The
Cradle of Humankind is an hour or so out of Johannesburg and was named as such when it became a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Apparently about 40% of all we know about our human origins comes from fossils and geological information dug up in this area. There are fantastic caves to explore and museums, game reserves and trout farms to visit - and if you are lucky enough to go
fossicking around there, be sure to stop off for lunch at
The Cradle, which is a privately owned nature reserve within the World Heritage Site that serves a world class lunch. It is owned by a certain
Prospero Bailey who is the grandson of one of Johannesburg's famous "
randlords" who became super wealthy through the discovery of gold at the end of the 19
th century in Johannesburg. His father was the founder and editor of the magazine
Drum.
The first thing you see on the way in is a quirky fallen angel in high heels - a bronze sculpture by
Prospero's brother,
Beezy Bailey, one of South Africa's well known artists. There is also a large
painting of his that hangs on the wall of the restaurant - of the artist as an angel of sorts.
We went on a game drive in a Land Rover (no
Toyotas in sight!) and saw some interesting antelope, birds and grassland flowers, and this intriguing piece of rock that has has been polished to
resemble a meteorite and has ribbons of lettering in lots of
different languages wrapping around the shiny, iron-rich rock.
For an interesting article in the NY Times on The Cradle,
click here.
We caught the brand spanking new Gautrain from Sandton to O.R. Tambo airport in Johannesburg and were most impressed with the ease, speed and sheer "class" with which we found ourselves at our destination, on time. It seems that impetus to build the Gautrain system was the news that we were to host the World Cup in 2010 - which was very timely.
A luxurious stay in a very special place in the Magaliesberg - about an hour out of Johannesburg. 
Quiet Mountain has a few farm animals, friendly dogs and cats, wonderful decor in a beautifully restored and converted tobacco drying shed and fabulous food. Relax by the pool, play croquet or billiards, hike up a mountain, read in the library, stroll in the gardens or sleep in the soft and comfy rooms.
The Cradle of Humankind is an hour or so out of Johannesburg and was named as such when it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Apparently about 40% of all we know about our human origins comes from fossils and geological information dug up in this area. There are fantastic caves to explore and museums, game reserves and trout farms to visit - and if you are lucky enough to go fossicking around there, be sure to stop off for lunch at The Cradle, which is a privately owned nature reserve within the World Heritage Site that serves a world class lunch. It is owned by a certain Prospero Bailey who is the grandson of one of Johannesburg's famous "randlords" who became super wealthy through the discovery of gold at the end of the 19th century in Johannesburg. His father was the founder and editor of the magazine Drum.
The main reason for the visit to Johannesburg was to attend the wedding of Julia and Troy. The reception was at the Johannesburg Country Club in Woodmead. This is the moment that the bride throws her bouquet - and the theory is that whoever catches it will be the next bride. 
Caught by Blessings! There will be a long wait for the next wedding as Bless is only about 8 years old.
We have just returned from a visit to Johannesburg and surrounds - so this Cape Town blog will have to give over to Jo'burg for the next few days as I didnt manage to get onto the Internet while I was away. This is the view of the city skyline from my son's apartment in Bedfordview.
Cape Town Time