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When is it worth it to use valet parking? Perhaps on a first date, in order to impress your lady, you pull up to the valet in your ‘92 Hyundai Elantra. You scope out the attendant, but he’s just some young punk with a red vest and a peach-fuzz puberty mustache. What if he goes for all your loose change littered in the center console? You have to take toll roads on your way back home! Decisions, decisions.
What is it?
The word valet dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, when the phrase roughly translated to “personal man-servant” or in domestic cases, a “gentleman’s gentleman”. Although nowadays, one should abstain from pulling up to a valet and referring to the attendants as “man-servants”, unless you want them to take your car out for a joy ride or steal your Fresh Prince/Marky Mark mixtapes (some of those songs are hard to come by). These days a valet attendant refers solely to valet parking, which is a service offered mainly by restaurants, bars/clubs, stores, and hotels, in which a valet attendant parks your vehicle for you.
A valet can either be an employee of the establishment in which the driver is going to (i.e. nightclub) or an employee of a third party valet business. Try to avoid valet if they seem at all sketchy (i.e. not wearing a uniform or nametag or drinking a bottle of malt liquor with a guy holding a washcloth and a squeegee). Valet services may be free some of the time, but there is almost always a fee involved, whether it’s a flat rate or based on how long your car is parked. On top of that, it is customary to tip the valet attendant because, similar to waiters, they live off their tips. Besides, this person is watching your car for you, do you really want to stiff him?
Valet services may also be hired for single events, such as weddings or Bar Mitzvahs, where they may offer secondary services other than parking, such as traffic direction and driving shuttles. In most cases, the valet will have an allotted parking lot that they use or a storage garage where they can stack multiple cars on top of one another in order to utilize a dearth of space. Though bigger valet services may have many positions like greeters and shuttle drivers, a valet only needs to be comprised of two roles: someone to park the cars and someone to serve as parking lot security.
Who needs it?
In many cases, valet is a luxury. Nonetheless, if you’re driving a super expensive car, valet parking is for you, my friend. Not only will you have a hired employee making sure your car is secure all night, but in many cases establishments that offer valet services think of you, super expensive car owner, as their ideal customers. This is mostly true for restaurants and clubs that want to attract upscale clientele. Therefore, they may park your super expensive car in front of their establishment to let people know, “this is where all the rich people are partying tonight.” And hey, if you’re savvy enough, maybe you can cut a deal with the owner.
Otherwise, valet parking is ideal for people who are running late to an event or meeting, people who are naturally bad at parking, and people living in major cities, where finding a parking space can be a nightmare.
Benefits
The biggest benefit to valet parking is its convenience to the customers. Most often, you can pull up to the front doors of your destination, give your keys to the valet and be on your way. No long pensive walks (that may lead you to think depressing things like, “Why am I going to this strip club instead of work”) and no time wasted stalking people for parking spaces. In fact, some of the ritzier valet companies will open your doors for you (did somebody say personal man-servant?) and maybe even clean and detail your car.
Furthermore, if you’re worried about those Fresh Prince/Marky Mark mixtapes getting “lost”, some cars now come with a valet key which only gives access to the ignition and the driver’s side door, keeping valuables in the trunk and glove box safe.
Risks
Use your judgment when picking a valet service, as you’re essentially putting your car in their hands. For instance, if you’re in Malaysia or Brazil and a group or “gang” of young boys (some of which may be shirtless) tell you they’ll park your car for you, consider those Fresh Prince/Marky Mark mixtapes gone.
THE BOTTOM LINE
There’s not really a point to using valet if you can easily find free parking. Otherwise, if you can’t parallel park or you’re somewhere where parking is sparse (hello New York City), valet parking is a fairly affordable service (it varies really) that can save you time and frustration. Don’t forget to tip.
World’s largest automaker and producer of Saab cargo liners have hired Africa Motors Machinery which is a division of Mantrac Uganda Limited, to sell and service its products in Uganda.
It was General Motors East Africa Managing Director Bill Lay that made the announcement while presiding at the opening of the Africa Motors Machinery showroom in Kampala. Other personalities were present at the function namely the US ambassador to Uganda Steven Browning, Ambassador of Egypt Redar Abdel, and the Ambassador of Kenya Japheth Ratemo.
