You can't find a nite like this in lonely planet:)

Saturdy nite 08.29.09



Finally got a cell phone. Contacts, contacts, contacts.... Next week will be super busy full of meetings and site visits. Looking forward to it.



WEnt on a drive by city tour and I realized that Joburg is the "Bean town" (Boston) of Africa. The Nelson Mandela bridge that leads you to the old city centre just like certain bridge in Boston. sorry no pics yet..its like pulling teeth watching the fotos download!

Went to a Jazz festival downtown Joburg (which is where you will find most Black South Africans)....it felt like Harlem...or Oakland....very neosoul. Tried some traditional SouthAfrican cuisine (Mphnusu).....SO delicious....mashed red beans, grilled fish, steamed pumpkin and spinach....gotta learn how to make it.......

First Night....am I in Boston?

Whew...safe and sound in Mandla's house..Sandton,Joburg. Joburg looks and feels like a cold day in Boston.....It was pretty dark, and all i have seen so far are freeways....no pedestrians and loads of tiny cars. Seems like everyone has a two seater. Hung out with Mandlas friends and amazed by the lives of 30 somethings here. Everyone is either about to get on a plane to do business in another African country or just got off of a plane. The conversation went from clients in Abudabi to projects in Senegal, to world politics and its effect on their business. Seems like most people start their own businesses in their 30s after they have had enough of the working world. One of Mandlas friends is the Director of a foundation that provides grants to non-profits providing AIDS support. Another has started a college for poor people living in the townships. Social entrepreneurship seems to be a major direction for highly educated South Africans. Maybe its too early to make that assumption. Stay tuned.....