Blogs from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa - page 2

Finally touched down on African soil, it's 0450. Passport check and customs very easy. I had to declare 'medicines of addiction' and thankfully a medical letter was sufficient. After packing important items in our hideaway bags we proceeded to the Fornos Bakery as per Aunty Pauline's suggestion. However, as we rounded the corner we were overcome by the sight of the Wimpy Bar! Man alive it's been 30 years since we had a burger at the Wimpy Bar in Rustenberg. The red colors and mustard sauce all bring bak memories. I loved our sausage dog lunch with mustard sauce after church in Sundays followed by a chocolate milkshake. I was left there with the luggage after we ordered breakfast while Maria and Peigi went in search of sim cards for their iPads. I for one loved ... read more

Before we left my parents were discussing the better opportunities that have been open to us because we immigrated to "the lucky country". It is quite true. I very much doubt we would be able to do what we have if my parents hadn't sacrificed so much to move their family to a then-foreign land. But this flight is very different to the one we took when we left South Africa. The staff are not white and they are lovely. The initial announcement "enjoy our hospitality" still rings in my ears as the beautiful hostess makes me a cup of tea. She graciously poses for a photo with us. I can see now that she has had an opportunity that she would not have had when we lived in South Africa. Perspective is everything. The beautiful ... read more

The last time I was in Johannesburg airport I felt like a fugitive escaping my country. In the dark of night we went to the airport, thinking all the way that something would happen to prevent us from leaving. As an 11 year old I was scared beyond imagination. This new land we had been told so much about was waiting but it was very difficult to leave. My father had to prove that he was the only person that the mine in Tasmania could hire for the SA government to allow us to leave. So now here we are again. It doesn't feel that different to any other airport. It is smaller than I had remembered and considerably smaller than my adult mind would have expected for the largest airport in the country. The service ... read more

After a very enjoyable week with family in the Midlands, you know, late nights, bottles of wine, lunches and of course the first of what I suspect will be many turkey Christmas dinners we were delivered to Heathrow for our first flight. Check in was very smooth, our bags were all within weight restrictions (how come all my scales say the bags are about half a kilo lighter than the airport says, I am very suspicious, good job I made mine lighter than the allowed weight). The camping fridge was even put through easily. They did check my handbag for illegal drugs, not sure why but I guess I must have a suspicious look about me, my handbag is only the same as any other ladies whith everything except the kitchen sink. The flight was a ... read more

Been a busy week and no Wifi access so bit of a gap in our blogging. We finally escaped from the good ship Radiance of the Seas to a warm, sunny Freemantle but with quite a few flies so not too keen on that. Scarborough Beach was our base for 3 nights - right on the beach where we could watch the surfers, kitesurfers and body boarders. Our first tour guides, Stuart and Katherine (Ann's niece and husband) took us to Houghtons Winery for our first stop for winetasting and a picnic which was nearly a non-event as a thunderstorm rolled in with cats and dogs rain. But our good luck with the weather continued and the storm passed over, the sun came out so the picnic basket was unpacked and the wine uncorked. Next stop ... read more

The journey south was relatively uneventful, thanks to inflight entertainment, Sudoku, and lots of water. I sat next to a friendly South African woman and we chatted during the 15 hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg. - One of the longest flights on Earth, I always say- I tracked the flight on board our Boeing 777 and watched as the plane veered south and east, across the Atlantic Ocean, over the equator, and above the coast of Nambia before touching down at Oliver Tambo Int. Airport in Jo’burg (26 ° South latitude and 29 ° East longitude). Sorry, I can’t help but include all these geographic references … After making my way to a local hotel, I settled in for a much needed bed and sleep. Today, I’m driving to my final destination, Thohoyandou, in ... read more

SOWETO Widely known township in south africa if not the world.it is home to the people,artist and artisans, to tarvens and shebeens,music hall and community centres. The township holds a lot of history in south africa and is home to most of the well known people and freedom figthers in south africa. The township has about four million residents and is symbolof oppression,hope and survival. it is a troubled,spirited ,exhilarating landscapeof activity and regeneration. the child of incarceration. the mother of a new breedof liberity the shame nad pride of africa. The people at this township are very friendly and welcoming. Township tours can be arranged for tourists dat are interested in experincing the township life. soweto is the place to be lots attractions to be seen such as the nelson mandela family house, hecter pieterson ... read more