Johannesburg & Soweto

Reflecting on my trip to South Africa and trying to decide on what to write about a destination that I've been to so many times it suddenly hit me.  Why do I love South Africa and why is it my favorite destination?  This is what I want to share with you.  I love each part of the country that I visit differently as they are each so different from the esthetics to the people.  First going through the photos (1800 total) Howard Little of Video Twist Productions took, I decided the best way to write about South Africa and what I love would be in segments, first starting with Johannesburg & Soweto.

Not only was Johannesburg & Soweto the first city we visited, it's a great place to start.  Notice, I did not say cities.  That's because SOWETO is not a city but rather an acronym for South Western Townships, the area that blacks were forced to live during apartheid.

Johannesburg is forever changing and is now making a comeback.  There was a mad exodus once apartheid ended that was the result of fear, uncertainity and an influx of immigrants.  At one point not too long ago Johannesburg was completely abandoned and gave way to the growth of surrounding suburbs like Sandton.  Sandton is where a lot of businesses moved to and is where our hotel, the Michelangelo is, along with Mandela's Square, a bustling center for business, dining and shopping.  When I interviewed Laura Vercueil, PR Manager for Johannesburg Tourism, she said that Johannesburg in a word is vibrant.  The city has come to life with the arts, culture and a new train the Gautrain that is bringing people from the suburbs to the city.

There's a lot of history about apartheid in Johannesburg & SOWETO as it was the epicenter of the time and SOWETO is the largest township in the country.  It's very emotional and to some quite infuriating.  After we visit the Apartheid Museum, Hector Petierson Memorial and Museum, Constitution Hill, The Mandela House, The Regina Mundi Church and an actual township you are emotionally drained.  You're glad you went, enjoyed the experience and walk away with an appreciation for resilience and people who are prideful.

SOWETO is the home to the most famous street in the world, Vilakazi Street, where two Nobel Piece Prize Laureates once lived.  Prisoner to President - Nelson Mandela and Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu.  I love to see the surprise on everyones face when they learn and see that SOWETO does not represent poverty but the home to millionaires and famous people.  Of course there is poverty, but it's also a diverse home of strength, pride, history and a great example.  When you go, you have to visit the places I have mentioned, the museums and memorials but you also have to stop and talk with people and just hang out to get the true feel of SOWETO.  Another way to mix and mingle is to visit a local place for lunch and chat with some of the other patrons.  One that is very famous is Wandi's, everyone from Presidents to locals have lunched there.  You can also do what we did and visit a B&B like Robby's to have lunch.  The lunch is prepared by the lady of the house, Sophie.  This is real home cooked soul food.  What a treat.

Every morning when I had breakfast at my hotel, the people who worked there greeted me with a smile.  But this wasn't just service with a smile, it was welcome to my country and enjoy your stay.  Going to dinner at a restaurant in Mandela's Square I had a choice of Italian, African, Indian, Seafood, Greek just to name a few and not to mention the many restaurants and fast food outlets inside the mall. Each place I visited the people were kind and made you feel welcome.  The people we encountered at the places we visited along the way were helpful, polite, willing to speak with you and interested in you.  I only hope that we treat people the same way and make them feel welcomed in our country.

Photo Show for Johannesburg & Soweto

Enjoy,
Ja'Vonne Harley
Host, The Traveling Eye
President, Advantage International

South Africa

I'm back from a wonderful trip to South Africa.  We did the usual Johannesburg, Soweto, Safari & Cape Town.  This time however we also attended the Cape Town Jazz Festival.

One thing I have realized is that South Africa is about it's people.  Everyone I spoke to from our group members to entertainers the one thing they all agree on and actully state as the number one reason they love South Africa is "the people".  The people of South Africa are warm, friendly, gracious, generous and  authentic.  They love their country and show such pride in who they are and what their country has to offer to the world.  They also love others and take interest in who you are and in that hospitality make you feel welcomed.

When I spoke to Patty Austin and James Ingram, who were there performing at The 13th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival,  they both spoke of the people and how much they love South Africans.  When I attended their performances I watched with pride as the audience new every word and sang along.  The way they loved the music from American artists made me proud to be American.  Ms. Austin and Mr. Ingram both have been to South Africa before and say they just love coming back because of the reception they receive and the warmth of the people.

