Fate had a big role to play in my visit to South Africa. Ever since my husband Gopi had gone to Africa as a UN Military observer in 1994-95, Priyanka (my daughter) and I had been fascinated by the places he described. It was a dream-come-true when she got married to Varun, who lives in Johannesburg!
My motto in Johannesburg was to live to eat! Myriad cuisines beckoned, and I had them all — Greek, Chinese, American, Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, and of course, African. I ate classic English breakfasts at Wimpy’s and Portuguese food at Nando’s. Traditionally, braais (barbeques) and potjies (food in a cast iron pot) are very popular. I had to decline snails that were offered to me by Priyanka’s in-laws though! Mopani worms are also an African delicacy as well.
South Africa is unbelievably beautiful and Cape Town is supposed to be spectacular. The scenic drive from Johannesburg to Pietermaritzburg goes through sections of greenery, are studded with little towns that draw you in with their quaint beauty. The aptly-named Midland Meander entrances you with its winding roads, grassy plains, and bustling eateries and cafes.
The Nelson Mandela capture site overflows with history. From a distance, you can see the Mandela structure, constructed with iron rods, which, as you get closer, loses its definition.
However, the walk towards it, aptly named ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, gives you goosebumps — especially after you have sifted through the information provided at the Mandela Museum.
Another historic spot is the tiny but well-maintained Pietermaritzburg Railway Station, where Gandhiji was thrown out of a first-class coach. Time seems to have stood still as one walks across the platform to enter the waiting room where he had been detained.
A very exciting moment was at the Lions’ Park in Johannesburg where we were allowed to play with the adorable lion and leopard cubs. The feeding of the lions, as we drove across the park, was impressive, even though our hearts did skip a beat when a pride of lionesses, led by the majestic head of the family, crossed right in front of our vehicle!
Picturesque Monte Casino transported us into quite another world. Besides the sprawling casino, which was the main attraction, we found ourselves in a wondrous space with little cafes and shops that took our breath away. There were petite nooks where musicians stood and sang their hearts out. When you looked up, you could see attractive niches with red flowers in pots, clothes hanging on a line, and even a cat or two sitting on the faux window sills, silhouetted against an artificial blue sky, which slowly turned to a shimmering night sky as you neared the Casino.
It was like a little universe that had nothing to do with the real world. Even when the sun was shining outside, it looked as though it was midnight. I believe that this was to lull the gamblers into believing that the night was still young.
Wherever I went, the locals would flash smiles and ask cheerily, “So, how are you this morning ” It took me a while to decipher what they were saying, but I learnt to respond with an equally cheery, “Good! And yourself ”
Go to SA with an open mind and enjoy every moment of your stay. Eat to your heart’s content, and chalk out a programme to take in as much as you can. Acquaint yourself with the places to visit, and keep ticking off what you finish. Visit the African markets to pick up little souvenirs, and don’t forget to go to the farmers’ markets where you can find the freshest produce and the most delicious food prepared in front of you!
(As told to Kaavya Pillai)
