I recently visited Johannesburg (popularly referred to as Joburg by the locals) on a work-related trip. The trip came as somewhat of a surprise – I got the notice that I should fly to South Africa and stay for a week in Joburg just two weeks prior to departure.
I did not know what to expect from South Africa as this was my first trip to the country, actually my first trip to anywhere on the African continent! I was quite excited when the plane was about to touch down… do you know that feeling, when you experience something completely new for the first time, you are all by yourself, and you try to convince yourself that it is really happening…
So as the plane touched down I was all smiles in the plane looking out the small window…. Seeing all the small houses, trees, roads, the city of Joburg, getting bigger and bigger ; )
Since I worked most of the days and Joburg is kind of a morning type city – the city/ people start very early, and sleep very early too at night, 9pm feels like 2am in the morning – I did not get much chance to explore it. But I did get a chance to go to a nice restaurant (had my face painted there), to a flea market, the zoo, the Montecasino (yeap, you need to burn some money!), and to the Apartheid Museum.
The colors for the face paint are always black and white, it is for peace and happiness..
Moyo Restaurant
I must admit, the food and the wines (I think they only sold South African wines in the restaurants I visited…) were so good with reasonable prices.
But most importantly, the people were so friendly! Where can you bargain with a big smile? : )
The visit to the Apartheid Museum was the last activity I did before I flew back to Delhi at night. This visit was a good one and I’d highly recommend you to visit the museum if you’re ever in Joburg! I was moved by the whole experience I promised myself in that museum to never forget to treat people with respect and fairness.
After the museum, I went back to the hotel, took a quick shower, had a nice seafood dinner in Nelson Mandela Square and headed to Tambo International Airport. It had been a good week. The meetings and trainings went very well, and I hope I am coming back again soon.
Thank you South Africa for your hospitality :)
