Neighbourgoods Market

I went to my first of the famous Jozi markets today and although it was a rainy day, it was a great time. The market is in an area of the city that is undergoing a revitalization and it's quite funky. There were lots of food and drink stalls as well as an outdoor patio. I loved experiencing the multiculturalism in the food and the crowd. Good vibes all around!

Cradle of Humankind

This weekend I went to the Cradle of Humankind to see where the oldest hominid fossils have been found; our ancestors from millions of years ago.

I went with yet another old friend who happens to be in Johannesburg for a work term through his MBA. Joburg seems to be a happening place; I've been fortunate enough to meet up with quite a few people from home in the couple weeks since I've arrived.

The Cradle of Humankind was on my tourist hit list and the sheer beauty of the area made the trip worth it. It's only an hour outside of Johannesburg and the landscapes are breathtaking.

 

We were able to go down into the cave where the fossils were discovered. But the specific area where the famous Mrs. Ples and Little Foot were taken from the rock are barred off, so that gate was as close as we came, but caves are always pretty cool none the less.

There is also a nature reserve within the Cradle of Humankind (which covers a lot of land with many excavation sites) so we drove around though there and saw lots of animals up close, including the endangered wild dogs and white lions.

There were even some squirrels running around!

First Week in Jozi

I've now been in Johannesburg for a week and I am very fortunate to say that I have had a really smooth transition.

When I arrived I was picked up at the airport and taken to my current home. I'm staying in a little cottage on the property of one of our Partners. With this cottage (which I can stay in for 2 months while settling in and potentially longer as a fully fledged tenant - TBD) I have wifi, TV, a gardener (Mark) for the gorgeous backyard and a house keeper (Grace). The family also stocked my kitchen with some food for my arrival. They are amazing!

Pics of the cottage:

My friend and colleague, whose team I joined here, and his wife, had me over for dinner the first night I arrived, which was such a lovely welcome. I also had lunch with my "landlord" family the next day. Equally welcoming and lovely!

I have a rental car for the first month until I purchase a vehicle. I picked up a GPS so I can find my way around the city and I am getting used to being on the left side of the road as well. And calling the traffic lights, robots, one of the many South African-isms I am getting accustomed to. This is absolutely a driving city, so unfortunately there is no getting out of buying a car; something I was trying to avoid in life as long as possible! Especially because gas is more expensive here (luckily gas is taking a dive right now so that's helpful at least!), but being able to safely and easily get around the city is great. I feel like I am able to keep my independence because I can go out on my own if I'm driving. No one will let me walk anywhere on my own.

I miss walking! Yesterday, I went on a walk around the neighbourhood. That was delightful. It felt great to use my legs and also just to explore where I am living. I am having a hard time getting acquainted with Joburg because I can't wander around and learn the streets like I would want.

But I am getting used to the level of security that is everywhere. So many gates with electric fences, bars on windows, keeping my windows rolled up, purse in the trunk (or boot as they say). It's becoming normal to take these precautions. I'm just trying to make sure that while I keep myself safe, I don't let myself live in a state of fear.

With all this security, I feel quite secure. The only times I feel a little uncomfortable is at the stop lights because there are often people begging or trying to sell things, walking around the cars. But I just keep my windows up and they all move along when I wave them off. Or driving at night by myself, but I just go through the red lights if it's late and no one is around so I'm never really sitting around at night. Which makes for quicker drives home too - score!

It's been a busy week. I'm getting settled in at work, establishing my role and organizing next steps. I've had the chance to connect with a number of people from the office. Luckily, there happened to be an all-staff event planned on Friday, so that was a great chance for me to get to know more colleagues. Then on Saturday two fellow Canadians in the office invited me to the spa for a mani/pedi followed by breakfast and shopping. Another example of the amazing welcoming attitude I've encountered so far - so nice! This also meant I was able to explore the Parkhurst neighbourhood, which is a nice row of independent shops and restaurants.This is a nice change to the malls I've been used to seeing since I arrived. There are malls everywhere!!!! I long for the experience of Queen W. shopping and restaurants! Although the price of food and good wine here makes me happy to ditch the Queen W prices - so cheap!

I went out for a nice dinner at one of those many malls, Rosebank, with an old friend who I met in Toronto and had moved here a year ago. It was so nice to be able to see another familiar face all the way over here. And tomorrow, I will be meeting up with yet another Toronto friend who moved to Nairobi last year and will be in town for the day. I can't wait!!

Hopefully soon, I'll have more old friends passing through town. I'm always accepting visitors! ;)

On My Way...

Sitting at the gate, ready to board soon and it still feels surreal.

It was only this morning that my work visa finally went through (third time's a charm!) and now I'm on my way to Johannesburg!

It was sad to say goodbye to my family and friends, but I am feeling so much love as I go. With all the sendoffs and outreach from my loved ones, I am feeling really confident and excited to take this next step in my life. Living and working abroad has always been something I wanted to do, so I'm thankful to have this opportunity.

My parents and best friend have confirmed that they'll be coming out to see me in Johannesburg and I hope some more people find their way to the continent over the next year as well. It's going to be such a thrill to share this adventure with some loved ones along the way. Also, hoping I can scratch off a couple of trips to other nearby countries while I have visitors…this is what I am most excited about – great travel opportunities around Sub-Saharan Africa!

The more I have spoken to people who have lived or worked in South Africa, the more confident and secure I feel. Everyone has not only assured me that with a firm head on my shoulders, I will be able to do lots of exploring and traveling safely, but everyone has been SO welcoming! Upon emailing a few of my colleagues to confirm my arrival this weekend, I already have lots of dinner invites. If this is any indication of what the culture will be like in Johannesburg, I can feel the friendships forming already!

Jozi – here I come!!