Early Monday morning, we started our adventure to get from Johannesburg to Mafikeng (side note, Mafikeng is actually spelled three different ways and I’m still trying to understand which is the correct one – very confusing – as the answer changes based on who you ask!)

The 14 IBMers from CSC South Africa 12 team plus our trusted advisor, John, gathered with all our luggage.  The first bus arrived and promptly turned around as not being big enough for our luggage.  A half hour later a second bus arrived with a trailer and Tarik took the heroic job of loading all our bags.

A portion of the bags

Our bus and luggage holder

We embarked on the 300 Kilometer journey and saw the South African country-side roll by.  We spotted tons of cattles, horses and sheep, plus a pack of ostriches, a lone zebra, gazelle, and 6 giraffes munching on some trees.  Unfortunately, we were traveling to fast to get any good photos.  We stopped after 2 hours for a lunch break at a gas station.

Local brands of snacks – Ginger Beer is just as common as coke!

Pitstop en route – typical shop

Back on the bus for another 2 hours of getting to know each other and napping.

A cozy bus trip – Julie, Leigh and Savi in the center row – I’m in the back Left next to Sanjay

We arrived around 4 pm to the Mmabatho Palms hotel, 5 hours after starting the journey.  We were greeted by Professor Maaga (pronounced Ma-ah-ha) who will host us for the 4 weeks we are in Mafeking and working at the North West University.  After checking in, we had a briefing and casual dinner at the hotel.  Back to work for most teams as we head to North West University on Tuesday to meet the client, iNeSI, and the leadership of the University to present our Work Plan for the month.  I’m looking forward to getting a lay of this new town, seeing our work environment and settling into a routine.

Check in at the Mmabatho Palms

#ibmcsc