Thursday 8th December 2022
I slept well and woke excited at my day ahead. I lay for a while realising that I hadn't asked if there were security beams and I didn't want to set off any alarm at 6am so I snoozed until I heard the dog be let out.
It was a lovely morning so I ran towards a church steeple jutting out from suburbia. I passed the Afrikaans Boys school and was greeted by most pedestrians with a big smile. I turned towards the church, Die Oos Kerk and saw that on the opposite side was the other 'church' the rugby stadium, Loftus Versveld. I managed to get a look inside the church and then ran around the stadium grounds. I passed the university, the Girls School, some nice buildings and a hotel or two. I loved it.
My second phase training started at 10am and one of the students was doing his practical tour. Today was calmer than yesterday and by lunchtime we were finished. I had a typical local meal of a jaffel and condensed milk coffee before I set back off to the top of the monument.
I have been almost reluctant to return to this monument so the past two days have been mind changing. The monument is being managed brilliantly and I was very impressed by how the narrative has softened but the history can't be changed. The views from the top were breathtaking and the world looks lush and healthy. I took the lift to the top but walked down the stairs. After walking through the museum again slowly I made my way to the car.
On the road out, there was a crossroad so I turned left and found myself at Fort Schanskop. It was quiet but also well maintained and offered different views of the city and the monument. The hills and mountains make it feel like it's far away from the rush of the city. I'm very impressed with Pretoria and I am looking forward to exploring more of it in the months to come.
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