specialises in rosy treats such as rose milkshakes, rose smoothies, rose mojito's, rose liqueur and rose sodas. If the cold temperatures of Pretoria is leaving you chilled out, rather opt for soothing rooibos honey rose tea and rose flavoured coffee.The rose shaped farm baked scones served with rose cream, cheddar and butter is a very creative and unique item that should be seen as a 'must have' on your visit. Cakes such as German Apple Pie and Lemon Meringue are baked daily and a variety of breakfasts are available to ensure that all visitors leave with a full tummy and a satisfied smile. Lunches include traditional German meals such as bockwurst, kasslerkotlette and chicken schnitzel. Hamburgers, toasted's, quiches, a rosehip vegetarian quiche and a selection of salads are also served. To top off your experience, the ice cream desserts will be sure to seduce you and leave you wanting more!! Spiced Coffee is fully licensed with a wide variety of Joostenberg wines, beers, spirit coolers and coffees. Take a bit of SA with you, Bru! Whether you are South African or just visiting form abroad; this recipe promise to tantalize your taste buds in true South African tradition. Smaaklike ete! Bon Appetite! Bobotie (6 portions) 2 thick slices of brown bread 500ml milk, 1T oil 2 large diced onions, 15ml curry powder 5ml dried, ground ginger 1kg minced beef (try lamb as an alternative) 1 sachet oxtail soup powder 15ml apricot jam 75 g seedless raisins (or sultanas) 5ml Aromat (Be sure to buy this before you leave the country) 2 eggs, 2ml dry mustard powder, a pinch of salt, paprika Optional: Bay or lemon leaves (preferably fresh) and blanched almonds Method: Preheat the oven at 180ºC. Soak the bread in half the milk. Fry onions in oil 'till soft and golden brown. Add curry powder and ginger and then add the meat, stir and fry until nice and brown. Add oxtail soup powder, Aromat, bread, apricot jam and raisins and stir. Beat eggs and the rest of the milk, mustard and salt. Add half of the milk mixture to the meat. Place in oven dish. Pour over the rest of the milk mixture. Stick a few the bay or lemon leaves upright into the meat together with the almonds. Bake approximately 45 min. Sprinkle paprika and serve with yellow rice, desiccated coconut, chutney (Mrs. Ball's Chutney is another must you are just visiting our country!) and sliced banana. A green salad will also go well with this truly South African dish.   Advertisements ON STAGE Diamonds & Pearls The Barnyard Theatre Menlyn - Pretoria Until 11 July 2010 Mbongeni Ngema's Lion of the East SA State Theatre - Pretoria Until 11 July 2010 Shaka - The Musical SA State Theatre - Pretoria Until 18 July 2010 La Traviata SA State Theatre - Pretoria Until 31 July 2010 view more on stage events MUSIC / GIGS Dan Patlansky Rhapsodys Menlyn 3 July 2010 Sasha M Rhapsodys Menlyn 11 July 2010 Evolver Rhapsodys Menlyn 7 July 2010 view more music events FESTIVALS / MARKETS Singles 2 Social Groenkloof Nature Reserve 16 July 2010 Springbok Vasbyt Voortrekker Monument 18 July 2010 Pretoria FIFA Fan Fest Line-up Supersport Park Centurion 3 July 2010 Pretoria Winter knive show Overkruin High school 31 July 2010 view more festivals / markets events ARTS / CULTURE Games people play in 2010, curated group exhibition FRIED Contemporary Art Gallery and Studio Until 11 July 2010 Paraat Platform on 18th - Rietondale 18 July 2010 Klitgras Drumming Circle Klitsgras Drumming Circle Until 3 July 2010 view more arts / culture events

Reflecting on the FIFA World Cup experience thus far As a rainbow nation with different backgrounds, cultures and interests, we all looked at the World Cup through our own set of unique glasses, forming our own unique opinions. As mentioned before, I am not an avid soccer supporter, but due to the fact that this comes but once in a lifetime I decided to be part of it and soak up the wickedly-delicious atmosphere which is gracing South Africa at present. This is what I have experienced, endured, learnt and enjoyed about the World cup thus far. 1. Ke Nako! "It is time!" We all heard and saw the advertisements but did we really understand what this meant? For some, this meant that it was time for South Africa to host the World Cup and this brought about a sense of uneasiness. Would we be ready to host thousands of international guests? Do we have what it takes to host a spectacular tournament free of any major glitches? Well I, for one, stand in awe at what our country has achieved thus far. The opening concert was right up there with the biggest and best concerts in the world and the opening ceremony and game was phenomenal. We all started out a bit skeptical at Bafana Bafana's ability to perform and snatch a win in one of their games. But then…Tshabalala's exhilarating goal in the back of the net – there where spiders live! WHAT A MOMENT! We are the proud hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2010. We are proud of our hospitable people. We are proud of the South African organizing committee. We are proud of Bafana Bafana. We are proudly South African! 2. Unity It is commonly known that sport has a way of uniting people. We knew that something magical was about to hit South Africa. We could feel the excitement and energy have a whirlpool effect on us, leaving us no choice but to surrender and be sucked into it all. As I arrive at the stadium and soak up the colourful atmosphere, supporters' enthusiasm and players' ambition and hopes to win, it is crystal clear that we have been caught off guard and swept off our feet by the major impact this World Cup has had on our nation. Not only were we now united with the world but our own nation has shown a remarkable transformation. Viva South Africa! 3. The Vuvuzela Lots of controversy surrounded the notorious "horn of noise" the last couple of months. Countries around the world made every effort to get it banned from the World Cup. Hats off to FIFA for standing their ground and keeping this a truly South African World Cup experience! It is delightful to see supporters from every country blowing away and enjoying every moment of it! Vuvuzela sales have sky rocketed around the globe and is now synonym to South African Soccer and South Africa as a whole. If you don't own one yet, get it, get to a game and join your fellow vuvuzela "blowers" as they shower the world with rhythmic African entertainment. 4. Appreciating what we've got - a tribute to South African men Most of the foreign soccer supporters that have come to witness this spectacular event are male. If you are female, have been part of the action in any way and have had some sort of interaction with our international male friends, I am sure that you would also have decided that "local is lekkerder!" Sure, the Argentinean, Spanish, Australian and Portugal boys are very (VERY) attractive; but our South African boys stand out head and shoulders when it comes to basic manners and respect for the fairer sex. I also do accept that it is unfair to stereotype but I'm using my writers freedom wild card in this case. Note my reasons listed below. SA boys…keep up the good work. We appreciate and salute your efforts! SA men offer you something to drink AND ORDER IT THEMSELVES! SA men allow you to walk in front of them when walking through a door or into a room. SA men offer you their seat. SA men apologize when they have said something inappropriate in front of a lady. SA men can make a fire and braai like no one else in the world. SA men are NOT sissies. SA men drink Brandy and Coke and not Vodka and Creme Soda. SA men eat biltong and not beef jerky. SA men are stronger than men in other countries (o.k. maybe this is not true but who cares!) We love you boys! Thanks for being amazing and an example to the rest of the world. 5. Once in a lifetime experience The World Cup is not over yet. If you have not been part of it at all, I urge you to take part in some way. If you can get to a match, GO! It's an amazing experience. Watch the game with friends at the nearest fan park, official viewing venue or pub. Wear your Bafana Bafana jersey 'till the end! Make friends and be merry! Enjoy the rest of the World Cup. Soak up the ayobaness around you and savor the moment. It is almost over! With love from a newly born soccer fan, Amber

