JNB (Day 3)

Today, I determined to enjoy the trip, while fasting.

Went to the conference at 9.30am and listened to the presentation for bout an hour and a half.

Then I was off next door to the Michelangelo Towers as it has another shopping arcade. The shops are all high-end labels, Gucci, Boss, the likes. Found out last week that fashiontv cafe has an outlet there, so was hoping to check it out and buy a tshirt for my sibling. Unfortunately the place's still closed, and only opens at nite. Apparently famous models frequent there when they drop by to Joburg.

Went outside the Towers to the Nelson Mandela Square, the 12-foot bronze statue stands facing the Sandton Library about 200m away, while on each side there're lots of cool side cafes. I think the place'd be packed on weekends.

Got some fridge magnets.

Then off to the afternoon session of the conference, and I went in Parellel 5 session which was bout 'Staffing in STPs'. Still, presentations were very basic. I'd have a hard time trying to finish my report later. Like, wth else do I say when the info is widely known? My company would be like "Is this it? Why did we send you there again?"

Met the Malaysian contingent again, and off we went to search for food for iftar. I 'tapau'ed Chicken & Mayo sandwich which cost me ZAR20 (RM1o). Then I went to the local supermarket and bought some chocolates, large mango juice, and snacks. People in the supermarket kept looking at me becoz I stuck out like a sore thumb becoz I was in my biz suit, my conference bag, and a basket.

I planned to go to the Gala Dinner tonite, even without the others. So, I broke my fast at the hotel, then dressed up again to the convention centre as the buses were waiting to pick up everyone to the University of Pretoria.

I sat next to a professor, Professor Etzkowitz to be exact. He's a proponent of the Triple Helix concept and I had to understand his methodology 4years ago when I was working in Putrajaya. The world is small indeed.

The trip to Univ of Pretoria took an hour. There're 5 buses, and escorted by about 10 police cars and bout 10 police bikes. The police would stop the traffic and let the buses through ALL THE WAY in that one hour. I don't know whether to be flattered or scared... like why the need for such security? Maybe they're gearing for the 2010 World Cup.

The dinner was being held in the sports complex. I was very impressed becoz they changed the complex into something like in Elven Blood game (facebook players would understand me). Lights everywhere strewn from the middle roof to all sides of the court.

I looked around for any Muslim faces, and sat next to an Arab with a long beard. He's from Riyadh, and irony again that he'd like to learn our experience. He wanted my previous company to do a proposal for another project in Riyadh. I should ask for 'introducer's fees' from my ex-boss...

Appetiser was salmon in french vinagrette, I think. It was ok, as I can't stand the fishy taste.

The main course was beef steak and chicken skewers with mashed potato, sauteed shiitake mushroom, and mixed vege. It's ok too, but I was kinda full. Oh, we asked for halal food which I knew they'd already prepared, but I hope I DID get the halal one. Tawakal aja le...

Dessert was strawberry mousse with strawberry sauce, I think. It's lovely.

Only had Coke, while others indulge in JDs, Bacardis, Martinis.

While we had dinner, a group performing opera songs entertained us, the only song I knew was 'Nessun Dorma' becoz of Paul Pott. Many gave standing ovations, and yea, kinda made my hair on my hands standing listening to them.

Left around 11.30pm, and got back to the hotel at 1am, becoz of some glitch. On the way out, we found out the fence's locked, and nobody was in sight to open em. The police rushed everywhere to find another way out, as the university was kinda in a place of its own.

And now, here I am, finishing this at 3am, while I need to wake up at 8am tomorrow for the final day conference, and finish my report.