<p>Hi!</p>

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<p>I'm looking forward to seeing everybody there! I lived in Johannesburg for a few years so here are a few tips and recommendations I can share for getting around, staying safe and having fun:</p>

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<p><strong>Getting around:</strong></p>

<p>- Talk to people, say hi, and be friendly when shopping and walking around - people in Johannesburg are generally very welcoming and interested to meet new people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>- You can use the local bus and shared taxi system safely during the day.</p>

<p>- Ask a local for exact instructions on how to use the shared taxis as it's very specific to each area and there are hand signals to use. Locals will happily give you a lesson.</p>

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<p><strong>Safety:</strong></p>

<p>- At night I highly recommend using Uber. You have the option to pay your Uber&nbsp;with cash in SA (last time I checked).</p>

<p>- Avoid walking long distances at night outside the few well-lit neighbourhoods and areas with security.</p>

<p>- Don't carry unnecessary valuables with you if you are walking a distance in the daytime outside of the immediate area of Skateistan / Maboneng.</p>

<p>- Leave the office/skatepark&nbsp;before dark, and take an Uber if it's gotten dark by the time you leave.</p>

<p>- Be careful crossing the street and&nbsp;look in all directions.&nbsp;Cars and shared taxis will not slow down for pedestrians.</p>

<p>- When driving or as a passenger in a car keep doors locked and phones/valuables out of sight or in the trunk.</p>

<p>- Don't text while walking - keep your phone in your pocket and pay attention to your surroundings.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>General:</strong></p>

<p>- Shops and shopping malls close early, so try to do your shopping on the weekend or at lunch time.</p>

<p>- The closest big grocery story is Spar. It's a 20 minute walk from the skate school, or a 5 minute Uber.</p>

<p>- The neighbourhoods of Braamfontein and Melville have some nice clubs and bars for dancing. Maboneng also has night life and there are many pop-up parties too.</p>

<p>- Lots of skateparks to explore. Take a group uber to manage cost of getting out - most are a 20 minute drive or so. Edenvale (DIY), Germiston (huge snake run and deep bowl), YBF (street, a bit farther away), and Boogaloos (transition and street) are a few to check out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>- There are lots of tours and museums. The Curiocity Backpackers can help you make a plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>- This inner city tour of the notorious Ponte City apartment building and neighbourhood of Hillbrow is a little pricey but pretty incredible:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dlalanje.org/tours/cultural-tour/20">https://www.dlalanje.org/tours/cultural-tour/20</a></p>

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<p>Talia</p>

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