Apr 8-9 - A Visit to Soweto

Apr 8 - this was a day to relax.  We could explore our surroundings, start to get to know the others in our group ( including our resident tortoise) and generally adjust to the 6 hr time difference.

Apr 9. Happy Easter from Johannesburg!

Everyone got a place card and a chocolate bunny at our breakfast table this morning!

The day started with a leisurely buffet breakfast and the morning to relax. We are happy we’ve had the first couple of days to take it easy after our long journey!  

Today we headed out to Soweto .

Our first stop was the Stadium that was built for the World Cup.  Its rounded shape was inspired by calabashes, which are traditional African pots. The cladding resembles intricate mosaics that represent fire and earth, while the lighting that encircles the base of the stadium mirrors the flames of a fire burning under the ‘pot’.  

Tap to enlarge.  

Built in 1987 the FNB stadium is located in Nasrec, near Johannesburg’s Soweto has a capacity of 94 736 and is the largest venue in South Africa.  It was the main stadium for the 2010 World Cup and needed to undergo major renovations to accommodate tens of thousands of football fans and players from around the world.

It was also the venue for Nelson Mandela’s funeral.

From there we went to Johannesburg’s famous power cooling towers ( read all about them). And now, if you can imagine, there is a bungee jumping venue between the two towers!

Our destination was Soweto.  What poverty and squalor.   It’s hard to describe, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt as we travel around the world and then see how these people live.  

Today, being Easter Sunday, families were seen walking home from church, and people were generally enjoying themselves in their neighbourhoods.

Our hosts had arranged a place in Soweto for lunch, Chez Alina.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Restaurant_Review-g312587-d4022593-Reviews-Chez_Alina-Soweto_Johannesburg_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html

It is run by a local family and Ronnie told us over the past 8 years when he first discovered it they had seen it grow from a couple of tables and chairs outside their home, to a building that now can serve 50 + people at a sitting.  The buffet meal was authentic and very tasty.  They even had an entertainer with a beautiful voice singing and swaying to the music for us!  

He also said a few years ago this could never have happened… having groups of whites having to make reservations for a meal!  

All the ‘workers’ we have encountered since our arrival are black, but every person who has served us, has been pleasant, polite, and so anxious to please.  

It was an interesting day and I think everyone enjoyed it.  

We were back for happy hour and Dinner, a buffet, at our hotel.  Tomorrow we need to be ready and on the road by 9 AM for our day in Pretoria.

We’ll keep you posted!

The Enthusiastic Travellers

♥️♥️

PS.  It’s pouring rain!  Hopefully the clouds will empty tonight and give us a good day tomorrow!!