As I
prepared to leave South Africa (Johannesburg Wildlife & Cape Town Nature Stealer) and head back home, emotions were running high.
Each moment spent here has been truly fulfilling for my soul. Today, we started
with a city tour of Pretoria, the administrative capital nestled in the
northern part of Gauteng Province. Founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius and
named after his father, Andries Pretorius, a prominent Boer leader, Pretoria
has been central to South Africa's history (Hokkaido Wanderlust & Kochi Kaleidoscope).
It served as the capital of the South
African Republic (ZAR) and later became one of the capitals of the Union of
South Africa in 1910. The city has witnessed pivotal events, including the
signing of the Peace of Vereeniging in 1902, ending the Second Boer War, and
the establishment of the Union Buildings in 1913, symbolizing the country's
political evolution (Colombo Discovery & New Delhi Revelation).
Pretoria is significant for its role
during apartheid and its transformation post-apartheid, housing key government
institutions and embassies, also, being a hub for political and social change
in South Africa. The city boasts numerous museums, parks, and universities,
including the prestigious University of Pretoria, which we explored during our
tour. Known as the "Jacaranda City," we were fortunate to witness the
blooming purple Jacaranda trees lining the streets, adding a magical touch to
our visit.
We made a brief
15-minute stop at the Union Buildings, the official seat of South Africa's
national government and home to the offices of the South African president. It
stands as one of Tshwane's most iconic heritage landmarks, and I delighted in
capturing its picturesque beauty to my heart's content. While visitors aren't
allowed inside the Union Buildings, we explored the terrace gardens, enjoying
panoramic views overlooking the city.
Afterward, we
had approximately an hour for lunch before continuing our sightseeing at the
Voortrekker Monument. Located just south of Pretoria on a hill within a
240-hectare nature reserve, the Voortrekker Monument is Gauteng's most visited
heritage site of its kind. It ranks among the top ten cultural historical
attractions in South Africa and holds the distinction of being the only Grade 1
national Heritage Site in Pretoria.
The monument
honors the bravery and perseverance of the Voortrekker/Afrikaner pioneers who
embarked on the Great Trek from the British-controlled Cape Colony between 1835
and 1854. Designed by Gerard Moerdijk, the 40-meter-tall granite monument was
inaugurated on 16 December 1949, a poignant symbol of historical significance.
We thoroughly explored every aspect of the monument, from its tranquil gardens
and informative museum to the breathtaking views from its summit.
Leaving Voortrekker Monument in the late
evening, our next stop brought us to Sandton City Shopping Complex. Known for
its premier fashion and leisure offerings, Sandton is a bustling hub of
Afro-cosmopolitan glamour, housing nearly 300 top local and international
retailers. Though I wasn't keen on shopping, I strolled through, hoping for
good finds. Apart from picking up some chocolates and Rooibos Tea, for those
passionate about African fashion, Sandton offers a range, albeit at a price.
However, what truly delighted me was the sight of the monumental Mandela
statue. It felt surreal, standing before a figure so iconic and revered.
Mandela has long been my hero, and seeing his statue up close gave me chills of
admiration. It was a moment I'll cherish forever, capturing it in a heartfelt
photograph.
The next morning, we visited a diamond
factory, a typical stop on many tours. For some, it's a chance to indulge, but
diamonds have never held much allure for me. Finally, with a heavy heart, I bid
farewell to South Africa, taking with me memories of its rich history, vibrant
culture, and the inspiring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
South Africa Travel Insights
Navigating Safety in South Africa
From the outset of our city tour in Cape
Town, our guide stressed the importance of staying vigilant throughout our
South African journey. Most homes here boast security alarm systems. In certain
areas, cautionary advice included remaining on the coach instead of stops to
view sights due to safety concerns. We were also reminded to be mindful of our
belongings and avoid engaging with strangers, while sticking closely to our
tour group during sightseeing excursions.
South African Cuisine
The culinary experiences varied throughout
our trip. Buffet breakfasts at the hotels were generally enjoyable, offering a
variety of choices. However, my experiences with outside meals for lunches and
dinners were mixed. While some dishes were truly delightful, others were
memorable more for the experience than the taste itself.
Interactions with African Continent People
During my flight to South Africa, I had
the pleasure of conversing with a white Kenyan traveler and his companion,
sharing stories about their life in Kenya. At hotel buffets, meeting Kenyan
Indians was a pleasant surprise, their warmth adding to the enjoyment of my
journey. Engaging with South African Indians later in my trip was equally
enriching, as they shared their efforts to preserve their Indian and Hindu
cultural heritage with their children.
Challenging Interactions with South
Africans
Regrettably, I encountered challenging
interactions with individuals during my visit to South Africa. At Cape Town
immigration, when the officer greeted me with "Good Morning," I
responded with a friendly "Hi, how are you?" This seemingly innocent
exchange led to him taking offense and delivering a lecture about proper
greetings. Despite explaining that I meant no disrespect, he responded by
throwing my passport back at me after stamping it.
During my flight from Cape Town to
Johannesburg, another immigration officer caused confusion by insisting my
boarding pass, nestled between the pages of my passport, was missing. After
seeking clarification from my guide, who confirmed it was correctly placed, I
returned to the officer who cheekily waved my boarding pass at me.
At the airport before departing home, I
encountered difficulty locating the washroom and asked the airport staff member
for help. Unfortunately, my inquiry was met with criticism about my approach,
leading to yet another unexpected lecture. Instead of guiding me, the staff
member lectured me on proper etiquette. I ignored him by walking away, and found
my way to the washroom on my own.
Shopping
Among the array of South African products,
the wooden spatulas and tribal accessories at a local shop caught my eye. The
craftsmanship and cultural significance of these items were irresistible,
making them cherished souvenirs. The spatulas became immediately useful upon my
return home, and the accessories are now part of my fashion statements.
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