Sojourn to the Motherland...

Good Morning From Johannesburg, South Africa! I have committed that while I am on travel I will blog regularly. I left yesterday morning from JFK just before Storm Nemo hit. Sure that ours was one of the last flights to leave. We de-iced and thankfully got out of there safe and sound for a 17 hour flight... 

Flight down is interesting. I am seated next to a former colleague and administrator from law school who is hosting a group of American tourists. What are the odds of getting on any flight, much less an international flight, and being seated next to someone you know? Another sign that this is a journey this is meant to be. Enjoyed catching up with him between bouts of much needed sleep. Such a small world!

We leave early Friday and fly safely and soundly into Saturday morning, landing on another continent. I am happy and proud to be in the Motherland, especially during Black History Month. Johannesburg is sunny and beautiful. Thankfully customs was uneventful. Sailed right through. Luggage retrieval was timely and drama free too. Imagine that! Hats off to South African Air which not only offered a very reasonably priced ticket but also had wonderful staff from the agents I booked with, who were more than helpful, to the on-board staff who were quite pleasant and professional. Keep that in mind for your future travel needs. Icing on the cake however, was being greeted by a friendly and very familiar face. Upon arrival I was reunited with an old friend from my days at Howard University, Zanele Mamba! We had not seen one another since graduating more than 20 years ago. She was there to pick me up and take me to my guest house. Howard connections are abundant and infinite... Thank you Zanele!

As we drove along catching up and reminiscing about times and people of old, she pointed out to me places and things of interest that I will want to visit while here, including the residence for Nelson Mandela. Should I be so lucky to catch even a glimpse of him? I Wish. Fingers crossed... As it turns out, Zanele will be surprised to learn that a local Friend of hers is also staying at the same guest house. I am in good hands...

A few years back I saw a documentary on HBO depicting Black Americans who had relocated to South Africa and made very good lives for themselves, Blacks Without Borders. It is now on youtube, check it out. I was hopeful even then, to connect with these other adventurous souls and certainly intended to try meeting them during my visit. As luck would have it, I knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone and I will be staying at Lemurian Guest House which is owned by one of the entrepreneurs featured in that documentary, Cora Vaughan. While here, Cora is planning a big party for her husband so it appears that I will meet at least 3 of the other featured entrepreneurs as well. I am hopeful to spend a non-touristy day in Soweto truly seeing how the locals live and exploring the social issues with one of the featured gentleman who has committed himself to working and doing great community service there. So much history to explore in Soweto coupled with the opportunity to do a little volunteer work helping others while there. I am excited!
 
Also staying at Lemurian are two other Black American women, Dorothy and Toni. Like me, Toni is from NJ. They are wonderful and resourceful women who have both been in South Africa for quite a while. They are proving to be quite friendly and willing to help make certain that my visit here is productive and fruitful. I am blessed!

Day one was filled with the usual first day travel stuff, meeting folks and checking out the surroundings. Surprisingly I did not sleep or take a nap. I am feeling quite at home as I engage in lively Sistah' talk with Zanele and the ladies at Lemurian.  I spent the evening with Dorothy visiting the home of her Friends who are a husband and wife film producer team. Loved talking with them. She is South African "Coloured". He is a history buff who is Jamaican by way of UK. He has lived in South Africa for over 15 years. His Mother lives in North Carolina. As I am interested in doing a comparative analysis of race relations between post apartheid South African and "post" civil rights US, I enjoy our thoughful and provocative exchange. Although I have formed my own hypothesis, quite naturally I am intrigued as we share perspectives on race and politics in both countries. No surprise that everyone here is a huge fan of Barack Obama, much as most Americans are huge fans of Nelson Mandela. Two Great Black men. Two great nations lucky to have benefitted from their leadership. 

Day One ends on a happy and grateful note. I fell fast asleep when finally I hit the sheets after a long and exhaustive day. Slept very well at Lemurian. Woke up well rested and looking forward to day two.  

Stay tuned...