Short Travel Stories: My Crazy And Almost Dangerous Uber Ride In Cape Town, South Africa

August 14, 2020 by Roni Filed Under: Africa

I think short travel stories are fun, and boy do I have one for you! When I was spending a month in Cape Town, I used Uber on the daily. It was all kinds of awesome to get into a car and talk to the driver because so many drivers weren’t from South Africa. I met men from all over the continent, and just being able to hear their stories as to why they were in Cape Town and what their country was like was truly wonderful.

And then there was Joe.

We are gonna call him Joe to protect the crazy that is…well…Joe. Ready?

One of My Short Travel Stories

I was leaving the airport in Cape Town when Joe walked up to me. I was in the middle of ordering my Uber when he asked,

CRAZY JOE:”Do you need a taxi?”

ME: “No thanks.”

CRAZY JOE: “I am an Uber driver as well. I can take you.”

ME: “How does that work if I don’t order you?”

CRAZY JOE: “It’s ok. There is a spot outside of the airport where you can order it and I can accept.”

So I said ok and got in the car. Now, in hindsight I shouldn’t have done this, but I was tired, cranky, a bit sad and I just wanted to get back to my apartment.

I’ll spare you all the boring details but after I got into his car and we started driving, Crazy Joe couldn’t get connect with my Uber request. We tried several times and no matter what we did, whenever I requested an Uber, his car would not show up. I must have ordered no less than 8 or 9 Uber rides in hopes that he would get chosen. He didn’t.

Are you looking for cute face masks? I make them!

This whole time we are driving back into the city and getting closer and closer to my apartment. At this point I’m not bothered because I did my part to try and follow the rules he set.

As we get closer to my apartment he says, “So what are we gonna do?”

ME: (trying not to laugh at him) “We?”

CRAZY JOE: “Yes. We. You can’t possibly think I’m going to do this for free?”

ME: I tried to do what you wanted but it didn’t work. I don’t have any cash on me and I’m not going to the bank to get money. I don’t know what you want me to tell you.”

This exchange goes on for a while and we get to my apartment. As I’m getting out he says, “I need you to think like an adult and not a child. You have to pay.”

It’s always a constant battle for me to NOT curse people out when they piss me off. But I’m trying to live by biblical principles so I haven’t cursed anyone out in a while. But I do have a death gaze and I was giving my best one to Crazy Joe.

ME: “Think like an adult?”

CRAZY JOE: “Yes. You are being childish and I need to get paid. That was a long ride and you have to pay me. Here is what we will do. You will order an Uber and I’ll accept. I will drive back out to the airport and stop it when I get back to where I started. Order it now.”

Do you have any idea what my face looked like while he was talking? Oh, he wasn’t finished.

CRAZY JOE: “If you don’t order it I’m going to call the police.”

ME: “Call the cops! They are gonna call you a little punk for being ridiculous over this fare that was your idea in the first place. YOU are the one who approached me. YOU are the one who said you would be able to get the fare. This was all your idea. Go ahead, call them.”

Now at this point, I’m furious. He is being so condescending and truly feels like he’s in the right. I mean…like any part of me was going to let this ~~fool~~ I mean Uber driver take off and drive to who knows where on my account.

By now, I have taken all of my bags inside of the foyer and we are standing face to face. He is starting to scare me because I realize it’s dark, he’s a man, I’m in a foreign country.

I can’t call my uncles to come beat this man up (Ok I try to be non-violent but my uncles don’t live by the same creed as I do so it’s fair to call them) and he knows where I live. I need to end this conversation.

As I close the security gate I said, “I’m not paying you. I tried to do what you wanted, and was even willing to have you come back tomorrow to get some cash. But now you’re being a complete jerk and I’m not giving you one Rand. Call the cops if you want but I’m done with this conversation. The next time you try and be slick, think about how this turned out.” I then slammed the security gate, opened my apartment door, and ran up the stairs.

I can’t lie, I was scared. I mean…he was standing outside of my apartment and he was on his phone. I had NO idea what would happen if the cops came but I knew I wasn’t answering the door no matter what.

I turned off all the lights in my apartment and starting tiptoeing (which was silly. He couldn’t hear me so I had no idea why I was doing that). I looked out of the window after several minutes and he was still there. When I say look, I mean peeked. Cause I was afraid to open the blinds all the way.

Now I did call my lawyer (who was in Los Angeles) because I was a ~~little~~ scared that this man was gonna go wild, call his friends, and harass me. But my lawyer explained I was in the clear and I had nothing to worry about. The cops never came and he eventually left. Thankfully he didn’t come back the next day.