GMEA Director Lay said that the automaker has recognized East Africa as well as its East African Community to be one of the vital emerging markets in the world. He also added that the automaker would like to offer the appropriate support to help in developing the tremendous potential of East African market by means of maximizing efficiencies to bring in more car brands.
GMEA Director Lay said, “We are targeting Uganda because of its strategic business potential and the warm investment climate in the region.”
Dr. Maggi Kigozi, the Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority said that the development would mark a new era in an effort to restrain the importation of second hand vehicles in the country.
She also added that the GMT investment would bring in a new link to all sectors of the economy that includes insurance companies, construction, and business for banks. “There is a lot of investment coming in and I want to assure all country representatives here that there is market for everything in Uganda.”
Africa Motors Machinery Managing Director Vicent Balogun said that GMEA has already invested around $140 million in spare parts plus a garage that would handle the routine maintenance for all categories of Isuzu vehicles in Uganda. He also said that all Isuzu motors spares have previously been imported from Kenya but now everything is here further stating that the said development will created jobs for 200 Ugandans.
Aside from Uganda, General Motors has also announced that it will invest an additional $500 million for its Argentina and Brazil plants to develop a new breed of small vehicles for the emerging markets.
The added investment will upgrade the production plants of General Motors in Rosario, Argentina, and Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil as well as expand and re-equipped GM’s Brazilian product-development center that is according to GM Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner.
Chairman Wagoner said, “With the improved economic environment in Argentina and Brazil, we are proceeding with our next phase of investments to support our continued growth in Latin America and around the world. GM has a rich history in the Mercosul region, and we look forward to continuing our growth for many years to come.”
The Mercosul for those who do not know is a free-trade region that involves Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
General Motors’ sales are up by 18 percent in Brail and record a 16 percent sales growth in Argentina for the first six months of this year that is basing on the reports of the Detroit Free Press.
There it is, plenty of mountains, beaches, adventures and history, all at an affordable price. What are you waiting for your next trip to South America?
As a matter of fact, if you are reading this, you have already decided to go there or, at least ,you are thinking about it. But, where to? I will show you my three favorite locations in South America, you choose by your own.
Peru: Macchu Picchu and The Inca’s Road
Are you the kind of person interested in history and archeological marvels or you would rather go looking for adventure, and a little (or more) fun within it? Whatever option you chose, Peru is the right place for you to go.
Five hundred years ago, the Spaniards ransacked and destroyed most of the legacy of the Inca Civilization. They could not, however, reach the sacred city of Macchu Picchu. These almost intact ruins where found in the twentieth century, and access to the city is believed to have been reserved for the emperor (the Inca) and the nobility (Hiran Bingham, founder of the remains, held that priestesses were raised and prepared here, but this is refused by current scientists)
Macchu Picchu is also some kind of world spiritual centre, people of all credos consider it an incredible point of contact with the spirit. But reaching the Macchu Picchu without walking the Inca’s Road, one of the most spectacular walking roads of the world, would be a sin. The Incas had built a road system only comparable to the one that the Ancient Romans built. The best kept part of the Inca’s road is the one that goes from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu. After paying a USD 50 rate (USD 25 for students with international card), you will be able to start three unforgettable days in which you will walk 60 miles of mountains, with incredible vegetation and landscape.
The contact with the local people is one of the most attractive sides of traveling to South America, and this is particularly noticeable on the Inca’s Road.. You will find several “postas†all along the way (the antique places where Incas messengers got rest), and the natives hired for carrying the heavy luggage (the “portadoresâ€) still resemble those antique messengers: they run at an incredibly rhythm; when you arrive to the “posta†they will have already set up your tent. However, not only rest is to be expected at the end of the day: depending on which “posta†you choose to stop, you can be received but one of the parties enjoyed by the innumerable youngsters that visit Macchu Picchu from all around the world.
The Inca’s Road is usually preceded by a visit to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and one of the greatest urban monuments from Colonial times in Latin America.
Yet, if I were you, I would start from the Argentine city of Salta, visit Bolivia, the Titicaca Lake, and just then go to Cusco. It is a bit longer, yes, but you will never forget it.