People always ask me what is my favorite destination and with conviction I always say South Africa.  Each time I go back I fall in love again.  From the housekeeper who cleans my hotel room and greets me in the morning or at turn down to the CEO of South African Tourism who spoke so passionately about their pride.  Each person makes you feel special and that they want you see and know their country and why it is so special.  The tour guides speak with such passion you forget they are tour guides and see them as friends telling you their story.  The people you meet on the street welcome you with such pride and tell you about the things you must see and do.  The rangers on safari are your teachers and want you to leave not just knowing about the big five but about the little things that make their wildlife unique and special, like pulling mint leaves from a bush, telling you the story of the weaver bird, showing you how to recognize animal foot (paw) prints.  Being patient with the most crazy questions and comments. All the while treating you like a friend.  Having lunch at Robby's, a B&B in Soweto wasn't like having lunch at an establishment but rather going to your aunties house.

Of course, South Africa has the wild life, scenic beauty, food, wine, luxury accommodations, excellent highways and infrastructure, fantastic shopping and all the things that make a destination great but after speaking with Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism of North America and learning that out of the nine groups of people and nine languages not one has a single word for stranger, it explains it all.  Each and every visitor I have met or traveled with to South Africa agree that their favorite part about South Africa "The people"

Until we meet again....
Ja'Vonne Harley

Travel Gifts

Merry Christmas!

Want to know what to get jet setter in your life.  OK, they may not be a jet setter but if they travel they'll appreciate one of these gifts for Christmas. 

The Silk Travel Blanket:
Why we love it? It's yours and yours alone.  It hasn't been used by thousands of other people.  We also like the weight of it and the foot pocket.  Use it on the plane, in the car or at the hotel, especially if you are sensitive to detergents.
Cost: $42.85

Magellan's Smart Lite Travel Alarm Clock:
Why we love it? It's small, has a back light that turns on automatically, large LCD display and an ascending volume.
Cost: $20.85

Balanzza Mini Luggage Scale:
Why we love it? It's compact and you get to weigh your luggage before the airline does.  No surprises.  It also has an ergonomic handle, displays in pounds and kilogram and will store your bags weight in memory so you can read it after you put it down.
Cost: $25.00

Folding Noise Canceling Headphones:
Why we love it?  NOISE CANCELING! Well that's the number one reason.  It drowns out the surrounding noise so all you hear is your music or movie.  We also like that it's folding so it packs nicely.
Cost: $69.95

Magellan's On Tour Under seat Rolling Tote:
Why we love it? It's lightweight, fits under the seat, made of rough ballistic nylon, has lots of pockets inside and out, and did I say fits under the seat!  Had to say it again.
Cost: $99.00

Smart Packing DVD:
Why we love it?  We travel a lot and see tons of people with too much luggage.  Here's a tutorial on packing.  It will save you time, money and back pain!
Cost: 14.85

Magellan's Aluminum Travel Wallet
Why we love it? Beside the fact that it looks nice and is sleek, it has RFID protection in the design.
Cost: $29.50

Magellan's EveryWear Women's Hipster Travel Brief:
Why we love it? They're designed for travel, won't bunch, very soft, stretchy and they look nice.
Cost: 14.50

Travel Combination Converter/Adaptor Plugs:
Why we love it? It automatically switches itself based on the appliance combining the function of a transformer converter and the converter for heating appliances.
Cost: $48.85

Magellan's Luxe Inflatable Seat Cushion:
Why we love it? It has Motion Response which means it moves when you do.  It also looks nice and can be used on planes, trains, ships, cars or stadiums.
Cost: $29.85

Women's Voyager Convertible Travel Jacket:
Why we love it? It fits a women's shape! Can you believe what you can put in it's multi-pockets? Umbrella, iPad, phone, guidebook, maps, compact camera, water just to name a few.  The sleeves zip off and it's water-resistant and machine washable.
Cost: $129.50

Mobile Power Flex DC to AC Adaptor:
Why we love it? It gives your car an electrical outlet.  It converts your cigarette lighter into a wall-style AC outlet.  It has a 300 watts of surge capacity protection and automatic shut down to protect your cars battery.
Cost: $34.85

The above items are all found at www.magellans.com.

Please note that all of these items were selected by The Traveling Eye team because these are the items we love and use!

