Maybe you can visit sw

code, no where can be as bad for crime as parts of london.

Some USAID info There seems to be a crime rate problem.

Seems to me that it depends on where you go. There have to be safe areas in Jo'burg as well as not. Just like most big cities (like mine, at least). Same should be said for the country as a whole.

But one thing to keep in mind is that while the country has a new government and all, some of the old problems concerning the economy have worsened and, at the same time, other old problems concerning disparity in wealth and poverty which, legally at least, no longer is justified, still exist and some people have lost patience with working within the system to better themselves or remain unable to do so.

I too have heard bad things about South Africa at the moment. A friend of mine backpacked down there last year, and the first day she was there someone in her hostel had his throat slit on a street for his shirt. Not a nice welcome for her I'm sure you'll agree.

But I don't think you should panic. There are horror stories for every city in the world. Its like most places, it has its good bits and its bad bits - its just a matter of knowing which are which. If I were you, I'd be checking out tourist information sites for as much info as possible. Try "The Rough Guide" too, they're usually very good at pointing out the dos and don'ts.

You'll be fine if you keep your head screwed on at all times and do your homework before you go. There are harsher places in this world, but like anywhere, common sense will mostly keep you out of trouble.

@ff -

---

code, no where can be as bad for crime as parts of london

---

you need to travel more chap, thats one of the daftest comments I've ever read. Unless of course, you were just trying to make code feel better - in which case, bless ya.

Actaully, some parts of London really are horrific.....but like everyone says, there are estates all over the world like that.

Rule of thumb for travel - don't veer off the beaten track!! Its that simple - if you have an urge to go up a dark back alley in the midst of the night, expect to be mugged or worse!!

Stick to highly populated visible regions, and do NOT flout jewelry, wallet, phone or money. Don't wear stupidly obviously tourist clothing, and don't book into somewhere that is the cheapest place going - as there are reasons its that cheap - no one wants to stay there!!! Don't walk around alone, don't carry lots of bags etc, don't search for somewhere in the middle of the night, and stay away from the hookers!!
Also - don't follow people who try to lure you with promises of nice bars, great deals etc. If your sensible, you will be fine.

Edited by - Chips on 8/17/2004 12:19:59 PM

Chips said:

---

and stay away from the hookers!!

---

There has GOT to be a story in this somewhere Chips. Just gotta be a story.

The question is will he tell us it

Edited by - Gowserpaul on 8/17/2004 1:27:24 PM

It's all been said before. There's supposed to be a pretty good police presence in the main touristy areas in Jo'burg, so you should be OK there.
This might not be such a big deal anymore, but perhaps it would be best to avoid the taxis. There were big taxi wars a few years ago where cabbies from rival firms were known to open fire on each other. I'm not sure if it still goes on now.
I think sw will be the best person to give you any tips.

EDIT: If anything I'd say you might be in more danger while staying with your relatives. My grandparents live in Pretoria too in a WW2 veterans village. They're supposed to have security guards manning the gates and the perimeter, but it wasn't long ago when they were drugged in their sleep to keep them unconscious longer while they completely emptied out the house.

Edited by - Recusant on 8/17/2004 2:33:49 PM

---

1. Is the crime problem really that bad? My other grandmother moved here (Winnipeg) fairly recently and she's been telling me how dangerous South Africa is. I think this may just be a ploy to get us to not go since we didn't invite her along.

---

It depends on where you go, Joburg is the worst afaik, here in the Western Cape crime aint that bad, Gauteng is basically the worst, but afaik Pretoria is pretty safe.

---

2. Where can I find free/cheap internet access? I don't need a long time, just enough to check my e-mail once or twice.

---

It's suppose to be free in post offices, I dont know if all have tho, otherwise the internet cafe's aint that bad, R10 for 15 mins and in some plces it gets cheaper the longer you work.

---

3. What is there to do in the cities if you don't like shopping?

---

Well that depends on where you are, if you were around here I'd tell you to go whale watching, we had interschools the other day in Hermanus, a town nearby which is on the coast, saw whales which were about 20-30 m from the shore, beautiful sight. In other towns, go to the movies, hmm depends on your interests really

---

4. What TV shows are worth watching?

---

That depends on your taste, the nations favourite apparently is 7de laan, a soap
Friday evenings there are a new thing, Threat Matrix, thats about it, I dont really watch that much tv

Where will the safari be?


I'm double posting because I get an error if I try to post this whole thing in one reply, dunno why tho

The safari will be up at the northern end of the Kruger Park. Apparently it's not the best place (that honor goes to the Etosha Pan in Namibia, I think) but it's not the worst either. I'm really looking forward to shooting a lion (...with my camera! )

hmm I've never been to the Kruger park, but they say its beautiful there, lots of animals

I'd like to go to Namibia. I want to go to that huge canyon that was featured in Dust Devil, and that abandoned mining town that was called Bethany.

Who are you and what did you do with the real Taw?