Brazil, always Brazil
What else can be said of Brazil that you have not heard about? Brazil is not a place to be visited once, it is a place to fall in love with. Brazil is also one of the largest countries of the globe, so my first advice is to get a travel guide book, and also one of those promotional plane tickets including 5 destinations for a reduced price.
Brazilians are worldwide known for their eternal smile and happiness; they tend to have less prejudices regarding human relations. That may be the reason why you will find a party almost wherever you find a Brazilian. Although Rio is “the†place for nightclubs, discos, and related events, the entire coast of Brazil is a permanent party.
If you are planning a trip for two, let me recommend you Trindage, an almost unnoticed place between Rio and Sao Paulo. The road ends at Parati, a beautiful beach town known for its Colonial architecture. After Parati, you will have to walk 8 kms. (around 3 miles). Renting a car is an option too, but I prefer hitchhiking. Every night there are reggae parties on the beach, and the sky is so clean that you will see several falling stars. You can a take a bath in of the rivers of the zone, but please remember not using soap in order to keep the environment unpolluted.
For those who enjoy adventures, the Amazon is a huge challenge. If you want to visit the jungle but without taking big risks, it is always nice to visit the mythic city of Manaos, with its Opera and its glorious past. Manaos is today a tax-free zone, so you may also find very cheap electronic devices.
Buenos Aires: the most pretentious city in South America
I was not surprised when I read that a London magazine has chosen Buenos Aires as the ‘sexiest city in the world’. With most of its population of European origins, and the frenzy proper of a big city, Buenos Aires has an incredible night life. Fancy nightclubs and pubs (accessible to the tourist, because of the low local currency, the Argentine Peso) are concurred by both young and mature people.
I would recommend going to one of the exclusive restaurants located in Puerto Madero, eat some Argentine meat, and then start the night at the Recoleta, the fanciest zone in Buenos Aires. You will ask yourself whether you are in Milan or Paris (do not dear to remind an Argentine they are from South America, they will get mad at you!).
Culturally, Buenos Aires is the most active city in South America. Writers, film directors, philosophers and artists of all kind are usually in the city giving performances or conferences.
If you like Theater, Corrientes Av. is some sort of local Broadway, all along which you will find uncountable spectacles. Of course, you cannot leave Buenos Aires without visiting the Colon Theatre, the most refined of its kind in South America.
During the day, you can visit San Telmo square, place of bohemians and artists, home of Tango, the Argentine typical dance. You can always go to a “tangueria†(tango bar) and get some lessons or just enjoy the sensual movements of the dancers.
For the weekend, going to a soccer match is a must. If you want to go to the biggest stadium in Argentina, go to the River Plate Stadium. However, if you prefer something slightly smaller but much more intense, go to the antagonist Boca Juniors Stadium, where 60,000 souls tight in a reduced space make literally vibrate the concrete. Soccer is not just a sport for the Argentines, it is a passion. Although Argentine beaches are not famous, you can enjoy several near Buenos Aires.
The most crowded is Mar del Plata, but the most beautiful is perhaps Necochea. If you are thinking on going a little more to the south, you can visit Las Grutas, the most southern beach where you can take a bath (below that, it is freezing cold). As a matter of fact, this would be an excellent excuse for visiting the entire Patagonia, with the lakes, the mountains and the Pampa, but this is subject for another article on traveling to South America…
Additional resources and information can be found by going to: http://www.TravelToSouthAmerica.com
Great Things To Do In Dublin Ireland
1. Experience Dublin as the locals do
Despite its unsavoury reputation in past years, Temple Bar is one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods and residents are trying hard to keep it that way. Cobblestone streets, bars, cafés, art galleries and architectural splendour harmoniously blend with old streetscapes and eco-friendly schemes. Among the cultural attractions are Dublin’s only art-house cinema at the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography and the Project Arts Centre.
2. Sip a perfect pint at Kehoe’s
If all you came to Dublin for is the Guinness, then camp out at Kehoe’s. The bar’s friendly staff keep the mugs full and on a busy night the crowd huddles around the stairs – neighbourhood tavern style. The elegant wooden fitting has an old-school character and the snugs are delightful, which makes drinking here a rich experience. But a word of advice, the bathrooms are to be avoided if you fear small spaces.
