After returning from Victoria Falls, we spent an evening in Johannesburg and used the time to stock up on guidebooks for Europe. Jo'burg is similar to LA in the sense that it's very spread out and everyone drives everywhere. Unfortunately, the unbelievable crime rate means that most places to gather are malls or other compounds.
There are a some things in life that you don't do, such as tug on Superman's cape, spit into the wind or underestimate the danger of Johannesburg. It's our belief after numerous visits over many years to South Africa is that if you spend enough time in the country, it's just a matter of when one will become a victim of violent crime. The biggest wish of most is that they're a victim of organized crime rather than random crime because at least with organized crime, they just want money or jewelry rather than being high on drugs looking to rape.
Our friends picked us up from our hotel (the Westcliff again) to join them for pub quiz (where you sit and drink and compete against other tables in trivia) and they said that "no friends of theirs will take a cab in Johannesburg" due to the danger. The night went quickly and rather than have them drive us across down to our hotel again, we invoked one of the benefits of staying at a five star and just told the hotel to send the Benz over for pickup.
In the morning we took an early flight to Nairobi and didn't get settled until early evening. Nairobi is a congested town with not a whole lot on offer but we're staying at the oldest hotel in Kenya, The Norfolk which is managed by the Fairmont Group now.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, we had to confront two challenges (besides traffic), first was that one of Shauna's bags didn't make the flight even though we showed up with plenty of time at the airport and the second was that someone is trying to use Ryan's credit card in the US so the card company is canceling his card and will send him a new one.
Tomorrow morning we're off on another flight to the Masai Mara for a few nights at a safari lodge. We're not certain of how the internet will be, if there is any connection at all so forgive the lack of pictures until we get back and start the European leg our of honeymoon.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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3 comments:
I'm glad both of you were safe in Johannesburg and its good your friends picked you up from the hotel. I hope Shauna gets her luggage and good thing Ryan canceled his credit card. Have a good time in Masai Mara!
I realize that we are so lucky to live a such a safe place as America, despite the relatively minor crimes that occur here. We take so many things for granted. Sorry to hear about your identity theft and shauna's luggage. Have a safe trip.
Sorry to hear about your cc and Shauna's lost luggage - hope it is found and returned to y'all. Look forward to your blog from the Masai village. Take care and happy travels.
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