On the couch with Nomadic Michelle: Meeting Vivi

Vivi out on the streets with Nomadic Michelle

The first time I heard about couch surfing I was chatting to a friend in South Korea who was travelling to the Philippines and would be staying for free at someone’s home, with accommodation possibly being the most expensive part of one’s vacation, besides the airfare (that’s if you are travelling by plane) this seemed like a huge saving to me and definitely something to try out myself.

Having joined couch surfing I decided to start off with hosting people, with my profile up and ready,  I decided to contact some people on the list that had been sent me  by couchsurfing of people needing  accommodation in Jo ’burg.

I sent 2 emails and both came back with positive responses, my first guest would be Vivian a.k.a Vivi by the time she left (you know we South- African’s love shortening everything).  She was on a yearlong trip from Canada having travelled from Tanzania all the way down to South Africa.

What would make a young woman leave her home comforts to take on the big, wide world?

Vivi had decided on taking this trip 4 years ago, over the 4 years she saved enough money to make this dream come true, I suppose at 30 you have to do something wildly brave and exciting.  A whole year on the road sounds like an adventure of a lifetime.  When she contacted me to let me know that she was on her way in taxi from Mtubatuba I thought this girl has lost her mind! A Taxi from Mtubatuba is no joke; her reasoning was if so many locals use it surely it cannot be that bad.  She arrived in Johannesburg on time and was escorted by one of the taxi folk to the Gautrain at Park station (nothing like good old South African Hospitality). This guy did not even ask her for a tip and when she apologised for not having one for him he simply said “Ai sister do not worry I was just making sure you are safe.”

Is Jo ‘burg such a Big Bad City?

When I met Vivi she was sitting outside the Gautrain station in Rosebank, the big backpacking bag told me that this was my guest. After getting acquainted she told me about her trip to the city of gold and how en route when they stopped to fill up with petrol,  a gas station attendant was so taken with her that he asked for her hand in marriage and would not allow the taxi to leave until he had made his intentions clear to her.  We both had a good giggle because Zulu men are well known for not allowing a gorgeous woman to pass their sight without making a proposal (our president is a good example).  After arriving at my place Viv was ready to see what Jo ‘burg has to offer and we headed downtown to the Great Dane http://www.braamfontein.org.za/directory/view/great-dane . 

We arrived in Braamfontien to find it abuzz with bikes with neon lights and some interesting Glitter inspired outfits, upon enquiring we discovered that this was the Johannesburg Critical Mass Movement ride, which aims to have cycling tracks built in the city to avoid risky events such as loss of teeth, knee caps and possible death if run over by a motorist.   What was supposed to be quick drink turned out to be a jamming time on the dance floor with all these cyclists (still trying to decide if cycling under the influence isn’t as dangerous as walking home drunk especially in a country where our highest road fatalities are from pedestrians). 

Johannesberg Critical Mass- Night ride downtown.

 Thereafter we made our way to Puma social club http://www.pumasocialjozi.com/ which is literally a whole in the wall if you are not sure what you are looking for, make sure you have the password or you have liked their Facebook page otherwise you will be charged an entrance fee. The Puma social club is exactly what it promises to be, a spot where you can chill, play some pool, Ping-Pong and dance with your people in a chilled stress free environment.  If these are what new age clubs are about then bring it on.

Playing around at the photobooth

Hots spots /Activities 1 should not to miss visiting Jo’burg

1.       Braamfontein has become a hive of activity: from social clubs with great food and craft beer to food markets and galleries.  Get dropped off in Juta street and discover the city.

2.        On Juta and Jorrisen you are spoilt for choice when it comes to social clubs: Kitchener’s, Great  Dane and Puma Social club you are sure to have a good time.

3.       The red double decker bus: discover the inner city on these great informative tours. They taking you around the city centre giving you great insight about the City of Gold.