3. Brush with royalty at the Dublin Castle
This isn’t how you’d imagine a castle in the traditional sense. There’s no moat, no drawbridge to lower against invading hordes, no turrets from which to pour boiling oil. It’s more a collection of 18th-century administrative buildings, albeit fine ones, built on a medieval plan of two courtyards. Dublin Castle hosts grand diplomatic or state functions, and occasional performances like concert recitals. The beautiful interior is accessible on a pay-per-view basis, but you can wander freely around the castle. Dublin Car Rental
4. Warm up with some Irish stew at the Porterhouse
The wooden décor may be excessively rustic, but Dublin’s oldest microbrewery pub, the Porterhouse, makes up for that with the quality of its beer. The pub only sells its own label of beers, but the stouts, lagers and ales are better than any mass-produced beer. The Oyster Stout, made with real oysters, is very good. The excellent pub food, Irish stew, and bangers and mash will fill you up without breaking the bank.
5. Join the St Patrick’s Day parade
St Patrick’s Day on 17 March (www.stpatricksfestival.ie) offers the perfect excuse to drink, if you need one. The parade exhibits some of Europe’s best street performers and there’s a four-day gala of world-class entertainment. Spring is when 12 Points! Festival of Europe’s New Jazz (www.improvisedmusic.ie/12points.php) comes to town. If you’re a film buff, then July and August are the months of free Saturday night movies at Jameson Movies on the Square (www.templebar.ie). Finally, the Dublin Writer’s Festival (www.dublinwritersfestival.com) offers a feast of readings, discussions and public debates.
6. Stroll around peaceful Trinity College
Sunday morning is the best time to visit this intellectual hub, before the students are awake and while the bells toll for morning mass throughout the city. Trinity College is an oasis of peace and beauty. Its campus is a mix of classical and contemporary buildings interspersed with elegant gardens. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity boasts stellar alumni, including playwright Oscar Wilde and Nobel laureate Samuel Beckett. During the summer, enthusiastic students give 30-minute guided tours.
7. Dine in style at Peploe’s
Fridays are fun times at Peploe’s. Lunches are popular with local heroes, business gurus and the cultured set of the city. The location is fabulous, and the rooms are decked out with wood, murals and crisp table linen. The established venue serves classic dishes like French onion soup, Caesar salad and smoked salmon with dill sauce, and the wine list is good and long. Hugo’s, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block, but is attracting a following with its international menu and expansive list of wines from around the globe. The staff are friendly and efficient, and on a warm summer evening drinking a glass of crisp rosé in the elegant surroundings is a delight.
8. Get inspired at the Science Gallery
You always expect great things from Trinity College and the innovative Science Gallery certainly doesn’t disappoint. It takes a fresh look at applications of science in real life, making white hot technology accessible to everyone. Don’t be surprised if you see exhibitions of techno-thread clothing, displays of robotic art and debates about the future of bio-fuels and the efficacy of anti-depressants. They’ve even harnessed nanotechnology to inscribe their logo on the face of a diamond.
9. Watch the Six Nations Rugby tournament
The Six Nations Rugby tournament is among the highlights of the Irish Sporting Calendar. Home games are played at Croke Park and the whole city gets caught up in the excitement. Even if Ireland’s not playing, match days are one big party and tradition demands that you quarrel over the goals at a local pub.
10. Savour delicious seafood at Aqua
Given the coastal location, fish is the order of the day: Dover sole on the bone, baked sea bass, pan-fried halibut and slow-cooked organic salmon. Aqua’s distinctly urban appearance is softened by gorgeous sea views and a warm, cosy bar in front of a casual, uncluttered dining room – the venue for a great Sunday lunch to the sound of live jazz. On bright, sunny days, save time for a nice stroll around the harbour.
11. Catch some traditional Irish sounds at the Cobblestone
The Cobblestone is a gem. The musicians’ corner downstairs attracts traditional players whom you would pay to see elsewhere, and the paying venue upstairs rarely books a duff band. It often showcases traditional and folk music. Overall, it’s cosy, while eschewing unnecessary frills; if you want to avoid excessive paddy-whackery in favour of a genuine traditional Dublin pub atmosphere, come here.
