Arthur and I joined Robbie in Newark International Airport. After exhaustively searching for a power outlet, paying too much for wireless internet, being friended on Facebook by some sweet but random chick we met, and going through security (again…), we jetted across the Atlantic pond.
The weekend did not seem to exist. We left on Saturday morning, connected through Amsterdam on Sunday morning, and arrived in Johannesburg late Sunday night. Days and nights were replaced with periods in a loud, jet-fuel powered time portal.
The six (seven for Robbie) hour time difference has been more drastic than I anticipated. At lunchtime in Johannesburg, most people in the US have not started their day yet. As I’m getting ready for bed in Johannesburg, US children are just getting out of school.
South Africa’s winter is like Boston’s spring: highs in the low 60s, lows in the high 30s. The rooms lack heating, but Diamond Diggers has been a splendid “backpacker” in “Joburg” with a super helpful staff. Non-dormitory accommodations are quite nice.
Which brings me to our first night in dormitory accommodations: nine bunk beds in a converted garage didn’t seem so bad until I awoke from the enduring noise of loud ladies and car problems with a sore spine. Fortunately, we switched rooms.
Most of our destinations were closed on Monday because they were open on Sunday, so we relaxed on Monday by visiting East Gate, the largest mall in Africa. So American, I know, but tomorrow our knowledge safari begins.
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