Our flight was at a decent time (11:25) (great planning if I might say so myself). We had plenty of time to have breakfast, pack up and catch a taxi to the airport.
I was a little concerned about the two sculptures, as they were made from gun parts and bullets. One had lots of bullets and seemed more durable so I packed that in my big pack which was checked baggage. The other was carry on, which even if they were useless as weapons, were still plenty of reason for officials to look for bribes.
So sure enough as we went through security they flagged my carry on. I was trying to explain what it was, and then Heather whipped out the official documentation that we had waited for the printer to be installed yesterday. The line up was starting to back up behind us and so the security guy just waved me on. Phew!
We then had to spend our remaining meticais. We had about $80 CAD equivalent. I was planning to use it to pay the outstanding balance at the hotel but they automatically deducted from our credit card on file. Bought some souvenirs to use it up.
It was less than an hour to Johannesburg, but we will got served a sandwich and drink! The customs official was very friendly, wishing us well on our trip. Our baggage was already touring around the conveyor. We were almost out of the airport when someone with a police vest pulled us over to look at our bags. He asked us some questions and then said he was going on lunch break and was wondering if we could help out. Heather said we didn't have any cash as we just arrived and needed to go to the ATM. So for the second time today we avoided a shakedown for bribes.
Our driver from 33 Melville was waiting outside arrivals. We walked to the parking garage and then got into a late model BMW 7-Series! I was quite surprised. We then listened to classical music on the 40 minute drive to the guest house (plus an interesting interview about supernovas).
Heather had found 33 Melville on agoda. The place is quite amazing for the price, they could easily charge double or triple. We had a host, butler, and chef on call at all time. I felt slightly like we had met the wrong driver at the airport and there was another Eric D'Souza going to a lesser place. We've paid more for a b&b in Owen Sound. But we were
In the right place. I'm not clear on how they make money; our theory is that the owners live in the other half of the house and by running a b&b they can then claim the expenses of the full staff.
Our room was bigger than a floor in our house. Everything was decorated with great taste - it was perfect for ideas. Anyways it was by far the best all-round service we've had, probably ever.
We had a mixed platter for lunch outside on the covered patio. Light jazz played over the speakers. Had a coffee, then debated dipping in the salt water pool but it looked like storm clouds so we didn't. I caught up on my blog and Heather read her book. Every so often the host popped by to see if we were okay.
We had ordered the special for dinner, chicken with harissa. We were seated at a long table, and then they brought out our dinner. The chef matched it with a local Sauvignon Blanc. The whole thing was still surreal to me.
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