12. Discover a well-kept secret at the Cake Café
In a concealed courtyard, the Cake Café is an adorable venture that has already won itself a loyal following. The air inside is warm with the smell of heavenly own-made cakes, biscuits, pies and cupcakes, sandwiches, great salads (caramelised pear, blue cheese and walnut) and some more ambitious hot dishes. Everything is served on artfully mismatched crockery and the staff are delightfully welcoming. A hidden treasure.
13. Stroll through the Dubh Linn Gardens
If you don’t want to pay to get into Dublin Castle then stroll around the Dubh Linn Gardens hidden behind. It’s the original place of the dubh linn (dark pool), from where the city drew its name and was recently landscaped into a garden. Though most tourists don’t know about it, it’s extremely popular with office goers as a lunch venue. Sometimes, it’s also used as a helicopter-landing site.
14. Get arty at the Dublin Fringe Festival
The Dublin Fringe festival (www.fringefest.com) is as established an event as its Scottish counterpart. Usually a mixed bag of performances in September, the festival is dedicated to promoting new companies, and showcasing experimental material. The emphasis, of course, is on the unusual and the performances are innovative.
15. Lunch at Dunne & Crescenzi
This is not a tourist-snaring pizza counter. Dunne & Crescenzi is the original and probably still the best Italian café in town, with two adjoining spaces on South Frederick Street. Both are small, dark and can feel a touch on the claustrophobic side. But the food is simply wonderful: the tasty, fresh and simple lunches include cured and smoked meats, salads and panini. Lunches are accompanied by a full wine list. The heart-warming coffee will match any brew that the European mainland has to offer.
16. Drink excellent espresso at the Bald Barista
Buzz Fendall is a man on a mission – to bring amazing coffee to Dublin. Bald Barista, a busy friendly café, is his gift to the city. Beans are sourced directly from individual farmers in Brazil, Sumatra and Ethiopia, and are freshly ground on site. Of course, there’s more to the place than just coffee – snacks and lunches are served on the slickly appointed mezzanine dining area or the diminutive terrace.
17. Style up your wardrobe
Loft Market, a New York-style indoor fashion market attracts local fashion junkies and hip students on the trail of individual, one-off looks, which are the stock in trade of the young designers and artists who share this space. There are plenty of vintage items of clothing and jewellery on sale.
18. Eat stellar food in Chapter One
Everyone loves Chapter One for its affordable fine dining experience. The choice is spectacular: Irish-caught yellow fin tuna with fennel and squid braised in saffron, and Connemara mountain lamb with rump glazed in mustard and white truffle honey are among the delights. You can follow them up with Irish raspberry poached meringue, almond and pistachio cracknel, and lime anglaise. The menu speaks for itself.
19. Get lost in music at Andrew’s Lane
Formerly one of the few playhouses on Dublin’s south side, Andrew’s Lane has reopened as a music venue. It may be missed by theatre lovers, but is attracting fans and gaining a strong reputation on the city’s music scene. So far, the fare has tended towards the left-field end of the spectrum, with arty electronica acts from the likes of Matmos and Venetian Snares wooing the more adventurous punters.
20. Sink your teeth into a burger at Bobo’s
You would usually associate giant greasy burgers with the Americans. But Bobo’s has gained quite a reputation for turning out some fine patties. This excellent little diner serves up peerless organic burgers, ‘proper chubby chips’ in old-fashioned buckets and delicious malts, shakes and juices.
The number of vehicles on the world’s roads continues to increase year on year, especially in large cities were increasing traffic volumes causes major congestion, accidents and environmental damage. During rush hour in most cities, traffic congestion reaches unbearable levels. Gridlock is a daily occurrence for the long suffering city worker.
Here are a few facts, which represents the result of increasing traffic levels:
Congestion wastes more than 2.3 billion gallons of fuel each year in the U.S.
The annual ‘lost’ time per driver in the U.S. is in excess of 47 hours per year
Traffic delays cost the U.S. economy an estimated $63.1b per year
Drivers in central London spend 50 percent of their driving time in traffic jams.
