We had a great flight out of the Middle East down the coast of eastern Africa. Our view was blocked by clouds most of the way, but there were a few glimpses of beautiful shoreline. I love to fly for the views.
I arrived in Johannesburg with a fair amount of fear regarding the reality of the city, and as we drove only a few kilometres through the city from the airport to the hotel, I admit that I felt uncomfortable. I wasn't the only one. The kids had never seen poor urban streets like this before, and as I checked in the back seat I could see Molly and George were both unsettled. When we arrived at our hotel which was a gem in the middle of the rough neighbourhood, we had to have a little chat stating we were only there one night and NO we were not returning to Canada or Europe. We stayed in the hotel compound for the night enjoying Ostrich sausage, games of pool, and some interesting chats with other families. Everyone's nerves seemed to calm in the nice hotel compound.
Saturday morning we enjoyed our breakfast and headed east to Hazeyview, outside of Kruger National Park. The 4 hour drive was interesting. We drove by shanty towns that were as sad as I expected, and they were a shock to the kids. Once we were out of the city we headed through the beautiful countryside. Like many places in the world, poverty and rough living tends to congregate in cities. The hills and valleys of north-east Africa were peaceful and the standard of living seemed to rise a little, or at least it appeared to.
I arrived in Johannesburg with a fair amount of fear regarding the reality of the city, and as we drove only a few kilometres through the city from the airport to the hotel, I admit that I felt uncomfortable. I wasn't the only one. The kids had never seen poor urban streets like this before, and as I checked in the back seat I could see Molly and George were both unsettled. When we arrived at our hotel which was a gem in the middle of the rough neighbourhood, we had to have a little chat stating we were only there one night and NO we were not returning to Canada or Europe. We stayed in the hotel compound for the night enjoying Ostrich sausage, games of pool, and some interesting chats with other families. Everyone's nerves seemed to calm in the nice hotel compound.
Saturday morning we enjoyed our breakfast and headed east to Hazeyview, outside of Kruger National Park. The 4 hour drive was interesting. We drove by shanty towns that were as sad as I expected, and they were a shock to the kids. Once we were out of the city we headed through the beautiful countryside. Like many places in the world, poverty and rough living tends to congregate in cities. The hills and valleys of north-east Africa were peaceful and the standard of living seemed to rise a little, or at least it appeared to.
The resort we're staying at is great. The townhouse is a good size, and the kids are enjoying some personal space in their own rooms. It also has a massive warm pool that reminds me that I don't actually hate swimming, I just hate being cold. Given it's been about 34 degrees here, the pool was a perfect. It was our first stop when we arrived.
I have never stayed at a resort like this before so it's been a new experience for us all. The kids have enjoyed making some friends and I've enjoyed some nice chats with other moms.
sorry for the abupt end,but gotta run to look for hippos.
sorry for the abupt end,but gotta run to look for hippos.
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