What would you have done?

Have you ever had a crazy taxi/Uber ride?

5 Things You Didn’t Know Were In Soweto

July 20, 2020 by Roni Filed Under: Africa

Soweto is often shown on the news and cable shows, but they seem to focus on the poverty. Yes, there is poverty in Soweto. Did you know there is much more to Soweto than what you’ve probably been shown? Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know existed in Soweto.

5 things you didn’t know were in Soweto

1. University of Johannesburg, Soweto campus

If you believe all of the negativity from most news sources, you’d think there were only starving children in Africa. However, you won’t find starving kids on this campus. You will find hundreds of African students doing what students do all over the world…learning and thriving in comfort and security.

The university was established in 2005, and their mission can be described as follows: “inspiring its community to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge”.

The six strategic objectives of the University are:

Excellence in Research and Innovation.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
An International Profile for Global Excellence and Stature.
Enriching Student-Friendly Learning and Living Experience.
Active National and Global Reputation Management, and
Fitness for Global Excellence and Stature (GES).

Are you surprised that this excellent institution is in Soweto?

2. Beautiful Houses

On my first trip to South Africa in 2003 I was completely blown away when I saw all of the beautiful houses. And there wasn’t just one street, there were several neighborhoods filled with immaculate houses with manicured lawns.

When I went back in 2016, I took another tour and was equally amazed at all of the lovely homes. It seemed that the area had gotten bigger and the homes were even more beautiful than they were when I first visited.

Why it is, do you think, that we never get to see these type of pictures from Soweto? Why is the narrative always one of poverty and despair?

3. World Class Theatre

Whaaaat? A theater in Soweto? Yep, and it’s beautiful inside and out. This theatre has a plethora of choices for thespians of all ages, and you can have enchanting experiences if you choose to spend some time in this lovely establishment. You can find out more information about this theater here.

Did you know I make stickers, greeting cards, and coloring pages? Discover them here!

4. Wine Bar

I ate calamari and drank champagne at this lovely wine bar in Soweto. If you visit Soweto you must stop here, sit on the patio, and enjoy your meal and/or your drink. Plus, this is on the same street as Mandela’s home so you will probably pass it anyway, why not stop?

5. A 4 Star Hotel

Did you know you can have a 4 star hotel experience in Soweto? The picture below is from the lobby which is pretty swanky, right?

And there you have it, 5 things you probably didn’t know about Soweto. One of the things I love most about traveling is sharing my experiences with others. It is my hope that after seeing this post, you are starting to have a different image of what Africa has to offer.

Are you surprised these things exist there? Have you been to Africa?

10 Must See Places To Visit In Kigali

March 1, 2020 by Roni Filed Under: Africa

Photo by Eva Blue on Unsplash

this post contains affiliate links

Are you looking for places to visit in Kigali? Kigali, Rwanda is a hidden gem and should be visited by anyone looking to spend time on the beautiful and diverse continent of Africa. There is so much to see and appreciate about this small yet dynamic country.

Some think that this is simply the city you have to stay in before you go gorilla trekking. That couldn’t be further from the truth. You can spend a week in Kigali without even thinking about gorilla trekking. These 10 places to visit in Kigali will enhance your visit immensely!

10 Places To Visit In Kigali

Question coffee

One of the dopest coffee spots in town, you definitely want to spend some time here. This is a unique cafe in that it is run entirely by Rwandan women. The cafe sits back off the street and is surrounded by beautiful trees. They also have 2 huge patios for you to sit and enjoy your coffee. And they have excellent WiFi!

Ubumwe Grand Hotel

Whether you want to make this you home while in Kigali, or just want to enjoy the rooftop bar/restaurant, this hotel does not disappoint. The hotel is beautifully decorated and the food is delish.

One of the best things about this hotel is the views you get from the rooftop. If you ask nicely, they may let you buy a day pass and spend some time at the rooftop pool.

Like my bathing suit? You can get yours here. I have it in white and blue!

Serena Hotel

Boy oh boy. Talk about lush! This hotel is a must have for Sunday brunch. The brunch is immense and caters to a variety of tastes. You can sit inside or sit outside on the patio and enjoy the live jazz band. Check out the video of the massive buffet here.

They also have a spa and a phenomenal pool. If you have brunch, you will get access to their perfectly landscaped pool for the day.

