Johannesburg

Today we journeyed beyond Botswana to South Africa. We took the 630 am bus, and after about 5 and a half hours through very sparse countryside (and a couple stops along the way), we arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. The trip was very exciting. At the border, we actually had to get off the bus and walk across the border (through immigration, etc) and then reload the bus.

Although Johannesburg is not the safest place (don't worry, we are staying far from the center of it), it sure is very huge and pretty at night from what I can see from here. Our lodge (or hostel really) is situated on a hill opposite the city, giving usa view of the whole city from a safe distance. We only arrived around 2pm here, but we went to dinner with the owners of the hostel and their driver, as well as 2 other UB international students. We went to an authentic german restaurant (and actually met and spoke with the owners beforehand and at the restaurant). The food was excellent and I had a bratwurst with mash. Kelly ordered Schnitzel, which was actually bigger than the plate and very good. All the food was very delicious, and the atmosphere was even better. Hopefully this is a sign for good times to come here.

Tomorrow we are leaving early again to go to Lion Park where we can go for a game drive and hopefully play with some (tame) lion cubs after and get some great pictures. After a trip there we are heading to the Apartheid Museum, which is supposed to be absolutely amazing. It'll be a long day of travelling around, but I think the sights will be well worth it. ALso, we are hoping to figure out how to get to Lesotho on Sunday. Right now it looks like we have to take a minibus for the approx. 6 hour drive, which will most definately be interesting, so we will see. What the one really nice thing is the exchange rate. Right now, 10 South African Rand are equal to 1 USD. Our lodging per night is 105 Rand per night, or $10.50! It's really basic, but very clean and very nice. Let me know if anyone wants to know anymore? Have a good weekend!