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Even before landing at Jan Smuts airport, one gets a contradictory impression of Johannesburg. On the one hand you see the modern skyline of the city such as few European cities can boast. Around the city center, swimming pools glitter amidst the lush green gardens of the suburbs. On the other hand, clouds of smoke emerge from the not too distant townships from open fires that burn rubbish and are used to cook meals. Add the images that have been transmitted around the globe of the fast growing metropolis with a frightening statistic of crime, tourists may get the urge to turn around whilst still in the plane.
Johannesburg has, however, not earned such a harsh judgment. It is the most energetic city in South Africa, full of vitality, with a multitude of cultures. Known as the city of Gold, "Egoli" as the black people call it, it is the city of managers and jewelers. It established South Africa´s wealth based on its gold fields.
Johannesburg mirrors the ambiguous daily routine of the whole continent with its flare and dignity, its rainbow colors and poverty. It is also the city of the poor, sick and helpless that were drawn to the city by the gold fields: the city of informal settlements and the homeless.
A tip on security: always park your car in a secure and guarded parking area, never carry large sums of cash or wear noticeable jewelery, but do not let the fear of being attacked dominate you. |
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| The Gold city |
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