So the internet access on the phone doesn't allow me to the blog. I am currently sitting in a restaurant with wifi, posting a few entries at once.

This morning we gathered up our stinky clothes and went off in search of laundry facilities. We found a shop with a bunch of washers and a woman running them. So we dropped it off and came back a couple hours later to clean clothes for about $15.

While waiting, we checked out a couple of malls, and Nelson Mandela Square. We were looking for an ice pack for my swollen ankles and a 220v to USB wall adapter. Apparently neither of these exist in SA. At a cell phone store, we were offered a 220v to USB adapter with a European plug on it, so it clearly wouldn't work here. Apparently we'd then need to go find a European to SA plug adapter. So much for travelling light. I have always hated the advice to "just buy it there", but every now and then I try with a new presumably easy to find item. And every time we get burned.

We then wanted to go up one of the cell towers that has a viewing platforms, but apparently it's been closed since the 80s.

So then we came back to the hotel to cool down at the pool. The weather has been fabulous here. Bright and sunny, cool in the shade. The malls are apparently not air conditioned, though, so it's nicer outside.

I was a little disturbed yesterday to discover that our hotel is surrounded by a brick wall, which is topped with electric fence. It reminded me of Cuba, with the armed guards keeping locals off the resort's beach. But when we went out, I realized everything is surrounded by walls and either electric fence or razor wire. Everything. Even doctor's offices and the recycling depot. Even a large percentage of houses in the townships. It doesn't fit the insistence of the locals that SA is perfectly safe. But then, maybe the over-the-top security is WHY it's perfectly safe.

To be honest, we had a couple of concerning incidents in Amsterdam. And apparently we missed a gunman opening fire at a mall in Amsterdam by a day. So far, SA is slightly better.