Saturday 4th March 2023
I went to another place I love today, the Rand Airport. I was assisting a fellow Johannesburg Heritage guide as he shared his facts, stories and passion about the Art Deco style working airport. It was built in the 1930s as the demand for international flights increased, bringing in air mail from afar. The tour brought in around 40 people from afar too and we explored the different areas of the building. It's still in really good condition with original floors, windows and light fittings.
I'm not sure why the building resonates with me so much. Perhaps it's the feel of a much slower pace of travel, or perhaps it reminds me of my first ever international flight at the age of 5. We stopped to refuel at Las Palmas as South African flights were banned from flying over large areas of the African continent. I remember the parquet floors and huge ceiling fan and the heat!!! It was nighttime and I don't think I'd ever felt humidity like that before. Today was a repeat of many things and it was great wandering around the airport with the group.
I'd worn my 'Katryn Kwarrentyn' air hostessie hat and a few people asked me which airline it was from. I was more of a sheepdog style of hostessie today, with rounding up the stragglers and keeping everyone in the loop.
Next week I have my own tour lined up, on the Gautrain and it would be fantastic if I get half the number of people to join. My heritage tour is on the 1st of April on the west side of town. It's time to start touring!
Let's go!
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