Johannesburg in a Short Walk

I thought today of Johannesburg, the city where I live. It is a vibrant place and here is some of what makes it special.

All of these places within 20 minutes walking distance from my home.

Melville Koppies is a range of hilltops where you can find archaeological sites evidencing Stone Age life estimated to be 150 000 years old. The commonly accepted “out of Africa” theory proposes that humans left Africa about 60 000 years ago to travel north to Europe and beyond. The camping sites on the hill then, was home to some of my earliest relatives!

Johannesburg contains the world’s biggest man-made forest with more than 10 million trees. Legend has it that at the turn of the century when gold was found, the mines required logs as underground pillars and the mines went on a giant tree-planting spree. Soon technology overtook the need for wood and what is left are the most beautiful tree-lined streets. Johannesburg is home to the Jacaranda tree which blooms with purple flowers twice a year.

The Johannesburg Zoo is over 100 years old and at night one can sometimes hear the lions roar – in the heart of the city. It is home to the rare white lion pictured above.The Zoo is nestled in the center of the older suburbs and is a major attraction for the locals on a Saturday. The was once home to Max the Gorilla who was tragically wounded when criminal jumped the Zoo wall at night and a police battle ensued while Max valiantly protected his mate Lisa.

The Parkview Golf Course is where many men go on a weekend to have a good walk spoiled. It was the home course of Bobby Locke who won the British Open four times. Lee Trevino said” If you are caught on a golf course and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron, not even God can hit a 1-iron".

Johannesburg is one of the highest world cities being 1750 meters (about 6000 feet) above sea level. As one of the few major cities in the world which is not near to the sea or a major lake or river, nature makes up by providing the most spectacular lightning storms. While the city has an average of 12 hours sunshine a day, it has a higher annual rainfall than London. When it rains, it pours down and flash floods are common.

Emmarentia Dam is down the street. Emmarentia was the wife of the farmer who once owned the land that is now the suburb. The dam is part of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. On weekends picnics, walkers, cyclists, canoeists and joggers abound. The climate is mild; in mid-winter one can sit outside on the grass which turns a peculiar shade of yellow. 

As an open air place for music concerts, nothing beats the atmosphere of the Botanical gardens. Elton John, Enrique Iglesias and recently Monsters and Men have all performed here. Below is Ali Campbell from UB40 doing his bit.

And where will I be on Saturday this weekend? Two places. 

The athletics track and the delightful coffee-shop-bookstore around the corner.

To all beBees - have a great weekend!