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

August 14, 2020 by Roni Filed Under: Africa, Uncategorized

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?

Don’t Be An Idiot And Only Share Toxic Images From Africa

May 14, 2020 by Roni Filed Under: Africa, Ghana, Travel, Western Africa

Do You Love Sharing Disturbing Images From Africa?

Well, do you? One image from Africa that I’m tired of seeing is starving children. So many writers and bloggers always focus on the poverty in Africa. All you ever see out of Africa is children that don’t have enough energy to wipe the flies from their faces.

Does that exist? Of course. There is poverty everywhere. According to the website No Kid Hungry, over 11 million children in America go without enough food every single day. And this statistic was before the Corona Virus completely invaded our lives.

I am sure if you go into your city, you will see homeless people and/or someone begging for money at a freeway off-ramp or at a stop light. Most countries have some type of homeless and hunger problem.

Ghanian School Children

When I traveled to Ghana, I knew I wanted to capture images that people didn’t normally get to see. It is important that we have visuals that represent some of the beauty that is found on the continent, and what is better than seeing well-groomed and healthy kids being educated?

If you are thinking about traveling to Africa, here are 5 things you need to know.

Ghana, like most African countries, is filled with children in bright uniforms according to the school they attend. In Accra, you will see them all around the city. These children aren’t crying and pathetic. These children are happy, vibrant, and thriving.

You may wonder why all of the girls have their heads shaved. In many African counties, it is a requirement for girls to have their heads shaved when attending public school. Find out why shaved heads are mandatory here.

Beautiful Children All Around You In Africa

Don’t the children look neat? Aren’t the colors vibrant? It’s shameful that we don’t get to see more images like this when we read about Africa. Each country on the continent has so much to offer, and all children Africa are not starving. They are not in need of saving, and they are not all destitute.

Even if the family cannot send their kid to school (families must pay fees to enroll their children in school), most kids are clean and well cared for. They may not have all of the things we as Americans deem necessary for happiness, but most have families that love them, food to eat, and a place to lay their head at night.

Are there children in Africa that are starving? Of course there are. But that is not the only story to be told. Children are starving all over the planet and Africa is no exception. However, when only one narrative is being told, that is dangerous and disingenuous. No one says it better than Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her TED Talk. She’s magnificent.

If your travels take you to Africa, please do not litter your social media with images of ugliness. It is so easy to find the beauty when you visit Africa, as it is all around you. Take in the understated elegance and the grace you will see around you. Focus on the liveliness and happiness you will see all around you. Share those images. Share the joy.

Vaccinations For Africa Travel

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

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 Things To Know Before You Travel To Africa

March 23, 2017 by Roni Filed Under: Africa, Travel

Over 30 million Americans visit Africa each year. Americans are slowly starting to understand that Africa is an amazing destination with so much to offer. Before you travel to this phenomenal continent, there are a few things you need to understand. Here are 5 things to know before you travel to Africa that can help you plan a fabulous vacation.

1. Africa is not a country

This may sound crazy, but you have to remember that Africa is a continent and not a country. Many people talk about Africa as it’s one big country when in fact it’s filled with over 50 different countries with hundred of languages, cultures, and customs. Going to Egypt is different than seeing Botswana and South Africa has nothing to do with Djibouti. Each country has its own beauty that is worth discovering.

2. You may need vaccinations

Before you buy your ticket, make sure to check which vaccinations (if any) are needed for the country you’re visiting. Each country has different requirements and you must know what those are. I wrote about my experience with vaccines to Africa in this post. The CDC (Center For Disease Control) will have the necessary travel information for you.

3. The heat can be overwhelming

The heat on the African continent may be very different than what you are accustomed to. Make sure to pack clothing that will help you stay cool yet also be respectful of the culture of which you are visiting.

Be sure to see if shorts, bare shoulders, and/or tight clothing is acceptable in the country you will be visiting. The last thing you would want to do is be disrespectful to the people.

horse back riding in Ghana

4. What you’ve seen on TV is not full reality

Many times, the only thing we see from Africa is starving children and big black men with guns. Africa is so much more than that! Yes there is poverty but please name me one country that doesn’t have poverty or people living on the street. In America our homeless problem is ridiculous yet that’s not the narrative that is told when you hear about the USA.

In Africa there are beautiful beaches and mountains, five star resorts and restaurants, spas, and anything else you can think of that is luxurious. Poverty is not the only thing Africa has, and it’s the least interesting thing about this magnificent continent. The beauty on the continent is unbelievable. Do not let the negativity you see in the media factor in to your traveling decisions. Africa is wonderful.

5. Each country has its own currency

When you travel to Africa you will need to get currency for whatever country you are visiting. Each country has its own money which you will need in order to buy things. You can get money before you leave from AAA if that is an option for you or you can change it at the airport. There are ATM’s all around the continent but just know that you will be given local currency.

Have you been toAfrica? If not, is it on your list?

Best South African Gifts

January 5, 2017 by Roni Filed Under: Africa, Uncategorized

Travel isn’t just something I do, it’s a lifestyle that permeates every part of my life. One of the beautiful things about travel is I’m able to bring back reminders from trips so that I can have a bit of them with me as I return to my life. What a joy to walk in my home and see lovely objects all around and in my closet!

Today I’m offering you the opportunity to experience the best South African gifts without having to leave your home. Many of the products I’ve brought back contain Rooibos which is only found in South Africa. How lovely to be able to wash your face with Olive Oil soap hand crafted by African artisans! Or sit and enjoy Rooibos tea which you can stir with a hand carved marble tipped spoon.

some spoons have marble tips, some have zebras.

Rooibos tea and Olive Oil soap! Such a treat!

These hand made cow bone tribal bangles are a perfect way to keep South Africa in mind.

Aren’t these bangles bangin?

These small hand painted bowls are ideal for either being displayed or can be filled with treats. I use mine for a few office supplies and keep them on my desk. Aren’t the hand-painted animal scenes lovely?

Candy! These treats are all natural and don’t contain any of the gook (yep…gook) that is added to many American products. Isn’t it great to have fruit snacks that don’t contain any harmful additives?

Who wouldn’t want hand carved marble salt and pepper shakers? You can’t get this kind of craftsmanship in most retail stores. How many people do you know season their food with animals carved in their shakers?

If you like everything you see you can have them all! The opening image has all of the items from Cape Town. They can all be yours for $300. If you’re interested please click here to see all that’s included.

I won’t be mad if you share this post with those who appreciate the best South African Gifts! I’ll be back next week with another post, until then please join me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram where I share all kinds of travel tips, pics, and deals!

Did You Know There Was A University In Soweto?

May 2, 2016 by Roni Filed Under: Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa

Did you know there was a university in Soweto? University of Johannesburg has a campus in Soweto and the campus is HUGE! The campus is gated and filled with beautiful South African young men and women. One of the things I love to do is show people the things that can help dispel myths about Africa. I love the continent and have had so many wonderful experiences in every country I’ve visited and I think seeing a beautiful university in a part of town people normally associate with poverty can give a different perspective on Soweto.