"Let's go Sharkies"

Today is the Final of the Super 14, and Durban is buzzing. Don't know what the Super 14 is? Only one of the most competitive international Rugby leagues in the entire world! Still doesn't ring any bells? Well, people Love rugby here, and the Durban Sharks are playing against the Pretoria Bulls in the Super 14 Championship Game in what the local paper has dubbed the "All-South Africa Climax". Heh.

I went to buy some new running shoes (takkies if you're a South African reader) this morning and after picking out a new pair of Brooks kicks I asked the salesman where he was going to be watching the game this afternoon. I wouldn't have pegged him for a rugby fan - he was small, with a runner's build - but he was wearing a Durban Sharks jersey. "You know that bar? It's over that side," waving his arm towards the door of the shop and across the street.

"Oh yeah, Jack Rabbits?"

"You've been? Ees good place to watch rugby. I see you there?"

"Yeah, I'll head over there just after I try out these shoes for the first time. Thanks guys, see you later!"

So I walked home and did a little work and then went out for my run. Along my normal route I saw 1. three cars with giant black flags emblazoned with the Sharks logo waving out the window 2. five men and two women wearing Durban Sharks replica jerseys 3. an episode of very excited honking when two cars sporting matching Sharks decals spotted each other from across the intersection.

Everyone seems to be very excited about this Final. It also seems to stretch across racial and economic boundaries in ways that few events seem to in South Africa. You get the impression that all of Durban is cheering on the Sharkies collectively, and it really has made the city seem like a unified and vibrant place. It's an exciting feeling.

I almost forgot to mention one of the best South African celebratory traditions that I was privy to on my run this morning: grilling meat before 11am. This morning I saw a street vendor selling boerewors, basically a giant and delicious Afrikaaner sausage, at 10:37 in the AM. It's a shame I didn't have any cash on me.

Now I'm showered and about to head off to Jack Rabbits to meet up with some ex-pat friends and the guy who helped me out with this awesome pair of shoes. I'm thinking it'll be fun. Just another sunny Saturday in Durban. Later.