Day 6, part 2: SA + Johannesburg

Today’s tidbit: “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” ― Nelson Mandela

Monday I posted on Soweto. Johannesburg includes Soweto, which was a separate city (late 1970s–1990s). Originally an acronym for “SOuth-WEstern TOwnships”, Soweto formed on the outskirts populated mostly by native African workers. Continuing with day 6, here is part 2 which focuses on Johannesburg, also known as Joburg.

Given the recent events with Nelson Mandela’s death on December 5th, this day is even more meaningful. During the city tour we were able to see his current home and Constitutional Hill, where he was detained. It is was an amazing experience, being there then as well as now as I see it on the news and recognize places and am able to say I was there. Truly a remarkable and inspirational man!

Sneak peek image:

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Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{Taste of Johannesburg} Driving through during the city tour. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, by population, and is the provincial capital of Gauteng (the wealthiest province in SA).

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{Houghton} Mandela’s street in Johannesburg’s northern wealthy suburb of Houghton. Beautiful homes. I was only able to get a few pictures, taken while driving, but you’ll notice each house was surrounded by tall walls and lots of security (barbed wire, cameras, security standing outside, etc.).

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{Mandela’s current home} He was a “Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa’s symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.” As we drove through the neighborhood our guide drove slowly by the house Nelson Mandela currently lived at so we could take a few pictures. We weren’t allowed to stop. I remember even then there were paparazzi lined up waiting down the block.

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{Constitution Hill} Check it out

As the website states, “Constitution Hill is a city precinct, anchored by the South African Constitutional Court – the highest court in the country on constitutional matters. Constitution Hill is also the site of Johannesburg’s notorious Old Fort Prison Complex, where thousands of ordinary people were brutally punished before the dawn of democracy. Many of South Africa’s political activists, including Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Walter Sisulu were detained here. What once was a place of injustice and brutality has been transformed into a place of solidarity and democracy.”

It was overwhelming to walk through the prison complex. Not only did I learn a lot but seeing it first hand I also felt a lot… there is so much suffering and history.

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{Rosebank mall} Check it out

After a full day exploring Soweto and Johannesburg, we made a quick stop to check out one of the main malls, which walking distance to our new hotel. It was very bright and blends the magic of Africa with the elegance and sophistication of Europe.

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I discovered rooibos tea, a new favorite!

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{Crowne Plaza} Check it out

As I mentioned in my first South Africa post, throughout the trip we had many different types of accommodations. After a full day seeing and experiencing the city, we checked into our hotel for the night and met up with the people in our new tour. Below are pictures from the hotel lobby and restaurant.

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Loved the menu design and presentation of our dinner and dessert at Circle Bar!

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Beyerskloof and Pinotage wine became a quick new favorite!

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Last but not least, the perfect way to end the day! Gorgeous sunset.

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And that wraps up day 6! Check back next week as the journey continues along our drive from Johannesburg to Hannah Lodge.

6 Responses to “Day 6, part 2: SA + Johannesburg”

  1. Chris says:

    Lots of memories including that really long initial meeting on that couch! Constitution Hill is very much at the heart of South Africas’ identity!

  2. Karen says:

    Oh yes, we should have “Looked out” and heeded our gut reaction to run after that first meeting with the “tour manager” which forebode the chaos ahead…

    Hard to believe it was only 3 months ago… Love reliving the trip through Alyssa’s pictures and commentary!

    • alyssa says:

      “LOOKOUT” Absolutely. The start to some crazy adventures, starting with the Joburg tour… Next post coming Monday.

    • Chris says:

      Crickey!! What an unusual bunch of people we were and what a crazy adventure we had! Malaria free zones, Svetlana the stuffed giraffe, being attacked by an Ostrich and all those bottles of water that were bought ‘just for us guys’ being guzzled up by our Mercedes Sprinter that packed up in Swaziland! The list is almost endless and I’m looking forward to reliving it all through all the wonderful photographs!

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