Morning, Africa

Modelling our packs in Finchley before the off!

We arrived at Joburg this morning at 7am and were whisked by Frank to the Purple Palms hostel and backpackers'. We're staying in the "Rhino" room (no jokes about getting the horn please), although it we could have been in "Duiker", which would have been entirely inappropriate, or in a neat little chalet in the garden which appear to be modelled on the great British shed!

Had our first meal at a greasy spoon in the local mall, which is apparently run by a Portuguese family. Good meat. Huge portion. Cheap. Murder capital it ain't where we're staying; sleepy, tree-lined boulevards and wide, grassy sidewalks abound. The soil is rich and red as promised. School's in, and there are plenty of kids around. The afternoon is hot and sleepy, although all the school boys and girls are all in full uniform, blazers and all.

It's all rather suburban really. The only sign of something different in the air are the lone chaps on the intersections, a chainsaw or other tool set out, and a rude sign touting their skills. Hot and boring if no work is coming your way.

Tomorrow we're off to Maputo. It feels odd to be so far from home for such a long time, without the prospect of people appearing over the horizon to have a beer and a chinwag. Time for a nap out of the sun...


Lucy napping in the sunny garden.


Let's hope the contents of this went to a good home!