Other items we love

Pocket Purifier:
Why we love?  We're not germophobes but we recognize that being around alot of people in areas that are not always cleaned thoroughly, impurities can spread and make you sick.  The Pocket Purifier is a handheld germ killing UV light.  It's compact and can be used on just about any thing.  One thing I use it for is the back seat tray on planes.
Find it at www.purelyproducts.com/pocket-purifier

Arm Pocket Sport 20:
Why we love it?  it fits on your arm, is moisture resistant and holds touch screen devices, ID, credit cards and keys.  Great for working out or on a day of touring to keep your items from harms way.
Find it at www.armpocket.com

ETA Neck Pillow & Blanket:
Why we love it?  If you've ever listened to our show you have heard me on numerous occasions talk about how much I love the traveling neck pillow and having my own blanket.
Find it at www.etatravelgear.com

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas from The Traveling Eye!

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING...ROME

The booties

These boots are made for walking, the streets of Italy that is.  I was concerned with my recent trip to Italy because I knew that touring Italy means walking.  While I normally love walking a city, my concern was that this summer I broke my big toe and have been slowly making my way into shoes.  I have tennis shoes (for working out only) and high heels.  So, I purchased a pair of booties just prior to my departure and hoped they would support me through my days in Rome, the Tuscany Region and Venice. You see, in Italy you don't see many tennis shoes.  It's all about fashion. The average person is fashionable but their old sidewalks and uneven pavement are murder on heels.  Booties don't fail me now.

I actually wore my booties on the plane.  They have one zipper at the heel which makes them easy to take off and put back on.  They have a one inch heel and are of the softest leather.  Boy, were they comfortable even after my feet swelled a bit. Can't seem to lay off the wine!

Colosseum

Trevi Fountain

Bonnie and me walking down Spanish Steps

We began touring right after arriving with only enough time to check into our room and freshen up. First stop, Rome and a walk around the outside of the Colosseum. What was evident to me after listening to our guide is that my history of the Colosseum was derived from movies.  While Hollywood stays pretty close to the true history, some creative embellishment has been implemented.  For example; As told by our guide, the symbol for "to the death" is not a thumbs down. The gesture is made with the thumb to side with a swipe across the throat. Another misrepresentation pointed out by our guide is that masses of Christians were persecuted at the Colosseum. The Colosseum was the arena for wild animals brought in from Africa battling during the day and gladiators battling in the afternoon.  How are the feet? So far so good! Later that afternoon the Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps.  Absolutely love the energy at both.  Filled with crowds of tourists from all over the world taking photos and just hanging around along with locals busying about.  Trevi Fountain, Fontana di Trevi,  is a beautiful site and half the fun is jockeying for position to throw your coin in, in hopes of a return on your investment of returning to Rome, a tradition of legend that doesn't seem to be lost on anyone.  It's a beautiful piece of art that stands out among the crowds and chaos. The fountain was completed in 1762 by Nicoli Salvi, who was commissioned by Pope Clement XII. It took 30 years to be built. The Spanish Steps or Piazza de Spanga ascends to the French Church Trinita dei Monti.  At the bottom of the steps is Fontana della Barcaccia, the fountain, shaped like a small boat. The 137 steps in three tiers begs a climb to the top for a fantastic view of Rome and the square below. So far my booties are still comfortable. Suggestion:  Do your reading on the history ahead of time and do these two sites on your own so you can take your time and soak up the scenery. Side bar: On our walk from The Trevi Fountain to The Spanish Steps we window shopped.  Store window after store window wowed us with the most stylish shoes and hand bags.  The highest heels I've ever seen and the sharpest styles. Red ones, black ones, ones covered in crystals, feathers or fringes.  The most outlandish...a pig bag.  A large bag shaped like a pig covered in crystals!

After our day of touring the hunger pangs started knocking.  We gathered the group and headed to Renovatio La Soffitta for our welcome dinner. La Soffitta is a small restaurant, as most are in Italy and is located near The Vatican.  When in Rome, well you know the rest...we had a traditional five course meal starting with Antipasti (dried meat selection, cheese selection, olives and marinated vegetables).  First Course or Primi Piatti or Pasta course; Rigatoni alla Marinara and meat lasagna.  Third course insalata or salad.  Main course or Secondi Piatti, Saltimbocca alla Roma, a thin piece of veal with a lemon sauce. Fifth course DESSERT.  We had a selection of different Italian desserts, a lemon cheese cake made with ricotta cheese, of course tiramisu and a variety of tarts Italian donuts, one was soaked in Ameretto that was like taking a shot.

