Back to South Africa

South Africa is one of the countries that I love to visit. It is a country of hope, despair, poverty, beauty, talent and life. The list could go on and on but it is absolutly amazing being here. Even though this trip is for work, each time and being able to experience the dialy life in Johannesburg.

As you know there are tons of power cuts happening in south Africa right now which has been declared as an "electrical emergency". The issue as I see it is that everytime the power companies make a "fix" it is a temporary one and not one that they have been warned about so many years ago which is that they would be without power. So what does that leave you with now.

No Traffic Lights "Robots" during the day that work.

This is causing a disaster for businesses, employees, children going to school and the likes of just about everyone in this country. I am feeling the wrath of it just commuting a few miles into work from my hotel which is about 4 miles down the road and takes about an HOUR to get to work. Typically traffic is bad, worse than a NYC rush hour commute, however this is by far worse. One thing that is remarkable is how patiant the South Afrikans are about the loss of power and the enhanced driving time they have now.

As for the beauty of the country there are numerous things that amaze me. I have been to South Africa now 5-6 times and a few of these times I have ventured my way around and enjoyed the life in Africa. Here are some pictures for those travels:

an African Sunset

"SIMBA" a cub at the Lion Park in Johannesburg

Zebras in Pillanesburg Game Park

A Giraffe having a feed in Pillanesburg Game Park

Lion in Pillanesburg Game Park

Black Rhino in Pillanesburg Game Park

Cape Town Waterfront with its "Table Cloth" on.

"JAWS" Great White in Gaansbai, South Africa

A "Township" in Cape Town

Now for the talent of this country:

An Ostrich Egg carved out to make a light.

Talented singers singing their songs of praise.

The women who weave rugs/slippers/purses/bags/tapestries

One of the completed tapestries that is handwoven.

So if you are not yet inspired to come to Africa yet this might help some more:

Chicken Mayo Sandwich (handmade fresh daily) R12.50 (Approx. $1.78)

Filet Mignon (250g) medium R79.00 (~ $11.50)

Bottle of Wine with dinner R110.00 (~15.70)

Getting to see an AMAZING 3rd world country PRICELESS