Today is a travel day as we make our way to the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). We are told that Eswatini changed its name in 2018as people were confusing Swaziland with Switzerland. Eswatini means “Land of the Swati”
Crossing the Border
We got to the Eswatini border where we had our passports stamped on the South African side in order to leave and then we proceeded by foot, past the border police to walk over to the Eswatini side. We joined a queue to have our passports stamped again on the Eswatini side.
King Mswati III, the current ruler, has 16 wives and 45 children. The wives come from different clans in order to promote national unity, however, since the first two wives are chosen by council, their male offspring cannot become king.
Eswatini, a landlocked country, bordering South Africa and Mozambique has a diverse topography. We travelled through beautiful mountains and the lowlands.
What I saw was lots of poverty, garbage everywhere but lots of colour.
Manzini Market
The stop at the Manzini Market was a quick one to stretch our legs. We are covering lots of distance today. The locals with jobs got paid yesterday (Friday). Paycheques are monthly here and with money in hand, the market (Saturday) was busy and chaotic.
Getting off the bus, music is pumping from huge speakers, and colourful lights are flashing. We cross the street to check out the action.
The colours of textiles and bags are bright and cheerful. This is definitely not a tourist market and more for the locals to do their shopping so we didn’t stay long.
Sambane Restaurant, Swazi Candle Factory and Market
At the Swazi Candle Factory, we watch a man make an elephant candle. He makes 45-50 of them a day. The selection of candles is huge and worth a look
Lunch was a barbecued chicken leg and fries plus a soft drink or coffee/tea. It was delicious.
After lunch, we walk through the market and I find some African masks. My son’s friend PJ wanted me to bring him back one.
When I inquired about the price, the vendor started digging for gold in his nose, and announced 350 Rand. That turned my stomach and even though I could negotiate, I politely walked away.
Hilton Garden Inn
What a beautiful, modern hotel.
Dinner will be buffet style tonight and no real time crunch. Shannon does her laundry and I relax until it is time for dinner. I did my laundry at the ANEW Hotel or should I say I paid to have it done. In hindsight, it was smart as the Hilton has self-service laundry but only 1 washer and 1 dryer which takes a while with a line up. Shannon would be up until midnight finishing it off.
We gather as a group in the restaurant to sing happy birthday to Dan, then I went upstairs to organize my clothes for tomorrow.
Tomorrow – I’m thrilled to be heading into Kruger National Park and overnighting in luxury tents.