Nothing to do with my booties, my feet needed a well deserved break and now with my belly full, my body needed a good stretch and a good night sleep.

Shot from the Sistine Chapel

I've been to Rome a couple of times and had never gone to The Vatican Museums.  Actually, I never had an interest in going.  I know what you're thinking.  Who's not interested in The Vatican.  I can't tell you why, I just wasn't.  Needless to say, I am so very glad I did.  It was fa-bu-lous!  The architecture, the paintings, the tapestries, the history, the serenity.  I could go on and on.  There are currently 13 Vatican Museums that make up the complex housing works of art through the centuries with different Popes adding to the collection over time.  It was founded by Popes Clement XIV and Pius VI. But of course the most famous are the Sistine Chapel and the works of Michelangelo.  There's a photo I took and I'm not sure it captured what my natural eye lens saw but it's of a group of cardinals in a corridor.  This sounds simple enough but the lighting and placement spoke volumes.  We were then in the midst of a parade of cardinals with varied styles, different head coverings and swagger, yes swagger. One had on a fedora and a top coat draped over his shoulders.  They were of different ethnicity from different parts of the world.  What a treat!  From the beginning of tour outside of the cathedral to the end finishing with Swiss Guards colorfully clad, I was enthralled!  The Vatican City is a must see.  By the way...booties and feet still feeling fine!  Suggestion:  Go on a guided tour so you'll know what your seeing and to skip the long lines.

Where we stayed:  Hotel Giulio Cesare or as we would say Julius Cesar.  This is a four star property located at Via degli Scipioni and near St. Peters Basilica.  If you go to the roof top at night you get a beautiful view of the Basilica.  This is a 19th century partician villa that has every bit of Italian charm.

South Africa's Taste Makers Series

Last Wednesday, I attended the first of South Africa Tourism's Taste Makers Series in New York at Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant Red Rooster in Harlem.  The Taste Makers Series is a marketing campaign to reconnect African Americans to South Africa.

There is such a kinship with African Americans and Black South Africans.  Starting from the parallels of segregation and apartheid and continuing with cultures that are very similar from signature music that's born out of experiences, soulful foods and gatherings that are unique to Juke Joints in America and Shebeens in South Africa.

Wednesdays event was elegantly casual.  The food Red Rooster presented, which is indicative of his menu,  was a fusion of African American and African cuisine like Fried Chicken with a spicy curry sauce, bread bowls filled with pulled curried chicken and spicy shrimp.  We were serenaded by Lorraine Klaasen with soulful South African Jazz and given inviting presentations from industry experts and frequent travelers to South Africa, one of which was yours truly.  The presenters painted a picture of the many wonderful experiences you can have in South Africa from cultural to the most adventurous.  South Africa is truly a place where you "Leave Ordinary Behind"

I'd like to thank Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism, USA and her team in New York for putting together such a wonderful event and including Advantage International in their Taste Makers Series.

Advantage International has two South Africa trips coming up in February and March 2012.  For more information on either trip visit our website

MLK, Jr. Memorial

Hey there,

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to be in Washington, DC for the MLK, Jr. Memorial and Dedication.  As you know the weekends events including the dedication were canceled due to Hurricane Irene, that had a direct path up the the east coast of the United States.  Because of the uncertainty of the velocity of the hurricane/storm, the events organizers with consultation from the city and FEMA, thought it would be in the best interest and safety of all to make the decision to cancel the weekends activities.  While I initially thought the decision was made too early, our friend, Alpha Phi Alpha alumni and Greats Lakes Zone Director Multicultural Markets at State Farm Insurance, advised us that one of the main reasons the decision was made early was because of the number of travelers coming for the day by bus.  It could have been disastrous to have people stranded on a bus and without shelter. Fortunately for those who were already in town, the Memorial was opened earlier in the week and stayed open until noon Saturday.  This gave us the opportunity to see the Memorial. As they are saying, there is a King among Presidents on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The MLK, Jr. Memorial is not only the first person of color represented on the Mall but is the only non-president on the Mall. This makes for a Monumental occasion!!!

We arrived on Thursday afternoon along with many others who flew in on American Airlines.  We saw so many Alpha's at the airport and on the plane with us.  The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, one of the major contributors, had their own list of activities and events for the Memorial and Dedication weekend.  The men I met along the way, of all ages, were so proud to be a part of this Memorial.  I got a glimpse of the Alpha's at their private event and visit to the Memorial.  All the men were dressed in black and gold, the fraternity's colors, marching toward King's statue.  Thursday evening the announcement was made that there would be cancellations of the some of the events. 