7 Minutes with FIFA World Cup fans Name: Julian Zanetti Country: Argentina Home away from home: Pretoria Where is your favourite hang out in Pretoria? I love the atmosphere of Hatfield Square. So many international tourists and local citizens having a blast and celebrating together. It is phenomenal. Do you think South Africa is hosting a well-planned World Cup? Superb! The organization surrounding the matches, the security and the parties are thrilling. What do you think about the Pretoria girls? We have very beautiful women in our country, but the girls in Pretoria is absolutely beautiful; the most beautiful in the world!     Name: Arthur Nas Savidis Country: Australia Home away from home: Pretoria Where is your favourite hang out in Pretoria? Rhapsody's Menlyn - apparently it is the place to be seen. I love the food, the people and the atmosphere. I also have family in Pretoria, and I am enjoying spending time with them at home. Do you think South Africa is hosting a well-planned World Cup? Absolutely. The games and the security are of top class quality. The only downfall is the Park and Ride facilities. The distance between the stadium and the parking facility is just too far. What do you think about South African people?Very, very hospitable, friendly and approachable.     Name: Sean O McIntyre Country: South Africa Town: Parys Do you think South Africa is hosting a well-planned World Cup? Yes, I think South Africa has done an outstanding job hosting this world cup. After all the negative publicity we received abroad, it is refreshing and satisfying to see that we are right up there with the best of the best. Where did you watch the opening ceremony and match?We were a group of friends who all gathered at the Dros in Vereeniging. Everyone was kitted out in their yellow Bafana Bafana jerseys. It was phenomenal. Do you own a Vuvuzela?Yes, two of them. [laughs] Do you feel that this Soccer World Cup has done its bit to unite not only SA and International Guests, but also our country as a whole.Yes, it can especially be seen in the bigger towns, in particular where the stadiums are situated. It is a magical feeling. Did you follow soccer at all before the world cup?I only started watching soccer intensely approximately 2 months prior to the World Cup, but I have picked up on a lot of the rules etc. while watching the matches now.   Tell us why you love South Africa.Nature, Braaivleis, the girls, the climate, and my mother language; Afrikaans. Now that Bafana Bafana is out of the run; who will your money be on to win the FIFA World Cup 2010?Brazil. Name: Garreth Todd Country: Northern Ireland Home away from home: Johannesburg What do you think about SA and what is your favourite thing about it? Before we came here we were very skeptical due to the bad press South Africa received overseas. Now that we are here, we are having an awesome time. The people are very friendly and hospitable. The one thing that we have noticed is that everyone carries a smile on their faces. It is an unusual thing for us but very nice. Where is your favourite hang out? Hatfield square is the best place to party in Pretoria. Kream Restaurant serves great food and wine. What do you think about the vuvuzela? It makes a lot of noise, but again, the bad publicity it got is the reason for most foreigners not liking it. Now, I own one of my own and I enjoy taking it to the games. I am struggling to blow it…it is very hard.     Name: Santiago Torres Country: Spain Home away from home: Pretoria What are your 5 favourite things about South Africa? Friendly people, the animals, the weather, Soccer City Stadium, Biltong! Do you know what Ayoba means?I think it means something like good; cool or yes. We are all using it and having a laugh about it. Do you own a vuvuzela?No I don't but I do own one of those funny hats (makarapa). Most of my friends bought vuvuzela's.     Name: Akculem Aham Country: Algeria Home away from home: Pretoria Do you think South Africa is hosting a well-planned World Cup? It is really superb. We are enjoying ourselves and it is great to see all the best football players in the world playing matches each day Describe South Africa in 5 words.Friendly people, nice weather, magnificent wildlife, good meat, beautiful girls. What is your favourite place in Pretoria?The Zoo park. We saw a lion.

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