where we were treated wonderfully, had a good meal, great wine, and 12 hours sleep…. Ok, that’s if we were smart. Instead, we were treated wonderfully, chatted like crazy with the flight attendants, had too much wine, watched 4 movies, and got no sleep… 🙂 Great Flight!!!
Likewise, flew through immigration in Joberg, not even having to leave the building to pick up our rental car. Easiest process EVER! So my first car was a stick and I have lots of practice driving on the “wrong” side of the road, however, I have NEVER driven a 6-speed stick on the wrong side of the road. Good thing its Lara in the seat to my left. I keep grabbing the wrong everything!!!! And every blinker is preceded by a spray and wiper swish! Actually, I’m having a ball and thrilled to be flying across the African landscape, with Lara at my side, music blaring, and under Africa “rules.” Faircity Quartermain Hotel as advertised! Highly recommend this charming hotel with all the amenities and quiet comforts. It is second home to a myriad of interesting business and leisure travelers, has a bar and lounge that feel like your living room, and is minutes in the free shuttle to Sandton center. Made friends our first night in, and was invited out to dinner for our second.
First day ventures included visits to the excavation site and exploration center at the Cradle of Mankind center and then, Soweto. The Cradle of Mankind visitor center and caves is about an hour out of town. It was amazing and a top notch educational site for any age. If you are short of time, drop the cave visit in lieu of more time at the educational center. The caves are interesting for their archeological value, though fairly average as caves go. Soweto was interesting, though not certain a “tour” is required beyond visits to some of the historic sites if there is a particular interest. Sandton is simply lovely, and dinner at the Hotel Michaelangelo Chophouse was spectacular! One of those very special nights where the wine, conversation and laughter just flow!