Boarded the Baz Bus next morning and I was finally on my way to Swaziland. As this was the only backpacker bus service that does the Joburg-Swaziland route (R410/S$63), I had to do a 9-hour detour (it would take only 4 hours if I took a mini-van taxi or Kombi but it was considered to be too dangerous for backpackers) via Nelspruit since Baz Bus does a unique hop-on hop-off service where backpackers can board/alight the bus as often as they like as long as they stay along the route. Since I was the first person to board the bus, I got to sit beside the driver and enjoyed the full view. The bus journey was pretty ok (was a bit long though).
Other than admiring the South African countryside (it was so different as compared to Joburg), I was torn in deciding if I should stay in Mbabane (the official and administrative capital) or Manzini (the business capital cum transport hub). Spoke to the driver (he would actually get into trouble if he was caught giving advice to where I should go) and decided to head for Manzini in the end. After clearing the customs at the Oshoek/Ngwenya border post (no major hassles here), the bus speeded past Mbabane and headed for Manzini via MR103. We reached Swaziland Backpackers (8 kms west of Manzini) within 1 hour.
The location (it was formerly a surgeon's residence) was rather quiet (just as what I had wanted because I really needed a good rest) though I thought it was rather expensive to charge E100/S$15.38 (Lilangeni, Swaziland's currency, is pegged to the Rand 1:1) for a bed per night. Quickly went for a swim (yes, there is a pool) but got a bit paranoid because I saw the dogs drinking from the pool later in the evening. Had dinner in the hostel and was in my dreamland before 9pm. I could not even wake up though I knew people were walking in and out of my 10-man dormitory.
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There were major constructions around the city of Joburg (this one was near to the airport); in preparation for the World Cup in 2010.
Headlines on major newspapers
were all questioning on the level of readiness (i.e. security, infrastructure) of hosting the event when they had only less than 500 days before kick off.
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Just like what the driver said, I was getting my meat. Anyway, this was my lunch (Steers Hectic Burger with fries, R26.95/S$4.15) as I was making my way to Swaziland (along N12).
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Maybe I am plain ignorant, but I had not (in real life) seen such large power stations.
- impressions of Duvha Power Station, Mpumalanga, South Africa
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Just 7kms away from the border post (and stepping into the 24th country that I would be visiting), I was naturally as excited as ever.
*No points again for guessing where I was in the photograph.*
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Thought this was a rather nice photograph; a tuckshop appearing nowhere along N17 (i.e. the trunk road leading to the Oshoek/Ngwenya border post. |
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I was finally in Kingdom of Swaziland! Eh, what's next?
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Taken just outside my hostel along the main trunk route (MR103) connecting Mbabane and Manzini.
p.s.:
I was to understand later that the is another highway (i.e. MR3) that links both cities and thus MR103 is not that heavily utilized. |
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"Winless" Manchester United?! Did I had too much beer? That would be like a great dream!
p.s.: After reading the article, I realised it was refering to a team playing in the Premier League of Swaziland. |
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This was dinner I had in the hostel; Honey and Mustard Chicken with Vegetables, Rice and Crispy Salad. It was tasty, but I think it was too expensive for a serving to cost at R40/S$6.15.
I also had the dessert (not in photograph); a piece of chocolate cake for R10/S$1.54. It came from a larger piece of cake that costs R17 (the price tag from Carrerfour was still on). |
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Good morning, Swaziland. I woke up early that morning. Anyway, that couple must had a good night sleep while squeezing themselves to a bed.
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