From Melbourne 27.3.84 : Dad

From Melbourne

27.3.84

Dear Alan,

Giving the rather slow mail this may be the last letter to reach you before we arrive. We have just about completed all arrangements and are both looking forward to the trip. The arrangements are as before, we will arrive in Joberg at 9:10 pm on Sunday 22^nd April.

We have booked accommodation for one night, presumably at the airport hotel, and have also booked a car for the next 2 days. Whether we can make the journey in one day might be a bit doubtful; the long flight could be more tiring than we anticipate.   However we will start off optimistically.

The arrangements you have made seem quite satisfactory and fairly flexible which is what we want.

Last week we attended a film night at the RACV held in conjunction with the South African Tourist Authority.  The films were very spectacular (one on main attractions in South Africa, the other on wildlife) and presented a very attractive picture. The real soft sell. Not a mention of politics and hardly a black face in sight. 

There seems to be a bit of a push to increase tourism from Australia although the lack of planes is a draw back.

The response to the film night exceeded their expectations and they had to repeat it a few nights later. Most of those present seemed to be well heeled and middle-aged and probably tired of going to Europe or Hong Kong.

We have been reading as much as possible about South Africa and hope to arrive reasonably well informed. I have been reading Scramble for Africa to get a clearer picture of the history while your mother is in the middle of a book on geography of the continent. Both subjects necessary to understand any country.

Mentioning books, South Africa was prominent at the recent Adelaide festival as both Andre Brink and Bessie Head were among the guest speakers. Heard them both on the radio.

I haven’t a clear idea of prices in South Africa but they would appear to be on a par with Australia. We will be tacking a fair amount as we do not want to be parsimonious and at our age can’t do what young people would do to save money.

As far as news from home, it’s all rather pedestrian at the moment and I suppose the chit-chat can wait till we get there.    Cousin Robert Wilson leaves tomorrow for a trip to England, probably about six months.

We will be busy in the next three weeks making sure everything is done before we go. Won’t be able to take much interest in the football season– which starts next Saturday.

We are looking forward to seeing you and anticipate a memorable four weeks.

                                                                                                Kindest regards Dad