South Africa- A land of Contrasts and Stunning beauty
Just a few of my impressions on my 3 weeks in South Africa…
Over the years, I’ve read a bit about South Africa- from Alan Paton to James Michener to Wilbur Smith… But I was still not prepared for the sheer majestic beauty of Africa and the glaring inequality I see here.
It’s a first world country at first glance, but there, lurking just beneath the surface is a 3rd world country, still coming to terms with its past.
We are currently living in Sandton- one of South Africa’s richest suburbs and bang next to Sandton Mall. We work in downtown Joburg, where you can see parts of the CBD which are very different. It’s almost like 2 very different nations living on top of each other.
I cannot help but compare South Africa to India- India’s struggle to freedom, albeit 70 years ago, and its continuing struggle with social and economic inequalities and corruption- one of the biggest social evils we face as third world nations
There is a close connection between India And South Africa.
M.K. Gandhi began his career as a lawyer in South Africa, living in this country over a period of 21 years…This is where he formed his ideals around Satyagraha- Insistence on Truth and non violent struggle… These became a great political tool inspiring the Civil Rights movement in the States with Dr. Martin Luther King and here in South Africa with Nelson Mandela and his ANC.
Enough about history eh…
Our lunches during work days have been Nando’s - Africa’s high end McDonald’s!!! We did manage to get some other food though…
Here’s a pic of a street stall- box stall? on one of our lunch walks for Chinese (you will find the best Chinese food in Joburg downtown at Swallows Inn) what really attracted me was the amakiepkiep. South Africa’s answer to caramel popcorn. Sold everywhere… 
I have been amazed, mesmerized, captivated, charmed, fascinated (you get the drift) by the South African skies. I cannot help clicking away its various moods. Here are a few pics I shot…
At Kruger….
If you look reall close- you’ll see Jamon on the bottom right hand side- well- his arms anyway… 
On our way to Chameleon village from Cradle of Humankind. This one really got me.
On our way to Kruger,.. The sky is just so vast here- but I don’t feel insignificant- just part of a much larger whole and one of God’s own.
In Kruger… Outside our tent in Tangala 
On the drive to Blyde canyon- the clouds peeking through the trees as we sped by….
Around Itsoseng…
Around Soweto
Saw a Whistling Cloud on our way back from work. Thought it looked kind of cheeky : - )
The Jacarandas bloom so beautifully here in Joburg. I’ve been really enjoying them every day on our way to work and back. We’ve had some good showers here and the jacarandas still spread their beauty after the rains…
As I sign off, a final thought…Our CSC engagement is something that will stay in my heart for a long long time. The work we did, the people we met and the friends I’ve made…Ubuntu indeed…
Jalpa you are a dear and a breath of fresh air. I will miss your smile every morning!! I eat Indian food now only because of you and I will NOT be coming to India without you as my tour guide ;-)
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