Now we know how Noah felt.
To those of you who are just starting to get excited about the World Cup, and perhaps think it is little more than a fortnight old - think again.
Today is 40 days since England gathered together at Heathrow and boarded a flight to Austria. There were 30 players in a provisional squad at that stage, it was a pre-tournament training camp, but for everyone here it was the beginning.
Monday 17 May was the day, the spectre of the ash cloud was looming large over the chances of our flight leaving on time, and Chelsea had added The FA Cup to their Premier League title just two days earlier.
To say that feels like a long time ago is an understatement. For the group of staff, coaches and players here that is the length of time we have now spent together.
Friendly matches, squad announcements, arrival in South Africa and now three group matches are all behind us. Ahead is the tantalising prospect of the first World Cup meeting with Germany in 20 years.
The mood has gone up several notches after the performance and result on Wednesday afternoon, everyone feels refreshed and filled with a great sense of belief.
The welcome we received from all the staff at our Royal Marang hotel base was fantastic. Late in the evening on our return from the Slovenia game, after a flight direct from Port Elizabeth, the dancing and singing outside reception brought a smile to everyone's faces.
Then on Thursday evening we enjoyed a barbecue by the pool, an exciting change of pace for meal time which was only added to by the presence of Zulu dancers who provided the entertainment for the evening.
On Friday morning I spoke with Stuart Pearce and James Milner about the meeting with Germany, both have past experiences to draw upon which could prove crucial come Sunday. I also asked Stuart about Armed Forces day, which falls on Saturday, and he was hugely praiseworthy for the gallant troops who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
Tomorrow we fly to Bloemfontein, the usual pre-match ritual of manager and captain press conference will take place at the stadium and then the talking stops.
As with the Slovenia match we will wear all red, and the match will kick off in late afternoon sunshine. Here's hoping the outcome is the same.
Please feel free to make comments and ask questions below and I will do my best to come back to you, the England players appreciate every bit of support we get from our fans and this is as appropriate a forum as any to send your messages.
Stuart Mawhinney