Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Goodbye South Africa!

Pretoria & Johannesburg
Good to see you avoided the "issue" near the conclusion of the trip. It is ironic that we felt safest of all the big cities in Pretoria. A good trip, well recorded .... but interesting to read that the the country has not really moved on in terms of the security situation since 2006 and the average enforcer of law and order remains seemingly as disinterested as ever. I have pulled "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Gavin Bell off the bookshelf to wake further memories of our time in the Rainbow Nation.

Epic South Africa
You've made choices in life that have allowed you to travel the world. Blogging does allow us to re-live these travel experiences and analyze our feelings about what we have seen and done. I love your description of being in the beating heart of South Africa. You have been exposed to a great deal of South African history on this trip (maybe saturated) but you've looked at things from all perspectives and that is good. Winnie made choices many would not make. I'm glad you enjoyed your posh lunch even though you felt underdressed. Thanks for the information on BRICS.... I had no idea. Bravo on your last night celebration. When you go to Napa next year you should take the Moet and Chandon winery tour. It is very nice. Pride comes from -- as you say, the complexities, struggles and triumphs of the human experience. Well said, Alex.

I would want to visit Stephen Biko memorial (if one exists)
If I was to visit South Africa I would want to visit a Stephen Biko memorial. I don't know if one of those exists however. But if there isn't one, his grave would do. He was an anti-apartheid activist who in 1977 was beaten to death while in custody. Peter Gabriel has written a song called Biko. It is a very good song and he always ends his concerts with that one. /Ake