Crash course in south african culture

Two things happened to make me sad today.

1. I'm sitting in the garden reading my book (with my hood up 'cause it's cold) when someone approaches me from behind. He shouts out a friendly sounding greeting, so i turn arround. As soon as the approaching stranger sees me, he immediately appologises, "I'm sorry he says, i thought you were black. Would you mind telling me where the toilets are?"

2. Standing on top of a hill with a fantastic 360 degree view of jo'burg beside a monument of some scottish soldiers who died in the "South African War of 1900 - 1902". I get chatting to some locals - banter ensues. After a few minutes chatting about some LAD with 34 wives and 92 children, one of the guys asks me, "Do you believe in dinosaurs?" *sadface*

Arrival

Just arrived in SA last night, sans luggage :(

Decided to stay in jo'burg another night to make it easier for them to get the bag to me. I've been told that this was unecessary and that the airline have to get the bag to me wherever i am. Tomorrow i will be setting off with or without it. This particular cloud was not without it's silver lining however - god bless insurance. Went and bought the most expensive underwear and toiletries i could find.

Heading off to 'Maritzburg tomorrow to meet james. Not looking forward to the journey, although SA roadlink will have to try pretty hard to be less comfortable than megabus. I feel sure they're up to the task.