As you read about The Adventure of …., have “train going over wooden railway sleepers” sound track – clackety clack clackety clack – in the forefront of your mind. Going over in your head, again and again …rhythmically … try to stay awake though….
Let me introduce myself … I am a dark blue four wheeled trolley bag (aka Wheelie bags in SA) made of high quality fabric, made to “Lighten Loads, Maintain Correct Posture & Look Good.”
My trip up to Jhb aka The big Smoke – TBS – began very early on a crisp autumn morning in the Natal Midlands. Leaving our little farm cottage nestled safely amongst the trees in our garden, full of bird song, sounds of the farmyard chickens starting the day, and surrounded by fields of maize and newly cut lands that up until a week ago, was home to our silage grass mix of sunflowers and other grasses that attracted birds and insects, I headed down the truck infested N3 down to the little country airport, Oribi. After dealing with a parking ticket machine on the blink, avoiding getting covered in mud as we get out the car, double checking our car lock was working, and with no coffee shop in sight to fortify MP (My Person), we boarded our flight and headed out. The flight calmed my nerves that were on the edge of fraying with anticipation of not knowing exactly want awaited me on the other side (OTOS) aka TBS.
Clackety clack clackety clack
I started my Long Walk to the Gautrain. Scanning my surroundings surreptitiously for signs, stalkers, Dangerously Close Strangers (DCS) and a wheelie bags ultimate nemesis – steps. It would not be a good look to be Walking With Purpose (WWP) missing all the potential murderers and thieves (nudge nudge wink wink) only to trip over an ambush of steps! I don’t know who I was trying to kid, my person (MP) had on extremely sensible shoes, a backpack securely on her back and her handbag across her body – look like a tourist much? Then, horror upon horror, I had to change trains to get to Rosebank …… upon seeing MP’s reaction to this bit of news the security guard took pity on me and gave MP detailed instructions on where the platform would be and how to get there – “I promise it is easy …straight up the stairs”
Clackety clack clackety clack
But while on the first leg of my journey, the adventure spirit in MP started to surface. She wanted to explore Sandton City in all its glory and so I find my way to Nelson Mandela Square. Here I could enjoy the fresh (ish) air (not Recycled Shopping Centre Air – RSCA). While trying to sit unobserved in the mix of the beautiful people of Sandton and do some people gazing there was a commotion next to me. In the chaos which involved a customer, his brother, the manager, the waiter, a fellow patron aka a doctor and paramedics, I was separated from my jersey. All’s well that ends well for the humans … but not for MP’s jersey …. When MP got handed it back, it had a liquid “spill” on it , so along with a tip the waiter who served MP coffee is also the proud owner of a (very nice, grey with floral cuffs and hem line – not warm enough for the arctic colds but a nice and light covering for the chilly midlands evenings when you go out for a fancy dinner wearing high heels … ) jersey.
Clackety clack clackety clack
Next was exploring the Sandton Library. Lots of lovely books. The perfect place for me to while away the time …while MP looked around and lounged comfortably doing some planning…. unfortunately, MP could not enjoy the BIG R20 book sale as I was already feeling like a donkey transporting third world supplies …
Clackety Clack Clackety Clack – please wheels don’t sing “I want to break free …” now, I Need you.
Next, MP thought she could use a little nature to calm her shattered nerves so took an Uber (you guessed it) to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens which is linked to Emmerentia Dam. Unfortunately, the Uber dropped us off at the “main gates” (in the middle of Nowhereville, JHB). While looking at a directional board, trying to look not too destitute a helpful, happy cyclist rides up and points in the direction of the dam shouting “it is a lovely walk” – Clackety Clack Clackety Clack – was he being serious …..MP looked like a tortoise with all her worldly belongings …. But he was just trying to be helpful and not appear to be a snob
Clackety Clack Clackety Clack
Another entrance and another Uber. This time to MP’s final destination for the day …
We arrived before visiting hours but nothing “smile and wave” could not solve but … MP had hands full of take away coffees and a mask covering her “nose and mouth” …so with more WWP, no looking left or right, plotting my route and scouting out the terrain, I honed in on my pray … no Nazi nurse was going to stare me down … the stare MP gave out would have even scared a taxi driver in South Africa – no mean feat
Clackety clack clackety clack
After visiting hours, another destination, and another Uber …. I arrive at my B and B and my initial uncertainty gives way to a flood of relief when the gate bell is answered, and they confirm that “yes they do have room at the inn” … only then did MP realise that her “booking” was actually only an enquiry and NOT confirmed …
Supper and another Uber… this time Uber eats!
Saturday dawns bright ish and cheerful ish- with rain clouds hovering like a bowler in the outfield. Ever present and watching EVERYTHING that is going on … MP politely ask the B and B to pleases keep me, she will fetch me later and heads off to explore Parkview. On her return she said “Wow big, beautiful trees, big sidewalks, dog walkers, runners and no clackety clack in ear shot …”
Trust me to miss out on the beautiful things and get all the drama ….
Pink Farm Chick 