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ON AFRICAN SOIL... American Soccer Squad surrenders to "The Hope Of Africa"

By Mara Hawks

Real Estate Agent with First Realty Auburn

June 26, 2010 04:49 PM

Oh that sinking feeling of elimination---a contract falls through, a short sale doesn't happen for nearly a decade, a pended sale falls way below appraisal, your promising prospects vanish---sigh.

Today, time ran out for the U.S. soccer team. For those of us that cheered them on, it played out like the best of times (in victory) and the worst of times (in defeat). But what a great Tale of Two Lands, sharing one goal, ultimately surrendered by the American team when Ghana leaped ahead in overtime. Over and out.

The Ghana team traveled to the tournament in a motor coach, covered with the words: The Hope of Africa. I loved this phrase, because it seems like so very much is tied into this hope, beyond the soccer field.

The preamble to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Code of Ethics begins with the words: "Under all is the land." The sporting event of the World Cup, played on African soil, seems significant, somehow, towards a world goal of Peace on Earth.

I wanted to share some photos of Cape Town, celebrating this event and "The Hope of Africa." They were taken by my friend, Kyla Bluff. Kyla is a resident of CT and a student of archaeology, discovering stories told by the combing of landscapes. Both of her parents (Ken & Cheryl) have careers as real estate agents. They joined the 1st REMAX office that was established in South Africa in 1994, and have been International top producers. Today there are well over 200 REMAX offices on the continent.

Any part of this may not be used or reprinted without permission.

Need information about Auburn real estate and surrounding areas in Lee County? I would be happy to assist you in your home search or relocation. Have a home to sell in Auburn or Opelika? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise! Reach me anytime by phone or text 334-524-2220 or email me at marahawks@gmail.com.

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Mara Hawks

First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL

Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

Susan - you are a star! I'm not really tuned into sports either, but, having lived in SA for 3 years, my interest was high. It was like having a light turned on for this beautiful land that we often only get to know through the lens of a third world country. In so many ways, this "cradle of civilization" truly ROCKS! xox

Jun 27, 2010 12:44 AM

Mara Hawks

First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL

Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

Lloyd - Thank YOU for dropping by. Yes, it was the SPIRIT of it all that kept me tuned into this event. For me, it seemed that "the stage" represented a significant step towards leveling the playing field of world economy and politics.

Jun 27, 2010 12:51 AM

Mara Hawks

First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL

Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

Bill - REMAX does very well in SA, but it would be received very differently if it was promoted as an American corporation. Emphasis is on International. We can all play---and win!

Jun 27, 2010 01:00 AM

Ann Allen Hoover

RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL

CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

I didn't get to watch any of the soccer, but I do enjoy it and was keeping up with how it was going.

Love the photos.....thanks to you and Kayla for sharing them! :o)

Jun 27, 2010 04:41 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Love these Cape Town photos Mara. You have access to a world of resources and I appreciate you bringing this to us...

Jun 27, 2010 07:15 AM

Mara Hawks

First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL

Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

Ann - I am more of a "listener" too, and enjoyed the updates. Thanks for stopping by!

Gary - awww...thank you :-) It's enriching to bring such international flavors closer to home, isn't it? I'm so lucky to have such wonderful SA friends that keep me connected to that part of the world, that will always be close to my heart.

Jun 27, 2010 02:19 PM

Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula

Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA

Realty Works Temecula

Great pictures taken by your friend! Very descriptive of the Cape Town and the event!

Jun 27, 2010 02:54 PM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Love the photos, Mara! Bummed about the game but, glad we made it as far as we did!

Jun 28, 2010 04:59 PM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Mara! Just stopped by to wish you a safe and fabulous Fourth!

Jul 04, 2010 05:10 AM

Mary Douglas

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO

REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Gorgeous photos Mara! The World of sports does seem to lend itself to the idea of world peace and leaves us all with the sense of hope. I like the way you tied those thoughts into the post. As we celebrate our independence today, I wish you all the very best. Happy Fourth of July, Mara!

Jul 04, 2010 05:48 AM

Adam Malachi

A 2 Z Realty LLC - Castle Rock, CO

QSC,CDPE,CIPS,CNE,CRB,CRS,GRI,MRE,SFR

That's great post! Beautiful pictures! I love soccer I use to play professionally! Maybe next time we will be better team to make all the way to the final!

Happy 4^th of July,

Adam

Jul 04, 2010 08:56 AM

Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459

Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI

Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Mara

We truly do win some, we lose some, but we get dressed for evry game. That was a good game.

Jul 07, 2010 02:48 PM

Mara Hawks

First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL

Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

Jane - nothing like sports to bring the world closer together!

hey dear Debe - thanks for stopping by. I'm not really a big sports enthusiast, but I love watching how it brings other elements of culture into play.

Hi Mary - thank you for your lovely WORD picture!

Jul 10, 2010 02:18 AM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Mara! Just checking in again! Hope you're doing great and enjoying the summer. Hey, are you going to Orlando for Rain Camp in August (8/24)? OH, I HOPE SO!!

Have a great week...

Jul 11, 2010 04:28 PM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

I missed all of the World Cup except for the highlights they showed on the various news and sports shows.

Jul 13, 2010 07:59 PM

Endre Barath, Jr.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA

Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Mara, I am not a big Soccer fan, with that said I was still sad that the US lost. BTW great photo's.

Jul 19, 2010 05:56 PM

Armin Naismith

First Realty Auburn Alabama - Auburn, AL

Great photos Mara. I'm really trying to like this soccer thing, but growing up in SEC football country, it makes it a challange.

Jul 30, 2010 02:54 AM

c m

Colorado Springs, CO

Thanks so much for sharing your friends photos! BEAUTIFUL! We were invited to a game-day party, (which we were unable to attend!) at the home of some friends, she is American, he is from Ghana...I hear it was quite the party! Winners no matter what!

Aug 04, 2010 04:47 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Hey Mara, this is a great post with wonderful pictures to help illustrate, thanks for sharing. To bad for the USA not making it but it was a crazy ride :P

Aug 10, 2010 05:19 PM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

"a short sale doesn't happen for nearly a decade"

Mara, I cracked up at this line and though I am not a soccer fan, I thoroughly enjoyed your post and all of the great pictures!

Aug 22, 2010 03:48 AM

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