Truely South African inventions

So what has put South Africa on the map?? Here are some inventions and firsts that have put South Africa on the world map:

1. The first heart transplant was done in South Africa by Chris Barnard
2. The automated pool cleaner by Ferdinand Chauvier
3. Appletiser - an international premium fizzy drink
4. Pratley Putty - used in the mission to the moon.
5. Dolosse - a concrete structure used to protect the coastline from serious sea storms that is used internationally
6. The ability to derive oil from coal by Sasol.

So yes we have some smart people here!

SA foods you must try

Ok, when you go on a trip to a new country, you always want to try local chow. So what can you try in SA during the world cup. South Africans love chop en dop (meat on booze) at a braai (pronounced bry). A braai is a barbeque, but shouldn’t be done on gas (even though this seems to becoming popular), come now! you are in Africa, make a wood fire or second prize use charcoal. Stywe Pap (pronounced staywa pup) is a maize dish that is great with a braai, especially if you cook up a tomato and onion gravy. Then lots of meat must go on the braai, lamb chops and boerewors (a lovely local sausage), a salad can be used to compliment the meal. Beer a compulsory when having a braai. Just so the English know the beer must be cold and not lukewarm, lol! An alternative is potjiekoos. This is a special stew done in a cast iron pot on charcoal or gas. You will have to check out recipes on the net to get this one right! Use the Google search on my page to find one. Wives always complain the braai’ing process it too long, but hey us men need a chance to test the beer whilst waiting for the coals to form, another good reason to choose wood which takes longer. : ). Happy eating!

Crime - The South African scare

I am sure you have all heard about the crime reports in South Africa and this has probably become one of your biggest concerns. Well it should be, lets not pretend crime doesn't exist. That doesn't mean you should not come, it just means that you must modify your behaviour to ensure that you have a safe trip. This means you need to be smart. Take basic safety precautions, keep your car door locked, don't walk alone at night and don't walk in crime hotspots at all, ask locals where not to be. Don't leave valuables in view whilst your vehicle is stationary or even whilst you are driving to prevent smash and grabs. Don't stop your car at night even if you hit something unless you cannot drive to the closest police / fuel station. The key is be careful and vigilant. In the case of emergency call 10111 from your phone. A cell phone is a good idea to have from a security perspective!

The Cradle of Humankind

Wondering what to do when you are in Johannesburg for the FIFA world cup? Well it is pretty much agreed that Africa is home to the scientific Adam. The area of interest is referred to as the “Cradle of Humankind”. A centre detailing relevant discoveries has been erected. For more information see http://www.maropeng.co.za/ . The Sterkfontein cave is of great significance and is the home of Mrs Ples a over 2.1 million year old skull. In addition take a trip to the wonder caves which may not be as important from a scientific perspective but is a lovely outing with interesting stalactites and stalagmites.

Don't miss Cape Town

So what is a must see in SA when you pop over for the 2010 World Cup? Cape Town is probably the most beautiful city in the country. You can sample South Africa’s great wines in the surrounding areas and enjoy the picturesque beaches. The sea is icy cold so be sure to bring you wetsuit. You also need to go up the cable cart to the top of Table Mountain, where you can enjoy a meal and magnificent view from the top of the mountain. Hopefully Eskom (the power utility) won’t leave you without power half way up as happened during our electricity crisis during 2007/2008. I guess we have one positive we can take out of the credit crunch, demand has dropped for power and we may be able to keep your lights lit during the World Cup. Also note that SA has no problems as our politicians will tell you “we only have challenges” and some interesting solutions like the African Potato for HIV as our former health minister would you to believe. Anyhow, not to worry Manto and Thabo are now in the wilderness with plenty of time to search the web for other innovative HIV solutions.

Elephants roam the streets

Elephants roam the streets in SA, a special insurance is available to ensure that your car is covered should you not give way to a determined ellie. LOL, this is only if one escapes from the Zoo. We have lots of wildlife and they are on the whole confined to our national and private parks, so don't worry.

You can't come here without visiting one of our national parks. Kruger is wonderful, a real African experience. There are many different camps of varied accomodation, from luxury to basic and the game viewing is truly fantastic and not to be missed. Marakele National park is very peaceful and not far from Joburg. There are some lovely luxury tents that over look a dam. A true bush experience. Book now.

Ask your question about SA

If you a potential vistor to South Africa for the 2010 world cup, I would love to hear your questions and hopefully answer them. It amazes me what people think they will find in SA. Maybe lions roaming the streets, maybe mad bob on a shopping spree? Well lets have some fun, start the questions and let me hear what you think, hopefully you will join us for this momenteous occasion. Join us in answering the poll and lets get the facts straight lol. The poll might be tough for some Americans who think leaving their state is like an overseas trip :).