Navigating the 'City of Gold'

by Linda Hadebe (South Africa)

I didn't expect to find South Africa

The time is 8:30 am and Linny has not been able to sleep a wink since the night before... Thoughts of all the possible things she could do, connections she could make and memories that will be etched in her mind are filling her up with uncontrollable anxiety. "I am about to do this" she thought, "I am about to step out of my bubble". Linny has never been able to travel, not even in her own country- so when she got the opportunity to venture out to the 'City of Gold'- 'Jozi Maboneng!', She realised that this is the first of many travels that will define her life. The township girl from KwaZulu-Natal is about to take the first leap, accompanied by her friend Asanda, they nervously walk out of OR Tambo Airport. Seeing all the other people arriving to the vibrant city makes her breathe a sigh of relief "her goes nothing" she says under her breath while looking at Asanda who is surprisingly not as nervous as she claimed to be. First stop: The Lion Park "Are you sure you can do this" says Asanda to Linny, who looks so out of her element that it's vividly noticeable. Their personal guide is excitedly telling them all the facts about Lion Park. The grass is dry and the air is humid. The lions sitting together, some scratching and licking each other, probably in response to the heat. Linny, in the safety of the safari vehicle, peeks through the bars to take a glimpse of the whole scenery. The land is dry and is reminiscent of a similar place she once travelled closer to home in KwaZulu-Natal- only difference is- she is witnessing animals that could potentialy cause her harm, but somehow, is pretty intrigued by that. Second Stop: Zoo Lake Linny takes out her diary and sits on the small boat they rented to experience the tranquil lake. She takes in the beauty of Zoo Lake by observing her surroundings while Asanda takes a seat next to her. It's 4:05 pm and Zoo Lake is about to shut its doors soon. They spot someone looking in their direction and he comes towards them- he's one of the staff. "Peaceful isn't it" he says while he comes closer towards them. The sun, gearing up to set soon, the creates a glow on the surface on the water that illuminates the surroundings. The staffer helps them out the boat and shows them the rest of the Lake while they walk out. The grass is starting to glisten from the changing of temperature and wind starts to get sharper. Time to head back. 2 more days to go... Day 2 Third Stop: The Maboneng Precinct The place is buzzing with people from all walks of life, it truly looks like the definition of 'Rainbow Nation'. The spot the graffiti on the walls which surprisingly gives the place a great aesthetic of "Industrial Art". Asanda fumbles with the camera while Linny looks around, absorbing her surroundings once again. They head to the nearest restaurant- "Eat Your Heart Out" says Linny "well that's an interesting name, let's check it out". They head inside and were pleasantly surprised because the menu was quite different from their usual taste of food they've experienced in KwaZulu-Natal. Day 3 The final stop: After coming from Gold Reef City, which was riveting. The fun, the games and the people they interacted with took a lot out of them. "It's our last night here, we should go out" says Asanda to Linny. "We have to go out with a bang I suppose" says Linny while she changes into her club outfit. While they head out, Linny realises that this trip opened up her mind. Experiencing a different atmosphere, a different world, even though she was still in her own country, does make one be more curious as to what else is out there. She did not expect to find a piece of herself in Johannesburg. She sure did not expect to find her calling of travelling and writing at the same time either... Where will she go next? Hopefully the Caribbean, let's see what she will find there.