Blogs from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa - page 35

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg April 12th 2009

Landing in Johanesburg for the third time in a month was weird. First time I was excited to be in Africa, second time I was excited to be going to Egypt but this time I was on the way home. Two tours. One month. I was exhausted wanted to sleep for days in my own bed. It was the first time I had been overseas for more than a week and certainly the first time where it was anything but luxurious. Johannesburg International Airport is the main hub of South African Airways and the major primary airport for both international and domestic travel in all of Africa. After going to a few duty free stores looking for books and dvds, I took some photos of the World Cup Memorabilia. The 2010 World Cup would be held ... read more

Killing time in O R Tambo Airport

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg April 4th 2009

nickb

Victoria Falls Airport was a small airport – it was the first time any duty free store actively tried to bargain with me. We caught a South African Airlines flight, which seated only 38 people, to transit through Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport. I had 8 hours to kill before catching my next flight so I caught up on some e-mails, sent some postcards and tested out the airport food – which is the worst KFC I have eaten. How amazing is it that we travel to the other side of the world, dine on bugs, antelope and crocodile and then find a way to criticise the one food they like the best. I always like to try out the local fast foods. I tend to enjoy McDonalds everywhere in the world but the KFC tastes better ... read more

South Africa!

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg April 3rd 2009

Soweto

Voodoo

So those of you who don’t know, I decided to head to South Africa for the weekend, lol. Ok, so I was there for five days. Thierry and I had been talking about going to South Africa for a couple of months and when March rolled around and we hadn’t gone yet, we decided we had better get our butts in gear. By the way, having a fantastically nice roommate who works for Air France is wonderful! A couple of days before we were supposed to leave, something came up and Thierry was not going to be able to leave with me. Luckily, he was able to arrive two days after me. I have two friends from UNESCO, Rovani and Diana though, who have friends and family who live in South Africa, plus, Lizzy, who shared ... read more

Diverse South Africa.

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg March 23rd 2009

nickb

South Africa is a kaleidoscope of contrasts. The average person’s image of South Africa ranges from safari suits to apartheid, georgeous Table Mountain to Soweto, modern wines to AIDS. This is a country that needs to be seen to be comprehended. My first taste of Africa went from the five star Bangkok Novotel and Thai Airways first class to a backpacker’s dormitory. We had booked an African Travel Co tour with On the Go and arrived in Jo’Burg as it is affectionately known, a day prior. The place was the Backpacker’s Ritz. It hardly was the ritz. Jetlag had set in so we slept for most of the day. We did make a small trip to the local shopping centre to purchase a memory chip for the camera and then to the service station that night ... read more

Nog foto's van die awesome dag in JHB

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg March 16th 2009

Photo 2

Lodie

Nog kiekies!!!... read more

Oh what a beautiful MOOORNING!

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg March 10th 2009

Downtown Joburg

Jaistopher

Not really, it's okay, but it's still better than the snow that I guess is happening back home! So I've been keeping busy, (and sorry Ileana, I've not been writing EVERY day in the journal) but not frantic busy. There is so much to be done here. Some friends of John and Arti (the couple I'm staying with right now) came to visit. They were at Bethel for a very long time but have recently moved out to a farm about five hours away (fairly close to Kruger, I'm told). While they were here, some other folks came to visit and see them and I got to hear some cool stories about the work in close by lands. Since SA is the largest branch in the area (in the wealthiest country also) they are responsible not ... read more

I HATE COMPUTERS!!!!

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg March 2nd 2009

SA1

Jaistopher

But I love South Africa!!! On the first day here, I was picked up at the airport by Sister Artie (short for Artemis, she's from Cyrpess!) Cook. It took a bit of work to find her in the airport, seeing as how I'd never thought to ask for a description or picture in the emails! On the way to the house, we stopped at a petroport to get 295 rand of petrol (don't worry, it's only like thirty bucks!) During the drive, Artie informed me that I had been invited to a Brai (BBQ) that evening! I hadn't even been there a day, and I was already invited to a party! When we got to the house, she wanted me to rest up, but I wasn't that tired really. So instead, I went with her and ... read more

Tattoolya

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg February 28th 2009

planning

ToyPetBam

Tattoo Day 1st Tattoo of the year! Saturday, 28 Feb Their appointment was for 11am on Saturday in Weltevreden Park (Randburg) Lots of searching the net for similar tattoo's to what Girl pet wants. Not only does it have to be the kind of thing she can commit to for life, but also cover a tattoo that was an epic FAIL! Seemed to be a bit more painful than bumping your toes on the curb (or hiking with boots that is a size to small) The whole process finished at about 12:30pm with healing cream for the gorgeous looking wound. Even with a R200 discount voucher, this was an expensive outing. Girl pet always wanted wings and it seems that the bug has finally bitten and she is all systems go for at least one more ... read more

I MADE IT!!!!

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg February 27th 2009

london eye

Jaistopher

Well, the grueling ten hours from London to Joburg (local slang for Johannesburg) are over. It wasn't that bad really, it's just a long time to spend in a metal tube 35,000 feet up. I guess I should start this though with a description of my trip up to this point. As many of you know, I left Portland at about 11:30 on Wednesday the 25th. It turns out that "direct flight" I thought I had to London had not just a stop, BUT A PLANE CHANGE! Okay, so I wasnt' that concerned about it. I stopped in Chicago and was heading to the next gate when I realized, I'm kinda hungry. So I stop at a stand and get some popcorn (which the yellow chese dye didn't come off my hands for a full twelve ... read more

joberg

Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg » Soweto February 27th 2009

charlotte123

hi everyone I arrived safe and well on wednesday but the internet here costs a fortune so dont think il be able to write very often! I went around soweto yesterday, a beautiful city however the poverty is stricking and when u see the children in shanty towns, well it broke my heart. I've made some friends and much to mr hancocks dismay 'got trashed' wednesday night with a group of americans. ok, im gonna have to head off but i think today will be a pool day. I really truely miss you all xxxx... read more

Brief history of South Africa

After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjug...more history

Forum Topics for Johannesburg

Planning a safariPosts: 6

Capetown SuggestionsPosts: 9

where do you recommend ...Posts: 2

Volunteering at a big c...Posts: 2

Private game reserves i...Posts: 5

Volunteer / Intern in C...Posts: 2

Safari Tour Company to ...Posts: 13

Tick Bites and Pink Soc...Posts: 2

A honey moon next month...Posts: 9

erniePosts: 3

beware corrupt copsPosts: 7