Against stern advice from my father, I decided to stop over in Johannesberg for a day (or maybe even two) before embarking for Cape Town. As I said in my previous blog, I arrived via Intercape at around 4:30 pm. The train station called “Park station” is near the CBD (central business district). I was cautioned strongly before going to Johannesberg that I shouldn’t walk…anywhere. So I planted myself firmly inside the train station and waited for my friend. The wonderful thing about travelling in South Africa is that they speak English. So instead of struggling with hand gestures and broken Portuguese, I was able to quickly purchase a Vodacom start-up card for 10 Rand (about $1.25 CAD). My foolish Canadian, non unlocked phone wouldn’t connect to Vodacom. So plan B, try a pay phone. Bingo! My friend picked me up shortly thereafter and I was able to get my Vodacom card activated by putting it in an already activated South African phone.
First stop, Brown Sugar’s Backpackers Hostel to get setup and drop off my stuff. The rooms ranged from 8 person dormitory style hostel, the cheapest option, to a one person “suite”, the nicest and most expensive option. I chose luxury living…surprise surprise. The room had a double-bed, a futon, and a bathroom. What it lacked was towels, tv, phone, furniture, and free toiletries. You know the shampoo that leaves your hair dry, the conditioner that smells like scented cooking oil, and hand crème that lasts about 2 hours before your hands are dry all over again. So needless to say I am not a big fan of cheap hotel freebies that others love to hoard.
Since I was staying in the “suite” by myself I only had to pay the single person rate of 190 Rand (about $24 CAD) so it all worked out perfectly. Next stop was the mall to walk around and see what’s what. I had my first meal at Perri where I feasted on some fresh fish and what not all for a very reasonable. Then to the airport for some highway robbery at the currency converter. They took a 2% commission, plus an admin fee of 30 Rand plus this and plus that.
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