The new construction on the Addington Children's Hospital is in progress. So far the new structure has been completed, and the renovation of the old hospital has just had its roof wetting ceremony.

Yvonne and I managed to sneak in a few weekends ago and get some photos. We suspect that we may not be able to get in anymore, seeing that they will be working on the interior of the building now.

So, its an end of an era! An end to the 'Urbex' and the photographic exploration! A bit sad for us photographers that have spent many hours in the ruins, exploring and taking photos, getting creative and spooked at the same time!

So far, Durban hasn't revealed anything else similar for us to shoot.

Addington Children's Hospital is being revamped!

I was asked recently to give a talk on my photos taken at the hospital. People were interested to see what I taken, and to also hear the experiences. I was so excited, and a little nervous!

I was even more excited to learn that the funding needed to restore the old premises had been raised, and that Phase 1 of a five year project had already been built!

In 2009, when I took my photos, the situation was dire and depressing. Talk was that the land was going to be used as a casino, and the buildings torn down. In 2010, ahead of the World Cup Soccer, there was talk of the hospital being revamped, and that there would be a new children's hospital. I never expected anything to come of that talk.

Until I did some research on my presentation, and was surprised to discover that not only had some funding been raised to start the building, part of the construction had already been completed! The restoration of the main building had also begun! How wonderful!

  

So its all over. Spain won the World Cup last night to a fanfare of vuvuzelas and happy fans. But thats the end to the fuss and excitement, for another four years, that is!

It was a wonderful experience, and it gave us South Africans a chance to see our country in bright and positive light. Durban looked wonderful and made me feel proud to live here.

Here are some of experiences of the World Cup, in photos I took during the games.

OK, so I will admit it.... I'm hooked!

I can hardly believe thats it been only a week since the Soccer World Cup started. I'm totally loving it! I'm loving the vibe, the good spirit,and  the people! And, believe it not, I even like the soccer and the vuvazelas!

Our stadium looks fabulous. We went to take photos of it last Sunday, when the first game was played, Germany vs Australia. I was so proud to see our stadium finally be used for what it was intended for, and it looked so good. It was like a shining beacon in the night sky - beautiful!

There have been flags in abundance all over Durban for the last few weeks. Thank goodness the mean FIFA organisers didnt put a ban on flags, like they did on soccer shirts and clothing. The variety in flag showing off is hilarious! People have been putting flags everywhere - on their cars, their houses, their faces!

The soccer supporters have been incredible. They have such spirit. Us South African's have been  the loudest and proudest, but there are some countries out there that also have the best supporters around!

The vuvazela has to be the most unique instrument in the world. Its been driving me nuts to hear it being played at all hours of the day, all over Durban. However, at the Fan Park on Wednesday, watching SA play Urugay, I got to hear what it sounds like during a game, and I have new respect for this instrument!

When it is blown in unison with hundreds of others, it sounds like a swarm of bees. Its fascinating to see how the supporters use it to spur on the players, and to show discontent when the opposition is about to, or has scored. It has quite a euphoric sound to it, when blown to celebrate South Africa's success.

Not that there has been much SA success, unfortunately! There 25 000 stunned fans at the Durban Fan Park on Wednesday, as Urugay scored goal after goal, and SA did nothing. It was like someone pushed the mute button, as the excitement changed to disappointment. But its a game, and someone has to win an someone has to lose! 


So, on we go to the next few weeks, secretly hoping that South Africa pulls a rabbit out a hat and magically wins, but otherwise watching to see who will be the best in the tournament!

Frantic work in progress to get the beachfront promenade completed. Part of it is done and is looking very good. But there is still a lot to do, and only a few weeks left.

Here's hoping there is enough time....

Hi Steven
Howzit little brother?! How is life in the UK?

Things are hotting up here, with regards to the soccer world cup.

There is a dance that they've been trying to teach us all, through countless adverts on TV. There has been much complaining about the fact that Shakira is singing the national song, as opposed to a SA music star. There has been much complaining about the state of the country, having had to endure months of roadwork's and construction everywhere.

A little bit of optimism that some of the big things, like Durban's newest white elephant, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, is actually READY!! Its the most stunning and beautiful building I've ever seen. Only slightly ironic that the old Kingspark stadium seems to be slouching about in the background, like a dodgy cousin at a family function.

But never mind.... the good news is that if you buy a Supersized Soccer Pizza at Debonairs, at R120.00, you get a FREE vuvazela!!!  Argh! Or rather, that should be ....paaarpppp! Already the air over all of Glenwood is turning purple with the strangled cries of the vuvazela, and the alarmed hadedaas!

Its hilarious and funny, as well as a little tragic and pathetic, all at the same time. Nice to see everyone 'uniting' for the sake of the soccer, even if it is just to share a beer, a pizza and a vuvazela!

Pity you aren't here to experience it, but never fear, I will keep you updated with all the irony and weirdness that will be sure to unfold. And Dad will complain about stuff, and provide detailed reports on the state of
the roads, the economy, the noise pollution, the traffic, the bloody tourists, the lack of bloody tourists, and so on and so forth!!!

You will not miss out on a minute's action.

Just don't ask me to actually comment on the soccer games - I haven't a damn clue, darling!!

Take care,
Love your sister
Vanessa

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