The City of Johannesburg

indiegogirl (25)in #travel • 7 years ago (edited)

I remember the first day I ever stepped foot in the city of Johannesburg. The smells, the people ,the cars flying by, the sounds- I was hooked.

I couldn't have been more than 6 years old. My parents needed to sort out some business in the CBD , and decided that it was time I saw the city. I remember being terrified and in awe ,all at once. I clutched both my parents hands for dear life as I walked between them.

We arrived at an intersection , and I remember thinking ; " How do we get across that ." Cars flying past , then suddenly halting. Hooters blaring. Red lights shining. Indicators flicking. People screaming.

Then suddenly they all just stop for us. A light way above me flashing a little green man, showing us we can walk. They waited for US. The world stopped for a moment FOR ME. Just like that , I knew that in this chaotic city called Johannesburg , in the small country named South Africa , that this was where I belong.

The amazing thing is that this is exactly the way I feel every time I go into the city- I'm just older and wiser now. Now I wind through the crowded pavements , run through the traffic , making decisions in an instant. Somehow though , everything is going slowly in my mind.

It's amazing how you so quickly learn which streets have the most beautiful historical buildings; where to go for quality coffee that isn't manufactured for the masses ; which areas have the best food choices - or on the other hand which areas are poverty stricken ; which areas are high risk for mugging ,hijacking and theft; which areas are experiencing urban decay. Your heart is both broken and healed in the city of Johannesburg.

I'm telling you this because I feel we overlook this city. We think "Johannesburg has such a nice skyline" as we see it from the distance , or drive past it on the M1 highway, forgetting that like most things , the beauty is within. We fear the city . I recall a time when a friend told me "you're so brave to go into the city." People are misinformed. Yes, there are parts of the city that perhaps if you don't want to lose your new brand name handbag or latest phone upgrade , that you should avoid. Do your research . Gain insight. Go in groups into Johannesburg if you are scared.

Generally Newtown, Braamfontein and Maboneng are wonderful places to go grab a bite ; see some art ; go to a market ; and just walk about in the streets being immersed in the culture of Johannesburg.There is so much to do in all of these areas that even now ,after frequenting Johannesburg, there are still places I have yet to go to in Johannesburg. The city is a well of entertainment .

So go. Go into the city. Explore more. Don't be scared to try new things. Go give this city the attention it longs for and deserves. If you're traveling to South Africa ,add it to your trip. If you're looking for something to do , spend the day in the city. If you're looking for a night out , go into the city. Go on photo walks or "instameets" . Try new foods in the city. See art in the city. Let's allow the city the ability to grow through supporting the local business owners located in Johannesburg. The time is now.
"The Old Standard" by Amy Watkins ; Copyright 2016

"Bank City Lights" by Amy Watkins ; Copyright 2016