🇿🇦 Is Johannesburg Really That Scary?

Johannesburg—South Africa’s economic hub—is infamous for crime, poverty, and danger. Most travelers avoid it, but as the only direct flight from Hong Kong lands here, I gave it one day. Here’s the raw truth: 🌆 First Impressions: "Why Am I Here?" Dark, chaotic streets (nothing like Cape Town). Uber driver’s warning: "You’re Asian AND staying downtown? Don’t walk at night—hide your phone!" Shops behind bulletproof glass—just a tiny window for transactions. 🏚️ Soweto: A History Lesson Birthplace of anti-apartheid resistance (Mandela’s home!). Kids at the museum stared at me—the rare Asian visitor—and asked for selfies. 🛍️ The Other Side: Sandton’s Safe Bubble Guards with guns at mall entrances (suddenly felt safe). Steak dinners at half Hong Kong prices—every meal was a feast! 🥩 ⚠️ Reality Check Crime is real (robberies, shootings). But… with no walking at night + Uber-only transport, I survived—and even enjoyed it. #Johannesburg #SouthAfrica #TravelTruths #Soweto #SafetyFirst