I’m standing on the balcony watching my first sunrise in Botswana with a cup of 5 Roses tea (SA brand). I’m back in Africa, Southern Africa... home.

I’m taking today to get over the flights here. About 24 hrs of travel including transits (Singapore and Jo’burg). The final flight into Johannesburg didn’t feel the 10+ hours that it was. Probably because I slept most of it. Sleeping during flight is not something I usually do, but thanks to my new status as a “Krisflyer” member, I can get priority seating within my class (economy). I flaunted my new found power with requesting isle seats in front of the wings. Makes a huge different in the amount of engine noise you have to put up with.

Singapore Changi airport with it’s new Terminal 3 is now absolutely huge. There is good reason they provide trains to get around it.
Johannesburg airport is also going through renovations and is more than double it’s size the last time I passed through. The Transit desk is still the worst in the world (some things never change). There is no organised chaos here, just pure and uncorrupted chaos.

First impressions of Botswana: More than I was expecting. Infrastructure of all types is quite advanced. I can’t count the number of internet cafe’s and my macbook is picking up no less than 6 wireless networks, three of which are public internet subscription services. Had a coffee at one of the shopping centres (very much like Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore) and came to realize that the Africa I remember from 9 years ago is slowly disappearing to be replaced by a more western society. Makes for less of a culture shock for the new visitor but still a big shame. Dinner last night was at the “Bull and Bush” a local steak house. Food was excellent, as I expected.

Plans for the day included hiring a car for the next 20 days (most likely Avis), getting a local sim card for the mobile, going for a walk to the local shopping centre to flush myself with Pula’s (Botswana currency), un-boxing some of the furniture in the flat, and studying the Gaborone city map.

If I can be bothered, I may enquire about subscribing to one of the local internet service providers...perhaps.

Tags: travel