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By Lilian Chudey Pride
My trip to Johannesburg, South Africa was a smooth one.
Although I had touched down and had a few stopovers at the Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg South Africa in recent times, they were not enough for a curious person like me who needed more of this beautiful airport. Its ambiance is breath taking, it is the busiest airport and aviation hub in Africa and has all the distinctive features of a world-class airport.
My first encounter with this serene environment kept me thinking about how beautiful the entire city that houses this beautiful space would be. The thought of this, and my curiosity to see, stirred up my hunger to explore the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, but this time around, I wanted to do it by road.
Setting out from Windhoek, Namibia to Johannesburg, South Africa enroute Upington where we had twelve hours stop-over turned out to be one of the best decisions we have made, not only was it a smooth ride, but the entire journey was also graced by the presence and awesome company of my husband, Dr. Chudey Pride who took advantage of the twelve hours stopover in Upington, by taking it to a whole new level and ultimately, turned it into a surprise mid-life, romantic, unexpected honeymoon.
Our twelve-hour long stopover seemed like just a mere twelve-minute wait while brewing a cup of coffee. It was fun, who else if not my husband could have thoughtfully booked a life band to serenade me amidst a long trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. The funny part of the whole gist is that he was initially reluctant about coming with me but look how he stole the show.
The name of the good man who keyed into my husband’s adventure was Mr. Manie Davia. He sang his heart out while skillfully and artistically blowing his Saxophone with Brenda Fassie’s song. It was worthwhile and brought back many lovely memories that had been suffocated by all the hustle and bustle over the years. How time flies when love, romance and good food are applied.
Soon it was time to set out for Johannesburg, South Africa. At some point it felt like I was already missing Upington, I felt like a teenager who was leaving her hometown, family and friends for the first time to attend a boarding school. These feelings seemed like that of excitement, anticipation, nervousness and at the same time, freedom and independence. The thought that we will yet pass by Upington back to Namibia in a few days kept me going as we jollied along the road to Johannesburg.
Wow!!! We are finally in Johannesburg, South Africa, and we were warmly welcomed to Anka Lodge, located at number 45 Cross Avenue, Atholl, Sandton, Johannesburg. We were greeted by the beautiful trees and well-groomed garden, cool shades and well-maintained swimming pool. We had booked this bed and breakfast a few days before we arrived, walking into that wonderful compound felt like home away from home for me and my husband. Mrs Katherine, our host and Managing Director of Anka Lodge is an amazing woman, her friendly disposition is top notch. You will love Anka Lodge, give it a try if you have the chance of visiting Johannesburg, South Africa.
Some days passed, and here we are again in Upington. Another twelve hours stopover, but this time at the bus station, my husband had made a few friends with some young folks, the youngest one among us is a beautiful and intelligent Namibian girl (Elizabeth); a young Angolan man; a middle-aged Namibian man, myself and my husband who are Nigerians. You see how we all were united in faith, by one destination?
Those twelve hours became something like a long-awaited family re-union. All five of us looked out for each other while we watched the time fly, long hours reducing into quite a few and then, minutes, and wow!!! We are back in Windhoek, Namibia.
What more can I tell you? As you are reading me now, plan to visit Africa, did you notice how my husband stole the show? That exactly is the spirit of Africa, beautiful, she is an ageless damsel, rich in resources, bold and big. Rich in love, food, and cultural heritage, she does not expire or grow weary, there are lots of potentials, prospects and her opportunities abound. We at iwriteafrica.com welcome you to Africa as we connect her to the world and the world with her.
Join me on another trip as I write Africa through the lens of my camera and strokes of my pen.
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