South Africa

Trip Start Jan 20, 2005
1
53
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Trip End Dec 27, 2005


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Sunday, September 18, 2005

Jo'burg isn't as bad of a city as everyone makes it out to be. We found the part of town we stayed at very nice. We most appreciated all the western amenities such as great restaurants, banks where we could withdraw actual valuable currency, good roads, and shopping malls. It is a very western city and as a visitor you feel as though you could be in any city in the US. The only difference that is quite obvious is all the walls, barbed wire and electric fences. The city's crime problem is apparent to anyone driving around. Its is really sad to see all that security. Our backpacker alone was surrounded by a high fence topped with razor wire and the entrance had a double gate. Sometimes you get the feeling that you are under siege. I guess a massive disparity between rich and poor does that to a city/country. Don't think I could get used to that.

V and I would miss Africa. We had a truly amazing time on the continent. I think for me, the magnificent sunrises and sunsets over stunning landscapes will always be the highlight and will always represent the continent. But the people and variety of cultures are also tremendous. We would miss Africa, but I think we were ready to move on. It is definitely not easy traveling due to Infrastructure, distances and amenities. I'm trying to Talk Virginie into going to Northern Africa soon, but I think I may have a lot of convincing to do ;)
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