It would be so very easy to stay put in the environs of Dainfern & Dainfern Valley, never venturing beyond FourWays Mall & having the occasional evening out at Montecasino! The days go quickly here - although I am not entirely sure what with seeing as there are no household chores to do (maid) or general maintenance (renting) & even getting up at 6am (school bus arrives at 6:40am) doesn't seem to make much difference….. but there is always time to explore & learn.
When I was telling people in the UK that I was coming to live in Joburg reactions ranged from "Oh Dear" to "Exciting!" but the general reaction was "What a shame it's not Cape Town" or "Do you have to?". I have already mentioned that Googling "Living in Johannesburg" is not the most reassuring thing to do but I would like to set the record straight…..
Ok, I have only been here 7 weeks but I have tried to learn more about the place we will be living in for the next 2 years including:
1. buying a car from Melrose
2. visiting a township in Diepsloot
3. enjoying The Nutcracker at Joburg Theatre, downtown
4. spending a day walking through the Central Business District with a group of white, well dressed ladies
5. lunching in a variety of places like The Westcliffe & Deco Park
6. walking the dog at Walkhaven, a fabulous off-lead piece of walking for the pup in your life
7. spending another day with not the same but similarly dressed ladies in Soweto
8. feeling rather overwhelmed at the Apartheid Museum
Not bad for 7 weeks I think! And the most incredible thing about it for me is that had the Doubting Thomases & The Cynics had their way I wouldn't be here! I have already had a number of "Pinch Me I'm dreaming" moments, like standing in Nelson Mandela's former home & & I am one very lucky lady!
Yes, some of the trips have been organised & with a guide but I do feel that I could drive into Soweto & have lunch on my own trip with friends. You have to be careful of course - I was told I should have left my engagement ring at home - but you have to be careful everywhere. Just yesterday the latest crime statistics for South Africa were reported - a fall of 3.7% for murders over the past year but a 27.6% reduction over the past 8 years. There are still 43 murders a day in South Africa but it is a pretty big place & perhaps for some people South Africa = Johannesburg.
Joburg has a lot to offer - it's not Paris or New York, but there is certainly stuff to do for everyone. You might just need to look for it a bit more & organise yourself but it is doable… and really really enjoyable.
And for those who suggested Cape Town as being a more enjoyable place to bring teenagers up, read on…..http://urbantitan.com/the-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-2012
Cooling Towers in Soweto
FNB Soccer Stadium
Ok, I have only been here 7 weeks but I have tried to learn more about the place we will be living in for the next 2 years including:
1. buying a car from Melrose
2. visiting a township in Diepsloot
3. enjoying The Nutcracker at Joburg Theatre, downtown
4. spending a day walking through the Central Business District with a group of white, well dressed ladies
5. lunching in a variety of places like The Westcliffe & Deco Park
6. walking the dog at Walkhaven, a fabulous off-lead piece of walking for the pup in your life
7. spending another day with not the same but similarly dressed ladies in Soweto
8. feeling rather overwhelmed at the Apartheid Museum
Hector Pieterson Museum
Nelson Mandela's former house
Texting!
Yes, some of the trips have been organised & with a guide but I do feel that I could drive into Soweto & have lunch on my own trip with friends. You have to be careful of course - I was told I should have left my engagement ring at home - but you have to be careful everywhere. Just yesterday the latest crime statistics for South Africa were reported - a fall of 3.7% for murders over the past year but a 27.6% reduction over the past 8 years. There are still 43 murders a day in South Africa but it is a pretty big place & perhaps for some people South Africa = Johannesburg.
Joburg has a lot to offer - it's not Paris or New York, but there is certainly stuff to do for everyone. You might just need to look for it a bit more & organise yourself but it is doable… and really really enjoyable.
And for those who suggested Cape Town as being a more enjoyable place to bring teenagers up, read on…..http://urbantitan.com/the-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-2012
CBD Johannesburg
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