Celebration, joy and enthusiasm -- this is what defines the World Cup and the opening ceremony had everything of it! Before I type anything about it, I'd like to say a BEEEEG thank you to Cindy and Neels - without you guys, I'd have missed everything!

If you people still can't figure out what I am saying, listen to my predicament - I am currently living in a country where they don't even know what cricket is!! And I don't get to watch cricket matches...yes, I haven't seen a game since April 2002!!!!!! And I was "supposed" to miss the CWC 2003 opening ceremony too, but Cindy and Neels made sure I listened to every word, every sound at Newlands! And they made sure I knew what was going on! So here is a vivid description of the opening ceremony -

It starts with screen shots of the picturesque Newlands with South African flags everywhere - flying proudly in the strong breeze. Now we have the "Call of Africa" - splendid pictures of the Table Mountain, Cape Town.....Africa has risen... the World Cup is starting...

This is followed by a run through of the South African history - some of the most beautiful pictures of this wonderful land...welcome to Africa...welcome to SA...welcome to Cape Town...welcome to Newlands...welcome to the ICC CWC 2003!!!

There is a plethora of VIPS, from The Prince of Wales to Nelson Mandela, President Mbeki and some of the most loved South African artists (including Mark Lottering - one of South Africa's best stand up comeedians!) And there you have Johnny Clegg singing "Scattelings of Africa"! Its Leleti Khumalo now, this is a multilingual programme!

Now you have the SA flag formation, the Mexican wave, fireworks! WOW!! Gospel singer Rebecca Malope is next, she has a beautiful voice! Its Yvonne Chaka Chaka now, township dancing and the 10 year old Lekgoa singing Kwaito music! (and here Cindy's parrot starts singing too - he loves Kwaito music!) LOL!

This is followed by the Soweto String Quartet, and there are penguins on the ground now - its the ocean scene! Local pop star Danny K is there too, but why doesn't he have the official WC gear on? We don't like that!!

Its all fun but where are OUR boys? Finally, we see the umpires walking in, and there you go -- the teams enter the ground! Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Kenya, Zimbabwe....and SOUTH AFRICA!!!! Shaun Pollock proudly carries the SA flag and the team enters to Madonza's "Nkalakatha" (its the captain's song!)

This is followed by the South African national anthem, the customary speeches and now "THE ICC CWC2003 HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!!!"

We wish South Africa the very best of luck - win it boys! Make us proud!