Goodbye Durban, Hello Jozi

Our last week in Durban flew by. I celebrated my 23rd birthday on Wednesday with homemade lasagna, espresso brownies, ice cream, and wonderful company. Molly and I said our goodbyes to our amazing host family on Thursday night. The boys, Qiniso and Makabongwe, cooked a “braai” for us, which is a barbeque, to honor our departure.
On Friday morning we were dropped off at the Happy Hippo, a backpackers’ hotel. From there we got picked up by “Baz Bus” which is a backpacker transport system here in South Africa. We took a 10-hour scenic drive across Kwa-Zulu Natal, through the Drakensberg Mountains, and into Johannesburg. We could see Soweto stretching far and wide on our way in to Joburg. Soweto is the largest township in South Africa and home to “Soccer City” of the World Cup. Baz Bus safely deposited Molly and me at Brown Sugar Backpackers Lodge. We had a twin room booked for two nights at this hotel that resembles a castle and has quite eclectic décor. For example, above the entry way is a warthog head and on the other side of the wall is the warthog butt...
On Saturday morning, we made eggs and toast for breakfast down in the communal kitchen before starting our day. Molly and I are both battling sinus/head colds so we decided to have a relaxing day in Johannesburg rather then try to see it all in one day. We walked about 30 minutes to East Gate Shopping Mall. We bought tickets to see Sex and the City 2 and grabbed some coffee before the movie. I enjoyed a superb almond latte at Lattelicious (finally a good cup of coffee) and an almond croissant. Then, Molly and I grabbed some meds, orange juice, and vitamins at Clicks Pharmacy and went to enjoy the movie. On our way back we went to an African market to pick up a few last minute gifts. Then we enjoyed Won Ton soup and veggie spring rolls in China Town which was right down the road from our lodge. Tomorrow we catch a flight to Nelspruit to go on our three-day safari. On Wednesday night we start the long trek home. We are winding down into the last leg of our trip!