It was estimated that London lost between £2-4M every week in terms of lost productivity caused by congestion
To solve the problem of increasing traffic levels, major cities have come up with different ideas. In London, for example, they have implemented the controversial Congestion Charge. Every vehicle that drives between 7:00am and 6:00pm within a clearly defined zone, has to pay £8 daily Congestion Charge. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, had made transport to one of the main planks of his incumbency. His goal was to reduce traffic congestion and improve journey times by encouraging people to choose other forms of transport if possible. As a result, traffic levels have reduced by 21 percent, since the Congestion Charge started. Another positive effect is that cycling within the central London zone increased by 43 per cent, accidents and key traffic pollutants have reduced and most importantly, air quality has improved.
Sao Paulo in Brazil devised another way to deal with increasing traffic levels. Each vehicle has a specific day of the week, where it is not allowed to drive during rush hour. The license plate number determines the day on which you can drive. Traffic police and hundreds of strategically positioned traffic cameras, backed by computerized image-recognition systems, picks up vehicles that are on the roads without permission.
In the United States and Canada, they try to support carpools by offering special lanes on the roads that can be used only by cars carrying two or more people. These special lanes are called “HOV Lane” – High Occupancy Vehicle Lane. Unique schemes have been developed where people register to be a ‘car buddy’ so that the car owner can use the HOV lane. A positive knock-on effect is that people have expanded their circle of friends as a result.
Cologne in Germany implemented a “Low Emission Zone” to enhance air quality and to avoid congestion. The “Low Emission Zone” allows only environmentally friendly cars to access the city centre. Cars with high pollutant levels and larger vehicle are banned from entering this zone. In order to drive into Cologne, you have to have a sticker saying that your car is not a polluting vehicle. Failure to do so will result in a fine. Unlike other cities that charge people to drive in major cities, Cologne has an excellent public transport system. Quite often, it is quicker to catch the train door to door than it is to drive
In today’s world of climate change and global warming, it is good to see that cities can do something for the environment. Trying to decrease traffic volumes by implementing fees or even banning non environmentally friendly cars is not just good for the environment; it also benefits the residents with a better and more relaxed transport infrastructure by encouraging people to choose public transportation or even get on their bike!
For the traveller however, many of the major car rental companies have green fleets that would make even the most environmentally conscious city happy. In Europe, most of the car rental companies have diesel cars on their fleet and in the USA, Hybrid cars are common. In Australia, the Toyota Prius is the car of environmental choice. So, even the most ardent Eco-Traveller will be accommodated when renting a car.
Everyone’s favourite excuse to party is just days away!
In just under 2 weeks, people around the globe will be celebrating all things Irish on St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th March.
In Ireland, as you would expect, it’s a big deal. We get a day off work and cities, towns and villages come to life with parades, music, dancing, food and drink.
But if you can’t make it to Ireland for the big day, there are plenty of other places in the world to catch a Paddy’s Day party…pretty much anywhere in fact!
Unsurprisingly in the USA, where 34 million residents claim Irish ancestry, there are celebrations in a lot of the major cities. You can catch the oldest parade in Boston, the biggest in New York and the shortest in the Arkansas town of Hot Springs. Canadians also celebrate with a huge parade in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
On this side of the equator, you can be the first to party in Auckland, New Zealand or go to the biggest parade in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.
There are parties in China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. Revellers in Sao Paulo in Brazil mark the day with traditional Irish stew and a shindig with Irish music.
Probably the most unusual party place of all is Montserrat in the Caribbean. In the 17th century, Irish servants arrived in Montserrat. Today, it is the only country in the world outside of Ireland to recognise St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday and celebrates with a week of festivities.
So no matter where you are the world on the 17th March this year, you’ll most likely find somewhere to celebrate!
DriveAway offer car rental in Ireland, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Brazil. But on St. Patrick’s Day, my advice is to park the rental car and head to the nearest Irish pub.
The 2010 World Cup runs for a month and will feature footballing nations from all over the globe competing for the mantle of World Champions. A total of 64 matches will be played at 9 venues throughout the country. The following teams have officially qualified for the most prestigious tournament in the football world, which kicks off on June 11th 2010:
European Qualifiers
Italy (2006 World Champions), Germany, Spain, Denmark, England, Serbia, Switzerland, Slovakia.
