of a democratic and free society in which all persons live in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Nelson Mandela
In the shadow of a man I consider to be one of the greatest to ever live, I welled up a little as I read this, and that is for the umpteenth time.
First stop on our South African odyssey had been at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, a magnet for tourists and locals alike - and not just for the massive shopping centre attached (although I was forced, forced I tell you, to have look through that as well).
The square was a least place to while away a half hour looking at the sculpture and trying to get an award winning photo - and failing of course. Coffee in the sun would have made it complete but we had to go inside for that, not yet being ready for a huge South African slab of meat. (But we have booked Pappas on the Square for tomorrow night so that might not be too long coming.) Elisa did find her perfect teapot and cup combination though - and a chocolate eclair to help it down. I, naturally, resisted 😉 😂. Now we need to find her a hair brush 😂.
As first days often are it has been a relatively easy going one. Arriving into Oliver Tambo International Airport just about on time this morning was welcome and with a driver waiting for us to whisk us into our rather nice Radisson hotel, my organisation was looking pretty good! And surprise, surprise, so far nothing has happened to blot my copybook! That won't last of course.
The afternoon in Sandton was followed by an inspection of the hotel swimming pool on the roof. I say inspection as it is not heated and the water was distinctly tepid. Not for the fainthearted I suspect, but I am sure some fool will be in it before too long. And it does have an accompanying rooftop bar - so I can see us up there again before the night is over. Unless we have all fallen asleep - 11+ hour night flight, and even a one hour advancement of the clock makes me think it will not be a late one.
But we've spotted any number of suitable looking bars/restaurants within a 100 metre walk of the hotel, so that is next. Time to get my posh evening clothes on. Oh, must have forgotten them. Shorts and t-shirt it is. But then since this is the forecast for Johannesburg for the foreseeable future, I think trousers will not be needed, any time soon.
All for now. A great first day of a trip! A few more pics to spoil your day...
The obligatory selfie with the great man
Andy on the Red Bull?
The wallpaper in our hotel room!
More sculpture in Nelson Mandela Square
Captions please
Forecast is looking brilliant! Love the sculptures of the faces - probably too many high level artistic/cultural references for me to understand fully - but must have been good to see in person.
Excellent start to your trip. Very jealous and having never been to Joburg, I had no idea Sandton would look so very impressive! Glad you found Elisa a hairbrush! Love to all! X