December 10, 2011
Here in SA you can get your car fixed in a field. I had a hole in my exhaust which was welded up quickly. He used sheet metal from another car, cut out the piece with an acetylene torch, and then he installed it. Pretty slick. Cost me 10 dollars.
December 8, 2011
Soweto Country Club
Soweto country Club
This morning I woke up in a frenzy. I heard my alarm, and it startled me! All I saw was bright light and I didn’t know where I was. Then my vision cleared and I realized that I was in the second floor room of my grandparents house. I agreed to go into town with my grandfather after discovering he needs a new part for his stove yesterday. I was given strict instructions to be up in time to be at the bus stop by 0815.
After I laid in bed for what seemed like a minute but ended up being thirty I decided to get up and get ready.
Now South Africa is not a place where you just put anything on and go wherever you are going. You first decide where you are going, and then put your clothes on accordingly. Appearance can make you an easy target, so I dressed down and simply. No watch on my arm, and i emptied my wallet of all things unnecessary.
We were going into town.
My grandpa and I jumped on the bus out of Eldorado Park. When we got on the bus I went first, and my grandpa followed behind. He was greeted by name or by title by everyone on the bus. “hello pastor” or “hello uncle Henry”. Apparently he is very well known. A man him who I was and he explained to everyone that I am his only grandson who bears his name, I became very shy. We exited the bus after missing our stop because we both fell asleep. Usually grandpa can fall asleep midconversation, so I wasnt surprised by him. But I did too!
Downtown Johannesburg is a Metropolis run like an open air market with buildings strewn in between. There are so many people, mostly Black Africans. People are handing out pamphlets like they do in Vegas, but it’s mostly for driving schools and hair braiding. The sidewalks are slanted and dirty, almost seeming painted with the well known red sand/dust of Johannesburg. I’m not a fan of that.
We needed to walk 5 blocks but ended up walking ten due to some sidewalks being closed and inaccessible. We got our part and went right to the taxi rank. We sat in the front of the taxi which is a large van and seats about 10 people. I didn’t know that the further you sit up, the more responsible you are for counting the fare as it gets passed up. I did alright though, all the money was there. It was actually funny to me. I get tapped on my shoulder from behind, then someone hands me coins and money and says a single number, in this case “seven.” I wondered what that meant and what I was to do next, then I realized it was the number of fares paid for. I was able to complete this process and look ordinary the whole time!
We made it home, but on the way I saw that Soweto has a country club. Who knew. Now for another adventure.
Sorry no pics. Too dangerous to take a camera.
December 6, 2011
Amsterdam
First leg of the trip done.
Amsterdam has got to be one of the prettiest cities in the world. So many waterways, so clean, so ehhhh awesome.
Also, it’s amazing how much Dutch I understand. It’s kinda scary. I look around and I can understand everything.
December 4, 2011
Newsflash
20 hours from now I will take flight back to South Africa. An upgrade to first class across the board, already turning into a pleasant trip. But to be honest I’d take a horse and donkey to see my family again. We have ALL been through so much this year. I know we all have families, I know we all have family issues. Watch me practice perfect oblivion, and pursue Blinding love.
December 1, 2011
Earth. You don’t have to be crazy to live here, but it helps.
