While being in a country for 4 days hardly qualifies one, to become an expert on the place there's an old saying that first impressions last.
Well, my first impression- in fact my first, second third and fourth impression's of South Africa is that it has some of the nicest, kindest warm people I've ever met.
I understand that there is a crime problem here and that three journalists have already been robbed but I can only speak of my own experience and the people I've encountered. I understand the idea that some people may be friendly because they want you to buy their flags or pots or whatever but from my day-to-day encounters with many South Africans I've been pleasantly surprised- I was told horror stories hence the surprise- by their charm.

I'm staying at Witwatersrand University and the students here, along with the staff are all very accommodating, willing to go that bit extra to make my stay enjoyable and hopefully care-free. We've been out and about as a group to Soweto and there the people I cam across were all very kind.
The point I'm making rather than just a sickly ode to how wonderful South Africans are is that we English should take a leaf out of their book in 2012 and also if by some miracle we get to host the World Cup 2018.

Making people feel welcome in our country for a few weeks is a small price to pay when it comes to generating the kind of warmth and affection many visitors are now bestowing back on their South African hosts.
If we can have people leaving England in 2012 with a hint of regret- at having to leave not at going there- then maybe we can shake the slight stigma many have of us as being slightly snobby.