The Women’s Bakery

So many of the cafes in Kigali have immense charm and this one is at the top of the list. You can sit for hours in the eclectic yet beautifully decorated outside seating, or be taken back to your childhood by hopping on one of their swings.

Kimisagara Market

You can spend several hours in this market, especially if you have a love of beautiful fabric. You can find yourself a seamstress and get a dress made especially for you. Any type of local souvenir is at your disposal in this vast marketplace. You can buy fruits and vegetables that are extremely fresh. Make sure to try the Inkinyomoro fruit.

Headed to Africa? Here are 5 things you need to know before you visit!

The woman in the pic below was selling melons at the market. I asked if I could take her picture, and she allowed me to do it. However, she did charge me. It was the equivalent to a couple of dollars and I had no problem paying her. She’s beautiful, isn’t she?

This is one of the dresses I got made at the market. It took less than three hours from start to finish. I paid $30 to have this custom made for me.

Kigali Art Cafe

The treasure is an expat favorite, so don’t be surprised to see many other cultures from all over the world. The combination of the decor, the dope outside space, the fab food and excellent coffee makes this a must see while visiting. You can follow their Facebook page here.

Inzora Rooftop Cafe

The view alone makes this a place to visit while in Kigali. While the view may be the thing that attracts you to this cafe, the food and tea will keep you coming back over and over again. They also have a pretty good selection of books to choose from. They even have books for kids!

Mt. Kigali

One of the lovely things about Kigali is how different one part of the city can be from another. If you’re looking for a serene place to connect with nature, then you want to visit Mt. Kigali. Here you can get lost amongst the trees or just sit and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Flute Bar

I didn’t get to visit this place personally, but it was on my list. From everything I’ve read about it, it seems to definitely be a place to visit in Kigali. It is definitely the type of spot most people do not think is in Africa.

Poivre Noir Restaurant

This is another place I didn’t get to visit and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t get to eat here. All of their pictures on Instagram make me want to hop on a plane and eat there. If you are heading to Kigali, make this one of the restaurants you experience, as the head chef seems to really know how to make your mouth water for his delectable creations.

And there you have it! 10 places to visit in Kigali that will totally enhance your trip. Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Did you know I am leading a tour to Africa in 2020? Click here for more information.

Here is another post on Africa you may find interesting. It’s all about the beautiful colorful houses you see in Cape Town. Find out why they are painted those bright colors by clicking here!

Vaccinations For Africa Travel

February 4, 2019 by Roni Filed Under: Africa, Planning

Is Africa on your travel list? If not, it should be. Africa is a continent rich in history, elegance, charm, creativity, diversity, and splendor. There is a uniqueness to Africa that is unmatched. However, before you hop on that plane, you need to make sure you have the necessary vaccinations for Africa travel.

Travel Vaccinations For Africa?

There are vaccinations needed when traveling to Africa, and you must find out what they are before you get on the plane. There is no “Africa vaccine” as Africa is made up of over 50 countries, and each country has different vaccination requirements. It is your responsibility to see what it is you need for the country you want to visit.

If you haven’t gotten your vaccinations, no one is going to stop you from buying your ticket, booking your hotel, and making all of your arrangements. However, when you get to the country you want to visit, you will NOT be allowed in the country if you don’t meet the medical requirements. All of the money, time, and effort you put into getting to the country will have been for nothing. So make sure you do your due diligence BEFORE you head to the airport.

Travel Vaccinations for Ghana

The three vaccines in the picture above are the three I had to get for my trip to Ghana:

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A
Meningococcal

My mother traveled with me and she had to get different vaccines, so make sure each traveler checks what their specific needs are. Entrance into Ghana requires the Yellow Fever vaccine. However, there were several recommended shots and pills to take and since I have a tendency to get ill (like I did when I was in Russia) I thought it was best to get everything I possibly could. I also made sure to have my Medical Sheet that has all of my pertinent health info in case I get sick and can’t speak for myself. You purchase and download it, fill it out and keep it for all of your trips.

My insurance covered my vaccinations so I went to the clinic and was able to get everything I needed without charge. Call your insurance provider for your coverage information. If not, there are plenty of offices that handle vaccinations, or you can always call the health department in your area. You will get one of these little yellow books once you get your vaccination. Why not get one of my passport covers and put your book inside of it?

Here is another tip-carry a water bottle with you, so you can have fresh, cold water as you explore the city. With this Life Straw water bottle, you can ensure you have bacteria free water.

