Came back alive from Johannesburg, South Africa !!
When we entered to Non-Rev Challenge 2009,
we started planning.
What I found out from internet "Cape Town is not as bad as Johannesburg”.
“Johannesburg is one of most dangerous city in the world” such and such.
When the planning team change the city from Cape Town to Johannesburg,
I really felt nervous but, my set goal was to go every 15 point places in the world. I could not give up.
This trip was another challenge.
The day of departure, they had bad weather in Atlanta.
With IROP Julia could not make it from DTW to ATL.
I was lucky. I went to my home in Texas the night before and
with using S-2 pass, I made it from DFW to ATL.
When Julia called me, I was shocked at Atlanta airport.
I was counting on her for this trip. We were going to get help by her
sister in law.
Anyway without a choice, my challenge started.
When I arrived to JNB, I was already extremely nervous because it was
getting dark. I canceled Crowne Plaza hotel and changed to Airport Grand
hotel because they have shuttle service. I wanted to make everything minimum to avoid any chance of danger.
People who is planning to go there….please be extra careful.
I had a hair cut, manicure and pedicure there.
The lady said that she does not go out even in the day time.
She only goes door to door with her car.
She said that for most protection, car window should not be completely closed.
The window can easily brake when it is closed but if window is open by quarter or half of inch, it does not brake easy….
She also said it is better to run through the red light when you can.
Flight from JNB had issue with weight and balance.
They were numbers of empty seats but only 4 of us could get on.
About 15 non-rev was rebooked for next day.
I was lucky there again but seat number was 57D….
Near 10,000 miles of flight each way with only one night of hotel stay…
Lady next to me told me that I was really lucky. She said many non-rev
are waiting 3 to 5 days to get on.
It is easy to say all these things but going to JNB was a BIIIIG CHALLENGE.
