Southern Africa

This is a view of the "Golden City" from the Post Office tower.

Another view is near Hillbrow, reputedly the most densely populated area in the world! This photograph is from the balcony of St. Kilda's, (St. Kill-em-offs) a boarding house, and taken in winter, when it is freezing cold and frosty. Height of Johannesburg is 6000ft above sea level and 400miles from the nearest beach!

A short holiday in Lesotho

A tiny independent country, like Swaziland, and landlocked within the Republic of South Africa. It used to be known as Basutoland when it was a British Protectorate. Its flag carries the destinctive conical hat for which Basutos are so famous. It is spectacularly scenic, and has a large mountain range (part of the Drakensberg), forming most of its border.

In 1971, this was the main highway through to Maseru, the capital, and everyone traveled on horseback on the Basuto mountain ponies, which could negotiate the steep mountainous regions.

By train to Capetown to catch the boat

A journey on the famous "Blue Train," of steam buff fame. This is crossing the Vaal River, so-named for its murky silt brown colour. Swimming is not advised in most rivers in Southern Africa - the dreaded parasite, Bilharzia, is the penalty!

The Pendennis Castle

Ah the good old days, when things were really civilised and you could take your goods and chattels and move overseas in style, eating all the way (as long as you weren't a landlubber!) Travelling on an ocean liner like the Pendennis castle, below decks on D-deck in a six berth cabin for about a twentieth of what a holiday cruise would cost now, and this was for serious immigration; included in the price was full accommodation for your worldly possessions.

Approaching the Canary Islands, the only day stop on the sixteen day journey from Capetown to Southhampton.

Passing the detritus from the famous Kimberly Diamond mine Big Hole!