African Qualifiers
South Africa (Host Nation), Ivory Coast, Ghana.
South America Qualifiers
Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile
Central America/North America Qualifiers
USA, Mexico, Honduras
Asia/Oceania Qualifiers
Japan, Australia, North Korea, South Korea
There are 9 more places in the tournament up for grabs, and to this end there will be a number of play off matches in the European zone on the 14th and 18th November so as to ascertain the final four European qualifiers. The matches were decided by a draw at FIFA headquarters on the 19th October and are as follows:
France v Republic of Ireland
Russia v Slovenia
Portugal v Bosnia Herzegovina
Ukraine v Greece
Matches to be played on a home and away basis, with aggregate scores to determine the winners.
Three more teams from the African zone have still to qualify, and the final round of qualifying matches will be played in November 2009.
The final place for the Asia/Oceania region will be decided by the play off match between Bahrain and New Zealand.
The final qualifying place at South Africa 2010 will be decided by the match between the 5th place team in the South America zone and the 4th place team in the Central/North American zone. Uruguay will face Costa Rica in a play off match on a home and away basis.
December 4th 2009 sees the World Cup Qualifying draw taking place at the Cape Town Confederation Centre.
Hope you enjoyed our update on the qualifying nations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Obviously if you are travelling to South Africa to support your country, you may as well see some of the sights of this wonderful country. You will need a car to get around, so for the very best deals in car hire, check out our Car Rentals Cape Town page.
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Portugal is a diverse country in which you can drive from verdant fields through impressive mountains and along a staggeringly beautiful coastline within a day.
Situated alongside the North Atlantic Ocean on the Iberian Peninsula (along with its neighbour Spain which borders Portugal to the north and east), Portugal used to be a major naval power which colonised large countries such as Brazil and Angola.
Today there are still some Portuguese autonomous territories which make great holiday destinations such as the Azores islands and Madeira, both gorgeous outposts in the Atlantic Ocean.
Many tourists come to Portugal in the summer to enjoy its wonderful beaches in locations such as the Algarve, but the country has fine conurbations which should not be neglected by the traveller.
These include Faro, the administrative centre for the Algarve and an attractive old city surrounded by Roman walls.
Car hire Faro is an ideal way to connect with the numerous cultural events put on in the Algarve region or get to the beach and beyond.
Of the many pretty towns which can be reached by car there is the ancient bronze hilltop fort of Santa Barbara de Nexe. Vale de Lobo and Quinta Do Lago are five star holiday resorts located to the west of Faro which have many of the attractions which bring tourists to Portugal such as tennis courts and 18 hole golf courses.
If you are flying into the Algarve you will use Faro airport where you can prearrange your car hire with major companies such as Avis and Hertz.
Portugal has marketed itself as one of the world’s top golfing destinations and was named as the best golfing location world wide for 2006 by the British publication Golfers Today. The country has 14 golf courses ranked among the world top 100 golf courses and with a climate to die for it is no wonder that golf flourishes in Portugal.
Portugal’s capital city is Lisbon, known as the city of the Seven Hills. Lisbon has a flourishing culture with many museums, old castles and public parks for the visitor to wander around, and a buzzing nightlife too.
Lisbon is the closest city to Portugal’s main airport, the Aeropuerto de Portela, which serves as the main hub for national airline TAP Portugal.
Car hire Lisbon lets you explore Lisbon and the surrounding areas such as the town of Sintra which is half an hour away by car. Sintra has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it can count a Royal Palace and an old Moorish castle as part of its amazing architecture legacy.
There are marvellous nearby seaside resorts to be explored such as Praia de Macas which is a good manageable size to visit for a day trip and has calm seas making it family friendly. Praia de Macas is suitable for couples who are looking to spend some time together and what could be more romantic than visiting the wineries in neighbouring Colares for tasting sessions of rare wines.
Car Hire Portugal is the best way to explore the towns and resorts in Portugal, Rhino Car Hire supply vehicles at all locations in Portugal including Car Hire Faro Other great resorts include Lisbon and Almancil.
