Anyone for Biltong?

If you had looked at my pictures, or whatever, you would have noticed that after visiting with all the animals, we went to Cape Town to be like regular tourists. For a tourist, South Africa is an interesting place. After all those issues with apartheid and sanctions and international acceptance you might suppose that you are visiting an integrated country and all get together and sing Kum Ba Yah . But as a white tourist you are not that likely to see many black people at all. As my daughter had said during our trip last year, "It's like Africa without any Africans". If you look closely, you will see blacks as maids, porters, bus boys, and other such invisible positions.

When you drive into Cape Town from the airport, there are some slums off the freeway, but they're pretty well hidden. In town, there is a thriving market around the bus station, but the guide books warn you to stay away. We had taken a cab from our hotel in Rosebank to Mandela Square in Sandton and since the driver was not that familiar with the area he dropped us off at what turned out to be the servants entrance. Rode up the lift with a group of blacks all wearing their uniforms for their respective menial jobs.

I just don't know what to make of it. It's pretty clear that racism is alive and well, but hidden now by politically correct speech and self selection. The current crop of politicians claim prestige based on how many years they had spent in prison during those dark years. President Zuma can only claim ten years on Robben Island, the next generation will have to claim new qualifications.

It's a beautiful country, and the people are as nice and helpful as any I've met. I wish them all the best for the future.