Johannesburg, the Market
So, Johannesburg. Unlike any city I have ever seen, Johannesburg has no water, no mountains, and pretty much no visible natural resources at all. When I first arrived I asked why anyone would build a city here. The answer was simple and I should have predicted it: The city is built on gold. Apparently 100 years ago there was no city here, then a man found a gold nugget and, just like the Gold Rush in America, the rest is history. Now it's a city of an estimated 3 or 4 million - but the exact number is hard to pin down because of the slums. The slums are a mix of illegal immigrants from various other countries who walk here in hopes of a better life. They are largely undocumented, and thus the actual population of Johannesburg is difficult to pin down.
Recently, there have been some acts of violence and xenophobia against the refugee/immigrant/whatever you choose to call them populations, as South Africans feel they are taking jobs. A sentiment I have heard elsewhere in the world as well. My roommate also informs me that there has been violence against farmers, who are perceived to have taken the land wrongly. Overall, safety seems to be a huge concern in Johannesburg, at least on the part of the one person I have talked to so far. I cannot wait to get some other input because honestly, the Johannesburg she describes seems far removed from the day-to-day activities I see going on around me. Not that I plan to go running at night or anything, but I would like some positive input at some point.
Today we went to the Rooftop Market, which was a really fun place to be and to see. It's full of arts, crafts, food, performers, and all kinds of interesting people. It was fun to walk around and see what kinds of crafts are made in South Africa, and to meet the artists. I saw some truly amazing artwork today; I would have loved to bring it all home but unfortunately the canvas pieces (which were by far the best in my opinion) would not have fit in my suitcase. I contented myself with two smaller and roll-able works, once I really love which is done in wax mixed with paint, and the other a bright and somewhat touristy but iconic work. They both show women dancers, which I think is becoming a theme in my collection.
Also, I ate some sort of giant sausage hot-dog thing today which was definitely the most delicious chopped up meat I have ever eaten! I wasn't expecting too much (I mean, it looks like a giant bratwurst, which while good isn't really revolutionary cuisine), but this stuff is definitely special. I heard that if you cook one of those in the center of London every South African in the city would come running and then book a flight home, and I kind of believe it. haha
Anyway, that's all for today. Tomorrow, work begins! Off on a new adventure!
Recently, there have been some acts of violence and xenophobia against the refugee/immigrant/whatever you choose to call them populations, as South Africans feel they are taking jobs. A sentiment I have heard elsewhere in the world as well. My roommate also informs me that there has been violence against farmers, who are perceived to have taken the land wrongly. Overall, safety seems to be a huge concern in Johannesburg, at least on the part of the one person I have talked to so far. I cannot wait to get some other input because honestly, the Johannesburg she describes seems far removed from the day-to-day activities I see going on around me. Not that I plan to go running at night or anything, but I would like some positive input at some point.
Today we went to the Rooftop Market, which was a really fun place to be and to see. It's full of arts, crafts, food, performers, and all kinds of interesting people. It was fun to walk around and see what kinds of crafts are made in South Africa, and to meet the artists. I saw some truly amazing artwork today; I would have loved to bring it all home but unfortunately the canvas pieces (which were by far the best in my opinion) would not have fit in my suitcase. I contented myself with two smaller and roll-able works, once I really love which is done in wax mixed with paint, and the other a bright and somewhat touristy but iconic work. They both show women dancers, which I think is becoming a theme in my collection.
Also, I ate some sort of giant sausage hot-dog thing today which was definitely the most delicious chopped up meat I have ever eaten! I wasn't expecting too much (I mean, it looks like a giant bratwurst, which while good isn't really revolutionary cuisine), but this stuff is definitely special. I heard that if you cook one of those in the center of London every South African in the city would come running and then book a flight home, and I kind of believe it. haha
Anyway, that's all for today. Tomorrow, work begins! Off on a new adventure!