Things to do for Women during the 2010 World Cup in Cape Town

Whether you love the beautiful game or not, it's difficult not to get excited about Cape Town

Football fans are sleeping in team T-shirts and counting down the days until the 2010 World Cup kickoff, instead of sheep. Cape Town is not only ready to entertain the world, but promises a wealth of feminine fun - during the 2010 World Cup.

Take a genuine interest in football

As a start, here’s an insight into the offside rule, which is one of man’s mysteries that aren’t much of a mystery at all: A teammate is in the opponent’s half of the field and is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the next to last opponent. This applies to a teammate who already has the ball in his possession, rather one who receives the ball. Simple!

Still not convinced? Get World Cup wise – find out which teams are in the World Cup groups and particular players to look out for. Some of these men have a lot more going for them than their hot bods.

Keep yourself updated @ www.fifa.com/worldcup/

It’s also worth checking out the atmosphere of a game. All that emotion and passion can be quite exhilarating. You can give the game a chance - even if you don’t have tickets. Fan Parks with giant television screens will accommodate legions of fans, for a two month party.

Find out where @ 2010 World Cup Fan Parks

Your very own ball game

Whilst your partner watches the game, you could be pumping up your own balls of fun (not that he’ll notice until after the football)! Surgical Bliss combines medical tourism with the World Cup. Opt for the 5 star package - breast augmentation/uplift, a stay in 5* hotel, shopping trips, transport to matches and aftercare, for R70-000.

More uplifting information at: www.surgicalbliss.com

Start festivities early with friends and a boozy lunch

Dine on fresh local seafood, salads and sirloins, accompanied by an extensive wine-list, at Afro-Italian offering, Blues. Expect décor synonymous with classy Camps Bay.

The Promenade | Victoria Road | Camps Bay

Visit Cubana Havana, for Cuban cuisine, accompanied by whisky, wine or a cocktail. The bar is famed for entertaining guests with flame shows.

9 Somerset Road | De Waterkant Centre | Greenpoint

Are you a WAG that’s watching your waistline? Birds Boutique café offers cute up-turned milk crates and bed sheet curtains, with an air of originality. Sample organic, baked-by-hand goods, like chocolate and cherry scones, or sip an unusual shake of apple, parsley, ginger and celery.

127 Bree Street | Cape Town

Here’s looking at you, Miss Football Fabulous

Talented goldsmiths and jewellery designers flock to the V&A Waterfront. Buy some World Cup sparkle at jewellers including; Ntinga Jewellers, Thomas Sabo, Jewellery Couture and Michel Negrin. Or visit Jewel Africa in Bo-Kaap for a decadent diamond tour.

Lose yourself in fashion, home ware and music, at Canal Walk. New stores include; Diamond and Tanzanite, an engagement ring specialist and Shesha, a street-style fashion boutique.

For authentic local design, check out these Long Street boutiques: 210 Long Street, for street wear made from local fabrics, Glitterati, for fur coats and Long Street Antique Arcade, for rare vintage clothing.

Half-time rejuvenation

Indulge in treatments including an infrared sauna, which heats up your body, rather than the air around you. The Mountain View Spa and Guesthouse is close to the stadium and offers luxury World Cup villas, from R6000 per day, which includes a daily cleaning service and breakfast.

For more information, visit: www.mountainviewcapetown.com

208 High Level Road | Seapoint

Take your partner on a romantic World Cup cruise. Board one of six boats, including the 74ft catamaran, Sea Princess, at the V&A Waterfront. Nibble cocktail snacks and sip on champagne, during a sunset cruise of stunning Clifton and Camps Bay.

For more information, visit: www.bookcapetown.com

Just because the wind has picked up, this doesn’t mean you should leave Camps Bay beach. Grab a body board and a wet suit and brave the chilling sea. Waves are higher when it’s windy and provide a thrilling ride.

Is watching footballers running around giving you a guilty conscience?

Test your health and fitness at women’s only gym, Zone Lifestyle. The gym is complete with sensation showers and an aerobics studio. For more information, visit: www.zonefitness.co.za

2nd Floor | 50 Kloof Street | Cape Town

Run from the Seapoint promenade to stylish Camps Bay. Depart at 19:00, for an accompaniment of sunset, a cool breeze and stunning beach views.

Or enjoy a scenic hike up Table Mountain instead of taking the cable car. Remember to take plenty of water and invest in some sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be quite steep. Reward your grueling hike with a picnic and stunning views.

How’s all that for kicking off some World Cup enthusiasm? Whether you have an interest in football or not, you can look forward to an abundance of girlie things to do in Cape Town during 2010. For your monthly update on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular Editor's Picks Newsletter.

By Lisa Nevitt