To Jo'burg

South African Airlines has been having outstanding numbers of missing bags as well as missing belongings. Just on my flight alone there were around 15 people without bags including mine. This could be attributed to the poor performance of United Airlines back in the states (my connecting ariline in NYC) but when you call SAA here they give you the run around. For the last two nights I have been told that my bags are arriving on the next flight and for two nights I have been disappointed. I just don't understand the need to lie about it. Speaking with people you hear that things are still very corrupt at the airport. If you think about the process, there really is no punishment to those who steal. The airline makes no effort and sits in the office waiting for the bags to magically arrive. Umm I thought every bag is uniquely labeled neh? I thought there is such a thing as a phone to call NYC and ask what the hell is going on. The bag cannot vanish from the planet without you even knowing from where. My flight was not late, there was a two hour layover. It is ridiculous. Then when you go through customs there is no checking to ensure that the people leaving have the right bags. You just walk right by with whatever you have. [Update: My bag was delivered on July 4th to the backpacker, however I had left for the tour that morning. After retrieving my bag on the 15th, I soon learned that my digital camera and digital camcorder were stolen. I know I packed poorly, but it is sad that a little slip in packing can cost you a few hundred bucks with nobody to hold responsible. So much for third world countries.]

Wow what a fantastically positive first paragraph. I spent all day today and a lot of yesterday going to the Jo'burg malls, mostly Eastgate mall near the backpacker. Today I bought all new clothes for the tour starting tomorrow. It felt very nice to change clothes for the first time in three days. Also it felt nice to not walk around in flip-flops (yeah i didn't pack my carry on correctly, i know). Anyway the malls are crazy nice with all the shops super pricey and nice. All the major brands from the US and EU are represented. Everyone walking around is very stylish. You would not think this is a troubled nation from the inside. We had several nice meals there and got some good items. Mr Price is an awesome place for a budget traveler. Cool clothes at low prices.

On the streets of Jo'burg you get a sense for why you are not supposed to go out ANYWHERE at night.

On the streets of Jo'burg you get a sense for why you are not supposed to go out ANYWHERE at night. Every single house/business is surrounded by a huge wall laced with spikes and barbed wire with an armed security response sign. Wow what a home sweet home kind of place. Home is so sweet you can't leave it after dark. The mall pretty much closes at dark I am guessing for this reason. Anyway it is disconcerting to say the least to see everywhere.

Well have to run for now. Have to be up at 5 for the tour. All my best.

Jacob