We wanted to have an African cultural day so we took a trip to Johannesburg also known as Jozi. It wouldn't be a true experience if we didn't get there by taxi. Let me just say that I am very thankful for having a car. On the way back to Snake Park it took us over thirty minutes to catch a taxi in the freezing cold of the winter night.
Sibongile and Zakhele took us to the Telkom tower. They discussed with the guards for fifteen minutes about us being Americans and why we should get to go up. But the guards were insistent that the public was not welcome. After some research, I saw that the tower has been closed to public since 1981. They even asked for my camera because I had taken pictures while inside the gate.
I enjoyed walking the streets... taking in the sights, smells and sounds of this African city. Along the way Sibongile stopped us and told us that we must try chicken neck and feet. It was interesting! There were many people walking by who stared and were quite amused to see two white girls eating chicken feet.
We walked to the Carlton Centre which is the tallest building in Africa. We rode the elevator up to the 50th floor. The view of the city was awesome. We were able to compare the present city with pictures from 20th century Johannesburg.
The Carlton Centre also includes a shopping center underground. They have a 2010 World Cup display which includes many different jerseys. We wanted our picture taken in front of the USA jersey. As soon as we sat down people began taking our picture and for an instance I felt famous. Not many white people travel into Jozi so it was out of the ordinary for us to be there.
Lori really wanted to have a traditional African meal. We went to a restaurant on the street and enjoyed chicken, steak and pap. It was fun eating with our hands African style!
Lori and I really wanted to get our hair did... so we did. We went to the salon that Sibongile goes to. The women were so sweet and excited to plait our hair. It was a little painful but well worth it. We have had many comments saying how 'smart' we look since. It has given me an opportunity to tell where we got it done and explain what I do in Soweto.
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