Welcome to JoBurg...I arrived to notice that my brand new TSA lock was removed by way of my suitcase zipper tabs also being removed (baggage lesson #2 learned: TSA locks cost money and damage to luggage all for no benefit; added to #1 carry on anything valuable learned after my small camera was stolen between JFK-LAX...maybe its just a corrupt JFK?). After spending about an hour getting a local sim card activated (which after 2 hours now, data still isn't working), I continued to baggage assistance to report the incident when the power in the entire airport went out...three times, and only now on what appears to be auxiliary power as only necessary lighting is on and lifts/escalators aren't working. For this reason, I was unable to purchase the necessary adapter or collect my FIFA tickets (which I later found out aren't available in airports until June 6). Even the locals don't think SA is prepared for World Cup! I then asked a porter where the bus terminal was and after insisting on walking me rather than instructing me he boldly asked for a tip. Watch out for con artists, folks! I hope these aren't all bad omens of things to come.
[Arrival on the tarmack at Tambo Int'l Airport]
On the bright side, World Cup fever is ON! Souvenir booths, paraphernalia and team jerseys are everywhere! Plus, the people have been very nice and welcoming. The lodge even have me loan of an adapter to charge my phone, how awesome is that?!
[Arrival on the tarmack at Tambo Int'l Airport]
On the bright side, World Cup fever is ON! Souvenir booths, paraphernalia and team jerseys are everywhere! Plus, the people have been very nice and welcoming. The lodge even have me loan of an adapter to charge my phone, how awesome is that?!
The Airport Game Lodge where I'm staying the first 2 nights before joining the GAP Tour is basic, but has beautiful grounds with an ice cold pool, ostriches, spring buck, guinea fowl and clover blacksmiths (which are very vocal buggers) at which to gaze, its very peaceful and perfect for acclimatizing on my first day/night here in this lovely African continent. Lodge doesn't have room service, but with a mere 1 1/2 hours notice, you can get food delivered from an array of menus and cuisines. Add the vending machine offerings of anything from Jack Daniels or champagne to creme soda, topped off with a kit jay dessert, and what more can anyone ask for?
Interesting readings/observations: 1) World Cup preparations, 2) ad in the ladies room. 3) sign in airport outside of customs; do we have those in the States? 4) the South African shirts look strikingly similar to the Samba boys' jerseys, 4) power outage at Tambo Intl Airport (are they really ready for World Cup?), 5) a "Stop" sign is merely a suggestion.
Went back to get my data service fixed, no blackberry service 24+ hours and counting...should've used Vodacom rather than the FIFA sponsor MTN.
Amy arrived today and we joined 3 other GAP Adventurers on a tour of Soweto today. We were unfortunate enough to hit a lot of traffic due to both a soccer and a rugby final on the same day. Soweto is the (almost all black) township central to the fight against Apartheid. It's also the one time home of Nobel Peace Prize recipients Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (the same street only a block away from each other). We explored "Beverly Hills", hostels (housing for the miners which had no electricity or plumbing (port-a-potties), and coal-heated single rooms. The shanty towns were even worse as at least the hostels were made of brick, the shanties were made mostly of tin. It was a very sad and eye-opening experience to see just how poor much of the population actually is.
[single room hostels for mine workers w/o plumbing/electric; Nelson Mandela's house; shantytown sans plumbing/electric; Regina Mundi Church, Soweto]
