South Africa

Thursday 8 / Friday 9 September 2016

With the train from Eindhoven to Schiphol where we meet Ine and Han under the "meeting point". Our vacation can begin. The flight to Doha leaves at 18.00 with a short transfer time around 01.30 so we have to hurry. After a relaxed flight we arrive in Johannesburg at 9.30 where we have to switch immediately to the African rhythm. Customs takes its time and after 2 hours we can pick up the bags and go to the reception hall where Gregory and Ryan are waiting for us. After a short drive we are warmly welcomed by Kirstie and Lola (the labrador). We are brought to our cozy rooms overlooking their beautiful garden with the sounds of dozens of birds.
The plan is to go to Zoo Lake where we will eat in a typical African restaurant Moyo. After a cocktail and local beers we opt for springbok carpaccio and Durban curry lamb. While enjoying a South African wine and life music. After a long day in bed.

Saturday, September 10, 2016
After a good night's rest and a

delicious breakfast outside on the terrace, we go to Johannesburg for a tour with guide Tsepo through a renovated neighborhood Mobaneng (Strijp-s / Westergasfabrieken). We start at a hostel that used to be a secret printing company for making pamphlets during apartheid. Every building has its own history and it is impressive to see how the initiative of private investors creates a safe neighborhood with living, working and relaxation. Nice studios, restaurants and shops of locals. We end the tour with a lunch at Pata Pata. Tsepo is proud of what has been achieved in the city in recent years, but emphasizes that the government is failing. Hopefully the new mayor of Johannesburg will see how you can make the city livable again! It is attractive to young people.
We relax by Greg and Kirstie's pool and update the diary. Tonight a family dinner and tomorrow early for our flight to Windhoek in Namibia.