Our flight from Denver to London: 8hrs; an 8-hour layover in London; an 11-hour flight to JoBerg, plus time in the security line, customs, etc. But first impressions? Totally worth it!
Our guide for Johannesburg is Jon...he's English, but a native of the city. JoBerg is one of the most dangerous cities in the world - it's getting better, but still iffy in many parts. When we began planning this trip, we decided we'd feel better if we hired someone to show us around. So, today Jon picked us up at the airport and delivered us to our hotel...we're exhausted...so, he'll show us around tomorrow.
Our hotel (Thaba Eco) is just southwest of the city on a reserve. Three ostriches greeted us as we drove past the gates. Sorry, couldn't get my camera out fast enough. We got checked in and hit the shower. Man, a shower has NEVER felt so good. We thought we might go for a walk, but before I knew it, Joe was sound asleep, and I couldn't keep my eyes open. BAM, nap time!
Three hours later... Time for lunch! The hotel has a highly-rated restaurant, and we sat outside in the sun and enjoyed a delicious meal, including an appetizer of house-made chakalaka - a vegetable relish that originated in Johannesburg. Beans, onions, peppers, curry paste...yum!
Lovely sideyard of the restaurant.
Peahens (and peacocks) are everywhere.
The view of the veldt...through an electric fence. I'm sure it's to keep big cats and t-rexes out.
This is a Rock Hyrax, also called a Dassie...South Africa's wild guinea pig. They scuttle about in groups and dig into the safety of the rocks.
After a bit of a walkabout, we headed to the bar for happy hour and then back to the room for a quick nap. We'll go back for dinner later and then rest up for tomorrow.
Tomorrow's agenda? JoBerg driving tour, the Apartheid museum and SoWeTo (Southwestern Township) - Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are famous SoWeTans...as is Trevor Noah.
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