Joburg Day Music Festival

Soon after our arrival, our new friend, Carmel, told us about Jo'burg Day - an outdoor day-long concert - and encouraged us to buy tickets. Not knowing what to expect, but up for anything, we bought our tickets (think TicketMaster - which also has outlets at grocery stores - how convenient).

After sitting in bumper to bumper traffic with all the other concert goers (an hour to go 5km), we arrived and parked in a big field, and met Carmel. Carmel led us through masses of people all with umbrellas, blankets and coolers to her family's spot, where they graciously set our a blanket for us, squeezing us in between the neighbors' blankets

We had joined 18,000 others to hear South Africa's hottest pop bands. From our vantage point, we could only see the bands on a huge screen, but when Locnville (think Jonas brothers) came on stage, Carmel's 13 year old daughter had to see them in person. So she and all the other kids in other group made their way right to the stage edge. Children are incredibly friendly and welcoming here, so she happily took Alexander along with her.

Bill getting some Castle Lager.
When in Joburg, do as Joburgers Do

After about 25 minutes, Carmel's son comes back and says he has lost Alexander. "Well, go find him, my boy," says Carmel, "and next time don't say you lost someone's son right in front of the parents." Carmel was not a bit worried, but we know Alexander has not even been in the country two weeks yet, and here he is lost amongs 18,000 others, all looking the same with umbrellas and coolers, and no clear organization. I knew it wouldn't take much to traumatize my dear boy, so we go in search.

Wouldn't you know when I go back to blanket to be there in case he returns by himself, there he is sitting, no worse for the wear. Thank God that boy inherited his father's sense of direction, because had it been me, I'd still be there wondering around the field. The only thing that seemed to be traumatized were his poor ears - deafened by the volume.