The joy of dramaless travel

I have self-described this as an adventure trip but the truth is the adventure is mainly in the unknown since I'm not planning on any hang gliding or bungee jumping, For me, this trip is adventurous because I'm doing it solo, it's a place I have never been and that is really far away, and I have limited my exposure as a theft victim by keeping my possessions minimal and cheap. Most of what I packed are older clothes I have been planning to donate so instead I will donate them along the way.

The big question I am assuming all want answered at this point was "How was the flight? How was the traveling itself? I'll start with the facts that door to door which means from when I left my house in Palm Springs until I arrived at my hotel in Johanessburg, my travel time was 33 hours. Thirty-three drama-free, as smooth as travel can be with the only incident really being the crying baby on the overnight out of London.

I excitedly acquired my first Africa stamp in my passport as I passed through immigration with no issue then easily found signs for my train from the airport to the hotel. So yes it has truly been planes, trains and automobiles, just not in that order.

It was 7 AM when I arrived and the lovely hotel staff gave me an early check in. After a steaming bath I enjoyed breakfast in the hotel dining room before heading out to Nelson Mandela square and the shopping center which would supply me with the essential plug adapter and give me a chance to wander through the shopping complex. It's beautiful and sprawling with every major international brand imaginable. There was also a local discount market as an anchor tenant comparable to an American Target. I looked for local brands of skin care and beauty items but opted to only get the manicure set since everything I buy I have to carry on my back the next 2 weeks.

I kept to the hotel at dinnertime and had a delicious meal with fabulous accompanying wines and exceptional customer service. What more could a weary traveler ask for? Oh yeah, a night cap on the roof deck under South African stars.

Off for day 2 and the overnight train. I am afraid this is when the drama might start - or let's just consider it the adventure.