A (Short) Moving Experience

Jo’burg. Jozi. Johannesburg. Wow. Where do I start? I could start at the fact that it seems like it went by so fast, because it did. But I’ll never forget my time there. Mainly because we started the trip in Soweto, which I found out was short for the South Western Township. All my life I was under the impression that this was an African word, but was pleased to be informed of where the origin of the word came from. Staying at the historic Holiday Inn on Walter Sisulu Square was also a pleasant surprise. The party that Smirnoff held in our honor was so cool because we got to party with the locals as well as members of the staff of the hotel. But what was the best part of our time in Soweto? The township tour. I enjoyed it because it gave me a glimpse into the past of South Africa, if only for one day. I gained knowledge, which is always a precious gift. It’s so easy to forget that there is a rich history in all of the countries we will visit during the next nine months (wow, it’s been three months so far. That’s crazy). It’s also very easy to just be thankful for this experience, but it means even more to take away something that touches your soul along the way. Thank you for showing me a piece of history that I will never forget. I’m truly grateful.
OK, on a less spiritual note, I wish we could have spent more time in Jo’burg. I had no idea how big the city was until the very last day when our driver took us around the city. We passed by Nelson Mandela’s home and also went to the Top of Africa building, where we took an elevator to the very top and got a birds eye view of Johannesburg. Prior to this we went to a marketplace in downtown Jo’burg, where I bought a T shirt and another pair of sunglasses (for they are my weakness). I even spoke with one of the merchants who informed me that South Africa was a very special country, filled with warm people and a rich history. I honestly couldn’t agree with her more.
Finally, on a more personal note, it was a treat to meet the family and friends of one of our team members, the fabulous Madame Ju Ju herself; Akona. Meeting the people who make up the fabric of her life gave me a deeper perspective on what makes her the person she is. I hope that this is an aspect of the trip that we’ll all get to experience as we travel to each other’s home countries. I know that when we get to Philly (allllllllllllllllllll the way into the future of next -year, but it’s cool lol) I’m throwing a cookout for everyone at my house. Speaking of cookouts (or BBQ’s as some people more commonly call them, please excuse my Philly slanguage) the team was treated to good food and good times at a BBQ held in honor of our last day in Jo’burg. I know I’ve said this about every place I’ve been to so far but I’m definitely going back to South Africa. It will forever remain on the top of my list for reasons far beyond cosmetics and nightlife. It’s a country that showed me something no other place has so far: the beauty of pride and the honesty of love.