World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas
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Monday 3 April 2006
Highlights: Test Match South Africa vs Australia
Well I enjoyed another great day at the cricket, I have to say this has been one of the best matches I’ve seen live. Australia needs 44 more runs and Damian Martyn for once might actually score runs when we need then the most.
Sunday 2 April 2006
Highlights: Apartheid Museum
Today I went to the Apartheid Museum. I spent around 5.5 hours but easily could have spent a lot more (but my taxi was booked). On entry there is a ‘police’ vehicle used during the 80s when a state of emergency was declared (for about 5 years) which looked more like an assault vehicle. You get a different experience while in the museum based on your race to drive home how the system used to work.
Friday 31 March 2006 and Saturday 1 April 2006
Highlights: South Africa vs. Australia Test Match
I went to the first 2 days of the South Africa vs. Australia Test Match at the Wanderers Cricket Ground. I got fantastic seats, right behind the bowler’s arm. This is a great ground to watch cricket. They have a golf course just outside which is stunning. The houses in this area are amusing. It won’t surprise that this used to be a ‘whites’ only area. The great thing at this ground is you can go onto the field during the breaks and view the wicket.
I managed to get a photo of Langer’s only ball in this match, just good timing (from me, not Langer) as he got knocked out. I actually saw him during the lunch break get taken to the hospital. He had blood on his top and could barely stand; I don’t think he will be playing in this match again. You can also cook you own food at this ground. Looks like a good idea to me.
During the nights I’ve been catching up with people returning from overland tours talking to them about their experiences, O can’t wait to commence mine on Tuesday.
Tomorrow I’m off to the Apartheid Museum which should be interesting to see if it provides any balance on South Africa’s history.
Thursday 30 March 2006
Highlights: Emotional visit Soweto township
After taking the guard dogs for a walk with the host of the Jo-Burg Inn (I was the only guest last night) I headed off on a tour of Soweto. Soweto is the home of the initial uprisings in South Africa and some of the poorest people in this country. It is a township that boost to Nobel Peace prize residents in Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu. I visited with Sarah (USA) & Laura (UK) or a tour.
The white government created Soweto so it could have the black population as far enough as possible away from Jo-burg but close enough to come to work. They created a total of 11 hostels. A room in a hostel used to host up to 11 people. There were 10 male hostels and 1 female one. There was (and still is) no running water or electric power in the hostels. In addition to these official hostels squatters created tin unit to house themselves. These ‘houses’ are usually one room only (no toilet, power or water). I was lucky enough to be invited into one. This very small room housed 5 people. I have to say however the sense of community here is very strong.
People here have limited water (only allow outside the ‘house’), one toilet per 120 residents, no power, no employment benefits, no free medical care however they have managed to build a roof for themselves, they plant their food and appeared to all looked after each individual. I got a big feeling of hope from the residents (something I don’t always get from the white citizens).
From here I visited Nelson Mandela old house which is now a museum. Sugar Ray Leonard donated his world title belt to Nelson and it is on display. I also visited the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Hector was a 13 year old boy who was shot by police in 1976. A famous photo shows his brother carrying him home (his brother disappeared after the photo was taken). I also visited the Regina Mundi Church which is where the local citizens used to hold gatherings to discuss how to organise against the government. This was the only place blacks could gather in more than 3 people groups. The church still has bullet holes from the numerous times police and the army opened fire. The Truth & Reconciliation Tribunal held some sessions in this church.
Lastly I visited inner city Jo-burg. I found the first part of my tour uplifting but visiting the once great city was depressing. Illegal immigrants from other countries have taken over and in a lot of places have taken over shopping centres. Much of the city is a fire trap. No South Africans, black or white, are happy with the situation in the CBD, there are very little citizen living there. It is a no go area for most of the population black or white.
Wednesday 29 March 2006
Highlights: The trip beginning and no hassles with flights or transfers.
After a farewell dinner I have a restless night thinking about everything that is ahead of me. Will I be okay by myself, will I get sick during this very lengthy trip, what great experiences will I have?
Nathan's Insights 