Hello readers

Photo taken at The World Cup "Human-Chain" in Sandton. Sent in by proudly South African mum Debbie Oliver.

I am bursting with proudly South African emotions right now. (Despite Bafana's loss on Wednesday night and despite the very cold week we are having).

On Sunday night we took the kids to see the Germany vs Australia game at Durban's beautiful Moses Mabhida stadium. What a fantastic family adventure. If you have not yet had a chance to see a soccer game, I urge you to do so. Even if you don't like soccer. Just go for the experience and the festive atmosphere. Here is a very useful schedule tool. You can view by team, by date or by group.

We parked at the Pavilion Shopping Centre and caught the shuttle bus down to Durban by the Exhibition Centre, along with many other excited, colourful and vuvuzela blowing supporters. Thank goodness we all had our ear plugs in. We then walked (at 7pm at night) to the railway station and caught the train to the stadium. It was a really warm evening, the kids were bouncing along the soccer ball sticker trail on the sidewalk and my husband and I could not believe how clean and safe the streets were. There were plenty of police, security guards and volunteers on patrol, who were helpful and enthusiastic.

When we arrived at the stadium we were amazed. It was brightly lit and buzzing away, although, not nearly as loud as the opening game my husband tells me. I am surprised he can remember, after his 3km walk with the festive Mexicans and their endless bottles of Tequila which they so happily shared with unsuspecting Bafana Bafana fans.

We probably only watched about 10 mins of the game in which Germany totally trounced Australia. The kids and I spent more time checking out the fans and what they were wearing, the incredible camera equipment all around the stadium and laughing at some rather hopeless vuvuzela blowers. I overheard quite a few overseas visitors complimenting South Africans on their hospitality, how beautiful our country is and how friendly and helpful the locals are. How great is it to be surrounded by so much optimism? Even the first 3 pages in the Sunday paper had only good news to report!

Some more exciting and proudly South African news is that we have recorded our very first Parent Hub Podcasts. These are audio articles, reports and interviews relating to parenting. Together with our SuPa Videos, we aim to bring you original South African content that you, as parents, will find informative, educational and entertaining.

Well I am off now to shop for Father's Day breakfast supplies. The kids are planning to cook brunch and serve it to their dad in bed on Father's Day this Sunday. If their cooking is as successful as South Africa has been with hosting the World Cup, he is in for the best treat ever!

Proud and enjoying the soccer vibe,

www.kidzworld.co.za