32 national teams have qualified for the tournament, and the draw was made for the 8 groups of 4 teams on Friday December 4th 2009 at the splendid Cape Town Convention Centre. The draw certainly threw up some wonderful pairings, as we shall see now! 2 teams qualify from each group to reach the last 16 of eight knock out pairings.
Group A
This group features: South Africa, Uruguay, France and Mexico
Game meetings:
South Africa v Mexico 11th June (Soccer City, Johannesburg)
France v Uruguay 11th June (Cape Town Stadium)
South Africa v Uruguay 16th June (Lotus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria)
Mexico v France 17th June (Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane)
Mexico v Uruguay 22nd June (Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg)
South Africa v France 22nd June (The Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Predicted to Qualify: France & Mexico
Group B
This group features: Argentina, Nigeria, Greece and South Korea
Game meetings:
South Korea v Greece 12th June (Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth)
Argentina v Nigeria 12th June (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
Argentina v South Korea 17th June (Soccer City, Johannesburg)
Greece v Nigeria 17th June (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Nigeria v South Korea 22nd June (Mabhida Stadium, Durban)
Argentina v Greece 22nd June (Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane)
Predicted to Qualify: Argentina and Greece.
Group C
This group features: England, USA, Slovenia and Algeria
Game meetings:
USA v England 12th June (Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg)
Algeria v Slovenia 13th June (Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane)
Slovenia v USA 18th June (Ellis Stadium, Johannesburg)
England v Algeria 18th June (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)
Slovenia v England 23rd June (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth)
USA v Algeria 23rd June (Lotus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria)
Predicted to qualify: USA and England.
Group D
This group features: Germany, Serbia, Ghana and Australia
Game meetings:
Serbia v Ghana, 13th June (Pretoria)
Germany v Australia 13th June (Durban)
Germany v Serbia 18th June (Port Elizabeth)
Australia v Ghana 19th June (Rustenberg)
Ghana v Germany 23rd June (Johannesberg)
Australia v Serbia 23rd June (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
Predicted to qualify: Ghana and Germany
Group E
This group features: Holland, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon
Game meetings:
Holland v Denmark 14th June (Johannesburg)
Cameroon v Japan 14th June (Bloemfontein)
Japan v Holland 19th June (Durban)
Denmark v Cameroon 19th June (Pretoria)
Denmark v Japan 24th June (Rustenberg)
Cameroon v Holland 24th June (Cape Town)
Predicted to qualify: Cameroon and Holland
Group F
This group features: Slovakia, Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand
Game meetings:
Italy v Paraguay 14th June (Cape Town)
Slovakia v New Zealand 15h June (Rustenberg)
Slovakia v Paraguay 20th June (Bloemfontein)
New Zealand v Italy 20h June (Nelspruit)
Italy v Slovakia 24th June (Johannesburg)
Paraguay v New Zealand 24th June (Polokwane)
Predicted to qualify: Italy and Slovakia
Group G
This group features: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea
Game meetings:
Portugal v Ivory Coast, 15th June (Port Elizabeth)
North Korea v Brazil 15th June (Johannesburg)
Brazil v Ivory Coast 20th June (Johannesburg)
Portugal v North Korea 21st June (Cape Town)
Ivory Coast v North Korea 25th June (Nelspruit)
Brazil v Portugal 25th June (Durban)
Predicted to qualify: Brazil and Portugal
Group G
This group features: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.
Game meetings:
Honduras v Chile 16th June (Nelspruit)
Switzerland v Spain 16th June (Durban)
Chile v Switzerland 21st June (Port Elizabeth)
Spain v Honduras 21st June (Johannesburg)
Spain v Chile 25th June (Pretoria)
Switzerland v Honduras 25th June (Bloemfontein)
Predicted to qualify: Spain and Chile.
Read our next World Cup 2010 blog for information on the round of last 16 teams!
Hope you are looking forward to the 2010 South Africa World Cup as much as we are! Obviously you are specifically travelling to the tournament to support your home nation, but with such a long haul destination you are bound to have some time to visit the wonderful South Africa attractions in the locality that you are staying in!
The best way to discover the beauty of South Africa is to secure a top quality car rental so visit our Car Hire Cape Town page.
For more information on South Africa, check out our South Africa Travel Blogs page.
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