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Published: March 12th 2010
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After the rafting in Uganda, I continue my little way down. This time for a 20 hours lay-over in JNB, Johannesburg. I did stop-over here nearly two years ago. At the time I took a shuttle bus and a proper hotel in Sandton.
The big question is...is security as bad as we are told in Johannesburg. The reality is yes, this is a seriously dangerous place where people are murdered...and robbed every day. Taxis are not always safe, and if they are safe, are expensive.
So this time, my plan was to rent a small car...I took the cheapest available, just not to attract any attention, and to stay in a B&B. I stayed in Edenvale, 8km from the airport. Thought I ended up well, I will not go back in that B&B, as the place seems not to have much in terms of security. Was a nice stay, but I want more than a simple glass door between me and anybody who wish to arm me from the outside.
The plan was to do two stop-overs here. One on the 2nd - 3rd of March, another one on the 7th - 8th of March for another 23
hours. Where in between you ask, well, one more little trip up north to DRC (Congo) to visit few friends in Lubumbashi. I had a great week in Lubum...too many great people to meet in such a short time, but I'll be back soon.
So the plan for Johannesburg...well, easy...stay safe...play golf, and drink wine!
On the 2nd, I went from the airport, to the B&B...to Glendower, listed as in the top 2 courses to play in Johannesburg, and just few minutes drive from my B&B. Wow, that's a course....amazing place where they already play 3 times the South African Open. And as a pure idiot, I forgot my camera in my bags...which were...in the B&B!
Next stop, the wine shop. For info, wine in South Africa is cheaper in town than at the duty free....and when I say cheaper, I mean way cheaper! And yes, they have amazing wines
Was not ready to go exploring restaurants at night. One of the disadvantage of travelling in countries like DRC (Congo) and Uganda is that they barely use credit card, everything is done in crispy new 100usd notes...and I hate to carry a bunch of them with
me...did I tell you the first ever time I went to Rio, I landed there with a mere 7usd in cash in my pockets...felt way safer!
After the wine shop, the supermarket for few sushi and salads, and back before dark to my B&B...happily using internet at night, and staying safe, with a very early morning flight.
Back few days later, same car, same B&B ( last time with them), and this time arriving on a Sunday mid-afternoon. This time I had to buy my wine in duty-free, as due to local laws, you will not be able to buy wine on a Sunday...happy to be aware of this obviously! And on my way to stock one more time on fresh sushi and other salad for the evening....you do not change a winning team...better stay safe than sorry.
Early Monday morning wake up to head to the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf course. On the menu, the East course. This is THE course to play in JNB, and yes, it is npot cheap for South Africa, but still way cheaper than anything you find in Europe or even Asia today.
This course is simply amazing. I
had my camera this time, so few pics of an old traditional course. What a pleasure! On the last 9 holes I play with three overseas long term residents. They were coming from Holland, Switzerland and the States and had all been living there for years. So it was time for me to ask all the questions I had about this famous security or should I say insecurity. Would you believe it, Johannesburg is a city where gang would raid restaurants, supermarkets, even posh hotels. Getting down on them would be 20 heavily armed gang members who would not hesitate...and actually do kill few people....
You guess what, ended my round, did a small drive to Bedford Village to get some amazing wines, and hop on the plane. Safe and well. I would feel a lot better without cash in my pockets in Johannesburg. I will be back here few times before the end of the year, guess I'm ok with the current way I'm doing it. But you never know...
And the wine....wish I could take more, but the two bottles I've got should please Ma'ri and me for a great...or two...romantic and gourmet dinner!
I'm
now back up north...crossing the Equator few more time...and the first time by road. For this you'll have to wait few days, but trust me, the next entry is going to be one of a kind...with pics which I'm going to enjoy for years to come.
Why live the ordinary when you can spend your days challenging the extraordinary!
With love, from the middle of Africa!
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Nice blog and pictures! Can't wait to drink that wine... ;)