A drive through Lonehill

We still get asked questions about life in Lonehill (and Johannesburg). Therefore we thought it best to do a blog entry not only showing security measures but the typical sights of Lonehill. Below are the photo's we took this afternoon as we drove through our suburb.

The entrance to our cluster (complex), Pineslopes Park Estate. Nearly all clusters have similar entraces with remote controlled enty & exit gates and manned 24/7 by a security guard (they have pepper spray only).

One of the security guards at our complex, James. Incredibly friendly & always has a smile.

Lonehill Residents Association employs a security agency who randomly patrol the streets.

The security guards man and observe major intersections or corners.

They also have vans which patrol the suburb.

The mock tuscan architecture that is being used for 95% of new residential construction.

Always street vendors. This time someone selling the weekend newspaper at a fourways stop.

The Lonehill shops- quite upmarket in appearance and very civilised (for Joburg).

The petrol boys

The traditional thatched roof with an obligatory lightening attracting pronger!

Security measures on perimeter fencing. 2 lots of electric fencing & green metal spikes.

Road closures are a common occurence in Joburg. Access is permitted only through one entry & exit point to enhance safety.

The Lonehill Koppie (hill) - a natural rock formation in the middle of the suburb

The reserve surrounding the Koppie & shopping centre in the background

The reserve is a popular place for relaxation & exercise

No need for Vegas when you have Montecasino... gotta love it!

We really enjoy living here & feel completely safe running around the streets each day. As you can see, the suburb does not cut any corners in relation to security measures. You learn to accept these measures and they are now just a 'normal' occurrence in everyday life.

Viva Johannesburg!

Breaking News- "Chandler selected to represent EP "

Pete has been selected to compete for the Eastern Cape Team at the upcoming South African triathlon championships- Go Pete!! Whilst Pete performed admirably in the pre-selection a week ago, he by no means participated to gain selection in the team. As it was, it was the first time that he had raced an olympic distance triathlon. One of his fellow Eastern Cape team mates in the 25-29 age group is James Cunnama, a professional triathlete who came 2nd in the Ironman Austria. Pete's not feeling the pressure at all to perform for the team! Tonight he came home from work and went for a long run immediately. He is still undecided whether we will make the trip to Germiston (in Gauteng) for the South African championships however is some what shocked that he has been selected for the team.

First impressions

Thought it time we touch base and let you know that we are still here!!! We have been very busy since Jen's arrival. Mainly involves trying to lease/buy cars & getting the necessary documentation, sorting out my work VISA, sorting out housing.... We are getting an Audi A3 which we should have by Friday. We can't wait to drive it! Second car to be confirmed (but hopefully purchased by early next week). I have been dropping Pete at work each day so that I can use the hire car... looking forward to sleep in's in the near future and really being a lady of leisure- enjoy it while it lasts I say! I have met with Charles Orbach (accounting firm) and am now in the process of obtaining documentation for VISA (copious amount) and then getting it processed ASAP. They are lovely people and I look forward to starting (probably another 1-3 months though due to length of time to get VISA). I seem to fill my days quite easily with daily food shopping, lunches, breakfasts, gym, organisi...

Karoo weekend- Mountain Zebra NP & Nieu Bethesda

Pete took Friday off work so our road trip of the Karoo started on Friday morning. We somehow managed to squeeze 5 people into the Audi, including pram and bassinet for Harrison! We stayed at Mountain Zebra National Park on Friday night, a reserve established as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain zebra. The reserve is positioned in a natural amphitheatre of the Bankberg Mountains. Whilst the land is quite arid and dry, the scenery and views as you drove around the reserve were incredibly picturesque. Highlights of the game viewing were the Mountain Zebra, an adult & baby Rhino, numerous ground squirrels and the black wildebeests. Harrison's first game sighting was an ostrich- he preferred to sleep for the majority of the time! On Saturday after a morning game drive, we proceeded west to the tiny isolated village of Nieu Bethesda. It is accessible only on dirt roads and is nestled in a narrow fertile valley of the Sneeuberg Range. It is a cute little village with traditiona...

Chandler's Overseas

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