The Most Beautiful Views

I forgot to write about a couple of things we did on our last day in Johannesburg!

We visited the lovely Freedom Park, a huge park filled with monuments and memorials made to honor all of those people who fought and lost their lives for the freedom of South Africa. There was an incredible Wall of Names inscribed with all of those who died during the eight conflicts in South Africa's history. The park also had the most beautiful views of Pretoria and Johannesburg that I have ever seen.

The group walking through the park

Beautiful views of Pretoria

I could have sat here forever

Only one section of the Wall of Names

After Freedom Park we visited the Voortrekker Monument, a huge monument built to commemorate the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner, the white people who settled in South Africa. It was definitely interesting to hear the Afrikaner side of the story since we heard so much of the other side but I can't say I agreed at all with the purpose of this monument or most of the points made. It's important to hear every side though! Either way, it made for some amazing views and photos!

Beautiful views of the city of Pretoria

The monument itself was very intimidating and kinda scary...

so much green!

Anneke, a fellow Clarkie, and I at the top of the monument!

I also never talk about how amazing the group of students I get to spend my whole semester with is! We have only known each other for about two weeks and we are already so close! So many people from different backgrounds and universities all coming together to learn and experience this beautiful place together. I know I will write more about them soon!

Here we are at the top of the monument!