Vaccinations for Africa Travel – My Experience

My reaction to my vaccinations for Ghana:

Day 1: My arm was a bit itchy and my throat was sore. I sounded like a family of frogs had moved into my larynx.

Day 2: Kermit invited his whole family to live with him in my throat. I stayed home all day and tried not to speak to anyone as the froggy voice was scary.

Day 3 I had to go to work. That’s always fun when you don’t feel well. My throat and ears were still sore but not as much. My arm was so sore I couldn’t sleep on my side the night before, which is great when you work at an airport and have to handle luggage. Good times. I took two hot baths with Epson salt. Thankfully I was able to leave work early.

Day 4 No sore throat or ears but my neck was sore when I went to sleep, and I woke up with a sore neck. I took Tylenol and by the end of the day, my neck was much better. I took another bath with Epson salts.

Day 5 Almost as good as new! I still had a bit of a stiff neck but my sore throat was gone.

I’m telling you all of this so you can be aware that you may have side effects when you get your travel vaccinations. Oh, by the way, my mother didn’t have ANY effects. None. She said my bad reaction was due to the bad genes I got from my dad’s side of the family (insert her laugh here).

Have you ever had a bad reaction to a vaccination?

5 Ways To Get Around Cape Town

December 10, 2018 by Roni Filed Under: Africa

Are you traveling to Cape Town, South Africa in the near future? Getting around Cape Town, South Africa is really easy and you have several options. One of the best things about transportation around Cape Town is it’s cheap and efficient no matter what option you choose.

5 ways to get around Cape Town

Finger Taxi
Hop on/Hop off bus
My Citi Bus
Uber
Taxi

When you’re in Cape Town, South Africa why not try using several of these options?

1. Finger Taxi

One of the best ways to get around town is using the local “Finger Taxi”. They are all around the city and are mini busses that literally get so full people are crammed into them. I took this several times around the city and it’s only 7 Rand (which is pennies). You can flag these down when you see them, there are no set stops. If you signal to them, they will stop to get you and you can let the driver know when you want to get off of the bus.

My Capetonian friends told me it’s best to get the taxi when it’s full and to always speak to the driver. When you get in, there is usually a guy at the door to take your money and exact change is appreciated.

This is not luxurious way to get around the city, but it’s simple and effective. It’s also a wonderful way to see local life in action. When you are on the bus you may be sitting extremely close to the other passengers as the drivers like to get as many people in the bus as possible.

2. Hop on/hop off bus

This is a tourist bus but also a great way to navigate your way around the city. The bus stops at all of the major attractions in the city and a 2 day pass is available for purchase. This method allowed you to ride the bus as much as you want in a safe and secure ride to your next destination. It’s a wonderful way to get acclimated to the city. NOTE: This bus has designated stops so you can only go to where the bus is already going.

3. My Citi Bus

Riding the public bus is another option to see the city. They have several different routes around the city and the bus is clean. You don’t use cash, you have to use a refillable card which you can get at certain bus stations and kiosks. Click here for the website to find out more information. When you get in the bus you have to swipe your card and you also have to swipe when you get off of the bus.

4. Uber

I used Uber so often during my month in Cape Town! Uber is so efficient and ridiculously cheap! If you don’t have Uber on your phone make sure to download it (it’s free), set up your account, and start riding. In Cape Town, I met so many uber drivers from different African countries and I had some wonderful conversations. It was one of the reasons I enjoyed Cape Town so much.

5. Taxis

Taxis are also an option and probably the most expensive way to get around town. However, expensive is relative because the price of a taxi in Cape Town is still cheaper than taxi rides in most countries.

How do you like to get around when you travel?

Can You See The Beauty?

May 30, 2017 by Roni Filed Under: Africa

What do you see when you look at these pictures? I was taken by the colors and the elegance of this Ghanian woman. She was getting her money together and taking care of her business (that box on the rock was on top of her head).

There is something so striking about her that she caught my eye when I was driving by in a taxi. Yes, there is dirt. Yes, there is trash. However, those items pale in comparison to the class that exudes from this woman.

When I see her I see an extremely dedicated and hard working woman doing what she needs to do in order to take care of herself. Not many of us could carry a heavy box on our head filled with goods and stand out in the hot sun all day and look this beautiful.

Look beyond the dirt roads and see the true picture of elegance and grace. Don’t get caught up in the aesthetics but focus on the story unfolding in front of you. When you travel to countries that don’t have as much as you are accustomed to seeing, remember that most of the people you see work harder than you ever will and instead of pity, give them honor.