At 9:00 AM two van loads of Temple Missionaries set out for Pretoria about 50 miles north east of Johannesburg. Pretoria is one of two providential capitals the other in Cape Town. I served my last few month in Pretoria back in 1967.
Our first stop was at the Jan Smuts home and museum. Jan Smuts was a true Afrikaaner Statesman back in the late 1800's and early to mid 1900's. He died in 1950. He received his double law degree from Cambridge College (the first and only student to do such) in London before returning to South Africa to become a most prominant political and militrary influence. Between South Africa and England he played vital governmental and political roles . While in England he developed and established the Royal Air force. He also lad the South African troops against Germany in North Africa. His final triumph was to represent South Africa in the creation of the League of Nations.
After visiting the museum we headed out for the own of Pretoria to have lunch and to visit the Union Buildings. We drove around trying to find this local place where several eateries were located such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds and a great Fish & Chip place. The majority of us decided to have Fish & Chips - something your Gail has been waiting for - for a long long time. It was great and they gave you enough chips (fries) to feed three people..
After lunch we drove to the Union Buildings, home to one of the Capitals of South Africa. The government spends the six months in summer in Pretoria and then 6 months of winter in Cape Town. This was done as part of the settlement between the two governing parties and is why they call it the "UNION" Building.
While traveling to and from Pretoria we saw two Spring Buck, two Wildebeasts and one Ostrich. Home for a brief rest, and then to finish our day with FHE: an African movie & refreshments in the Evans' flat.
It really was tough to have to spend our 1st Monday touring with 7 other couples and a set of 2 sisters. We keep pinching ourselves that a mission can be so fun and wonderful!
Are you sure you are on a "mission" and not just another social gathering. You are going to have a lot of fun it sounds like. We totaly understand about the heaps of chips. We have learned that one "scoop of chips" goes a long way. This part of the world really knows how to make a good fry that's for sure! I hope the airplane can hold the extra weight we've put on!
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