Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

Some people say that if you don’t seek death, you will not die. This experience was really made by yourself.

Originally, the epidemic was serious, so I had to go out to play. Just have fun, as long as something goes wrong.

After our trip to St. Lucia, we were ready to return. There are two routes: one is a return to the original route, and safety can be guaranteed; the other is a new route, which has not been traveled before, but the scenery will be different. Perhaps it was because I had been holding back at home for too long. As a person who always seeks stability, I suddenly chose a new route this time.

After having a simple breakfast, we set off. Because the security here is not good, we must get home before dark.

The journey went smoothly at the beginning, and the scenery along the way really made us excited. We thought it was right to change the route this time. But two hours later we found that there were more and more vehicles on the road. What was even more surprising was that vehicles passing on the opposite side would flash us from time to time. "Is there something abnormal with our car?" After getting out of the car and checking, no abnormality was found. Although the driving is not as fast as before, we still plan to continue as planned.

Half an hour later, the car in front stopped completely, and cars continued to turn around. We planned to move forward slowly, because turning around at this time would add several hours to the journey. While waiting, a policeman came over and advised everyone not to go forward because there was a strike on the road ahead. But we still don’t give up. There was an ambulance in one of the few convoys, and we thought we would wait and see if the ambulance could pass, then we could follow. However, it was disappointing and in the end everyone was forced to turn around and leave.

On the way back, the navigation did not immediately change the route for us. We had to change the settings and set the destination to Durban, hoping that we would be back on the road again.

When we returned to the highway, the arrival time displayed was already two hours later than the original plan.

South Africa’s infrastructure ranks among the best in the world. We think the rest of the trip will go smoothly.

Some people say that driving in South Africa is the ultimate enjoyment, with vast grasslands, orderly forests, and undulating roads. Enjoy the thrill of the roller coaster while admiring the beautiful scenery.

When people feel free, God will always arrange some accidents to test you. Unknowingly, we walked through a section of gravel road. We didn’t pay much attention to it at the time, because we had walked it before and this newly built road was not too long. But this time it was beyond our imagination. After driving for more than 20 kilometers, there was still no end in sight. The further we went, the farther we went, and the sky became darker and darker. It happened that the car also sounded an alarm at this time. Invisibly, everyone felt a little nervous. I just want to get out of this unknown road quickly. Then find a gas station to check the vehicle.

After driving more than 200 kilometers, we finally saw a small town and filled up some gas. The staff helped us check and said that the left tire was leaking, so we refilled it. To be on the safe side, we still wanted to change the tire, but we searched the whole town and couldn't find it. Back at the gas station, the staff suggested that we drive slowly, it shouldn't be a big problem. The current situation can only be like this. Before leaving, I replenished my energy, hoping to go further. It may be that the air was inflated too much, which opened up the original cracks. We didn't go far before things started to deteriorate. Perhaps he was ill and sought medical treatment. As he drove forward, he contacted the repair shop in Joburg. The owner of the repair shop returned to Taiwan and couldn't help, but he comforted us by saying that our tires were puncture-proof and we should be fine if we walked slowly. In this way, we walked another hundred kilometers. When I heard the sound of plywood dragging on the ground, I knew I couldn't go any further and had to find a way to change the tire. Some people may ask, is there no spare one? Yes, this car is not equipped with a spare tire in the name of explosion-proof.

The sky has completely darkened and the temperature has dropped sharply. What should I do in this grassland with no village in front of me and no store in the back? While I was paying attention to the passing vehicles to see if they had spare tires, I contacted my Chinese friends in Joburg and planned to find someone to tow the car. As time passed by, hope became increasingly slim. Today is Christmas Eve and everyone is celebrating the holiday. Even if someone is willing to help tow the vehicle for more than 200 kilometers, not to mention the high cost, it is difficult to locate it. "No Internet Signal"

Just when we were about to give up, a white Volkswagen stopped in front of us. I quickly locked the car door, leaving only a crack in the window. There were four people in the car, and an older man came over and asked us if we could help. We told him our situation and the help we needed. He left a phone number and left.

I dialed the phone with the intention of giving it a try, and the other party on the phone asked me some more questions. When asked how many of us there were, I hesitated. Because armed robbery is common here, what if the other party wants to do something like this? After some mental struggle, he finally told the other party. The other party promised to send someone over in half an hour. It was already nine o'clock in the evening.

The waiting process was excruciating. I didn’t dare to blink, staring into the darkness for fear of missing the light. Half an hour passed and no car showed up. The anxiety started to creep in again. After another quarter of an hour or so, a car with double flashers finally appeared behind us. After the car parked, two children jumped out, about fifteen or sixteen years old. If it weren't for the work clothes they were wearing, I would have thought they were two middle school students.

Seeing the two teenagers, I let down a lot of my guard. The jack, safety nut, and wrench all worked in an orderly manner, and the two men removed the damaged tire in a few minutes.

Because we said on the phone that we had no money and needed to withdraw cash. Before leaving, one of them asked us if we wanted to send someone to go with them to get the money. When he saw my hesitation, he didn't say anything, took the old tires and left.

Things have made progress and we feel relieved. While waiting, I quickly informed my friends in Joburg that I was safe. Around 11 o'clock, a young man brought new tires with sets and helped us install them. Only then did I realize that from beginning to end, neither of us mentioned the price. I was prepared to accept that the other party offered me a very fair price when the lion opened his mouth.

After the car was repaired, the young man asked us to follow his car to get cash. Because the teller machine has a limited withdrawal amount every day, when I asked him if the balance could be transferred, he patiently explained to us that the boss had regulations and only accepted cash. But it was resolved satisfactorily in the end.

Although this trip was a bit disappointing, it also changed my perspective on human nature.

From the initial cautiousness to the final complete trust. It has to be said that it is a test of human nature.