In the embrace of SOWETO
What and where exactly Soweto is and why backpackers should spend time there?
The idea how of Soweto was established is simple. Move anyone who wasn’t white as far away from the chosen race as possible to the outskirts of Johannesburg, but still close enough that they could be used as a cheap labour.
Soweto is the biggest, most political, most dynamic and easily the best known of South Africa`s townships. Now must be wondering why backpackers should go to this part of Johannesburg, where most of white Jo’burgers haven’t been.
Definitely by far best the way to explore Soweto is staying at Lebo’s Soweto Backpacker hostel and do the very special bicycle tour they offer. I just loved it. Even though the night before was not easy in a sense of dancing and parting, I got up and grabbed my bicycle. We’re cycling along the streets and neighborhoods where tourists normally would never go and this is something that always inspires me. Drinking local homemade beer, learning local dancing steps, playing soccer with children, trying to learn my first Zulu words or staying in safe hotel where nothing can happen to me?
Loads of music was coming from almost every house and it made us cycle and dance at the same time. At the moment I felt like there is neighborhood competition who has better and strongest speakers. I can imagine what kind of story this would be if I do the same back home. Sooner or later policeman would ring my bell telling me, “Lady, you are disturbing your neighbors. Please put your music down or…..” But I’m in South Africa where music never disturbs, it’s just part of a life.
Soweto is home of friendly people, strong community where you have a chance to experience real African culture and have a lot of fun.
Guys from Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers hostel would say: »Give me Hallelujah!”
Notes
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