The Other Spot

Jo’burg, Jozi, JHB …. different name to refer to Johannesburg, the largest and most populous city in South Africa (and one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world). Also known as eGoli ( “place of gold” in Zulu), Johannesburg is the capital of the province of Gauteng, but not the national capital (as is often erroneously believed).

Johannesburg is known worldwide for large-scale trade of gold and diamonds, thanks to its location in the hilly area of the Witwatersrand, which were rich in minerals but currently nearby mines have been exhausted. The city is located to 1,775 meters above sea level. Its International Airport O.R. Tambo is the largest and busiest in Africa, and thence derive flights to highly visited sites like Cape Town, Durban and the Kruger National Park.

In Johannesburg, the weather is usually dry and sunny, with an average maximum temperature reaches 26 º C in January down to 16 ° C in June. It has about 6 million trees in what is considered one of the world’s largest forest between those created by man. However, in recent years, deforestation has progressed.

The South African Constitutional Court (the Supreme Court of the country) is at Constitutional Hill. Previously worked as a prison, where they kept the aparteheid political prisoners. Just the Apartheid Museum is a must for all tourists. It was opened in 2001 and contains numerous audiovisual material on the regime by law separating blacks and whites. Like other parts of the world, Johannesburg is still a city with a strong contrast between the rich white minority and black populations living in poor conditions.

Another interesting museum is the Mandela Museum, which is located in the former home of former president and Nobel Peace Prize Nelson Mandela. The Mai Mai market, one of the oldest in the city, you can buy ancient medicines, herbal and natural products.

The Guildhall Pub is located in central Johannesburg since 1888. Su actual propietario, Kurt Tille, lo ha actualizado para recibir a sus comensales con todas las comodidades del siglo XXI, pero sin perder su esencia.

Johannesburg, like other South African cities, is preparing to receive the World Cup in 2010. An excellent excuse for preparing the trip …