So Long, Jo'Burg

I won't say goodbye, because I fully intend to return.  At the airport now, way early for my flight, owed to the train having its last run at just eight o'clock.  A very nice, though quick, visit to Johannesburg draws to a close.

There may be those (perhaps the true 99%), who think that traveling 20,000 miles for a weekend trip is a little silly.  Perhaps so, but I'm glad I took on the adventure.  My time in Soweto yesterday was fantastic and shopping today at the craft market was a great experience.  Of course, I may be feeling otherwise in 26 or so hours when I finally make it home; but, for now, I'm feeling quite satisfied about the whole thing.  And, already looking forward to another South African adventure!

More to follow on my website upon my return.  For now, photos of me during my day-tour to Soweto, overlooking Jo'burg's north suburbs; in front of the World Cup stadium; and, at the welcome sign to Soweto:

Messages From Soweto

"Tell America 'hello' from Soweto."

"We love Americans in Soweto."

"Thank you for buying my handiwork.  Please tell Americas Soweto wants them to visit here.  We want to meet them."

"Welcome to Soweto.  I hope you feel very comfortable and special here."

Just a few of the things I was told by those I met in Soweto this afternoon.  I spent the afternoon in the township and came away with a totally different impression of what the place is like; its history, and its present-day.  It was a very nice visit.  I can't wait to share more about it.  (I would share more and photos here, but the hotel internet is dreadful and is comically capped at 30MB.)

At any rate, a nice day here in Johannesburg.  Oh, and topped off with a little delicious springbok at supper.  Why are you both so cute and so tasty?!  (Google springbok if you have no idea what I'm writing about.)

The African Craft Market is planned for tomorrow, then who-knows-what, then the long journey home.

Uneventful to Jo'burg

I made it halfway round the world as uneventfully as one can.  Getting the 5A from L'Enfant Plaza to Dulles worked really well.  Flight from Dulles to Amsterdam arrived about 50 minutes early, owed to strong tailwinds; a short six-and-a-half hours.  Flight from Amsterdam to Johannesburg was exactly on time.  On the last leg (eleven hours), I had an empty seat next to me.  And, I received two full meals, a snack, and an ice cream service.  Sort of what one expects on an American carrier (yeah, right).  Kudos to KLM for good and friendly service.