Not the best of starts....

Well, after all the hype, I nearly didn't make it! When I booked my one-way ticket, I checked that South Africa would allow me in without onward travel so long as I had proof of funds. However, when I tried to check-in, a very cold woman wouldn't let me!!! She said I had to buy an onward ticket first. Left with little choice, I was lucky enough to acquire a ticket in time, although much more expensive than it should have been.

I don't know if the SA immigration policy has changed, but a guy trying to get into SA at the immigration desk next to me who didn't have an onward ticket was left to sit in a chair. Figured he would have got through eventually. He could buy an onward ticket at the airport - probably much cheaper than the one I got. Don't know what immigration are playing at, but it's incredibly annoying!!

Having a return ticket is not going to stop someone overstaying if that's what they want to do. The whole thing is pointless.

I also have very strong feelings about these people who think they can divide up the world and then dictate to others who can go where or live where, all based on some arbitrary lines and your place of birth. The world was here long before humans and will be here long after us. As part of nature, we have the right to exist wherever we choose.

Not the best start in the world for this trip. It meant that Mum and I just had stress in the airport and instead of a relaxing goodbye. Also meant I was quite upset on the plane, although that could have been about some other things - facing the past (in London) and all that.
My instinct reaction to SA and Cape Town was "I don't like it" but as that's my instinctive reaction to just about everywhere when I first arrive, I didn't pay much attention to it.

Cape Town is an odd mix. They have gangs of security men roaming the streets - they are not police but do work with them. The buildings are a mix of modern, stunning colonial and tin shack. The waterfront was buzzing. Sat down to have a coffee and listen to a group of older coloured men playing saxophone, accordian, base etc. - very New Orleans, when 2 men broke out into a fight behind them. No-one was bothered by it and they were escorted away by the security men.

Many shops have cage doors to go through once you get past the main door (you know - like jails). Very strange. Not too sure how the whole black vs white status is. Apparently Cape Town is quite progressive but still feels like blacks are more likely to be in menial positions.
So far, everyone I've met has been very friendly.

Having the Table Mountain as a back-drop is fantastically wicked. My hostel is near to it. It is a great view to walk home too. Climbing up it tomorrow... : ( Hopefully it will be a sunny day. Today was wet, windy and cloudy.

And that's about it for my first day. Just thought I'd drop you a quick one to say all is well.

Hope all is good with you too
kx