After we had parted with a heavy heart from Rabeca, the hammock and Baobab Beach in the morning, we boarded a small propeller plane to Johannesburg at the airport just 2km away. On the way we had some turbulence and flew through cloud formations that we had not seen before.

By Bolt we went from the airport to our quickly booked accommodation for one night (and Bolt was still to become our “best friend”).

Already during the drive, Andreas was overcome by such a queasy feeling as he observed the neighborhood and the resident characters – from now on, he called the area only gang territory and did not shed his uneasiness for the rest of the day.

We landed in Jeppestown, about 1km from the “in” and trendy district of Maboneng. Our hosts and all the people we asked vehemently advised us not to carry valuables with us or even dare to attempt to bridge this 1km on foot. Consequently, we undertook every little journey by Bolt (Andreas now always had to order a vehicle as unusual activity had been noted in Mel’s account).

We had a look at Maboneng and the Curiocity Backpackers (absolute backpacker feeling, but booked out this weekend), before we ate something. Mel had “Pumba”, Andreas enjoyed a chicken curry “Durban Style”. As a small appetizer we had spicy Piri Piri chicken liver.

Briefly back to the unusual clouds: we had actually flown through a thunderstorm front. In Jo-Burg (no one says Johannesburg) there had been a hailstorm like not since at least 6 years. Pigeon egg-sized hailstones had also devastated the complete roof terrace in our accommodation.

  • Actually looks quite peaceful

03.10.2021 – Soweto (Bloody History and “The Long Road to Freedom”)

The next day started not far better. The sun was shining, temperatures were pleasant and Mel had managed to organize a Soweto tour online after all (Soweto = Southwestern Township).

Thsepo led us on foot through Soweto and you didn’t really get the feeling of being in a township. Admittedly, we were in a part where the middle class lives, but equally the most historic part, with the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the houses of Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu and Vilakazi Street.

Especially the place around the Memorial and the events around the student uprisings or the Soweto Uprising had such a special spirit. Thsepo’s detailed and lively narrations also caused a slight lump in Andreas’ throat at times.

The tour ended at a market, where we ate and drank some more.

  • Not a smoothie. Local beer made from fermented corn.

After that we already had to go to the airport and so again a wonderful, if in places a bit chaotic vacation was over.

Thanks to all who again accompanied us virtually on this trip. Hopefully we can repeat this soon.

  • Last view of Jo-Burg