Craig, Bonnie, Ja'Vonne, Wayne

Bonnie, Craig Gilmore, Ja'Vonne

Denyce Graves & Ja'Vonne Harley (Me)

So, Friday we made a concerted effort to see and do as much as we could before Irene showed up in Washington, DC.  Friday, actually turned out to be a beautiful day.  It rained in the morning and quickly gave way to a partly cloudy day.  We started our day with our radio broadcast from the Washington Convention Center.  The convention center was to be the venue of many of the events throughout the weekend.  On this day they still had the exhibition hall open, although it would close earlier than scheduled, the ladies of legend luncheon and the radio broadcasts.  We then did some shopping around the exhibit hall.  The MLK Memorial Book Store was there and where we spent most of our money and time.  We purchased commemorative items and I got a piece of the granite stone that was used to carve the Mountain of Despair that King protrudes from.  There were 5,000 pieces and I got one of them.  After our shopping spree we headed over to Constitution hall to interview and visit with one of my high school friends and famous mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves, who was also performing later that night.  We were there during the rehearsals of the APA's Theatrical & Musical Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We were able to catch Denyce in her dressing room.  Now, we're off to the main attraction...The MLK, Jr. Memorial!!! Not know where to enter, I looked at the map from the event schedule and directions from different Metro stations.  They all directed us to 15th Street.  This was a little confusing since I saw the entry portal on 17th Street.  Anyway Bonnie and I walked down 18th Street and headed towards 15th Street, but then I questioned this decision and headed back up Independence Avenue to 17th Street before we had gone too far and there it was.  We saw two pillars of stone and lots of people coming and going.  The two pillars of stone are the entry portal.  As you walk through the entry portal you see one 30 foot stone, to the left and right is a wall of quotes (The Inscription Wall) that bends around the Memorial like arms stretched out wide.  On each side of the stone is a quote "Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope" and "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness". Then you see King, coming out of the stone or mountain with arms crossed and facing the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial.  It's a peaceful area that has a feeling of reflection.  There are places to sit and visitors did just that as they chatted with one another.  I can only imagine what it will look like when the cherry trees are in full bloom and at night when the Memorial is illuminated.

I'm definitely going back in the spring when the trees are in bloom!!!!  Maybe you'll join me!

Until our next journey together.
Ja'Vonne Harley, Co-Host - The Traveling Eye, Owner - Advantage International, LLC

CHICAGO CityPASS

Ja’Vonne and I recently became tourist in our own city by using the Chicago CityPASS.   With the CityPASS we were able to visit five out of seven major Chicago attractions at a much discounted price.  The CityPASS also put us on the fast track to the head of lines and entrance to some exhibits. 

We had a great time going from attraction to attraction.  I think our favorite was the Skywalk on the Skydeck of Willis Tower.  I was a little hesitant to step out on the Skywalk high above the streets of Chicago but Ja’Vonne convinced me to go for it and it was awesome. 

We found that the CityPASS was a great and economical way to enjoy the city. 

The Traveling Eye and Chicago CityPASS would like to give you a chance to win the CityPASS experience.  One person has the chance to win 2 City Passes by easily answering 3 questions.  You MUST email your answers to thetravelingeye@aol.com and you must get all 3 questions correct.  We will announce the winner on our Friday, August 12^th show on 1690WVON between 11AM and Noon. You may also listen to The Traveling Eye by going to www.wvon.com or watch us live in studio at www.thetravelingeye.com.  Are you ready?

1.    1. Before becoming what it is today, this CityPASS destination was the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exhibition. It was also, at one time, the Field Museum of Natural History.

2.    2. This attraction was located on the corner of State and Monroe before moving to its present location. It now holds more than 5000 years of human expression from cultures around the world.

3.    3. From this attraction one can see 360 degree views of the city, up to 4 states, and over 80 miles.

Answer these three questions and you can win 2 City Passes to visit 5 of Chicago’s great attractions. You must email your answers to thetravelingeye@aol.com.  We will announce the winner on Friday, August 12, 2011, during our show on WVON between 11AM to Noon Central time.

Good Luck and remember to keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie