01/07/2001   Johannesburg   S 26°06   E 28°03   +27 We arrive in the city of Johannesburg. Two facts are obvious: this is the city with the highest number of trees in the world, but also the one where are sold the highest number of barbed (and electric) wires for house protection. Aleko and Theo have the sad duty to give the Camper back, our dear and faithful travel companion. We notice that the houses are not very high, the city spreading as far as a man can see. In about twenty years, Johannesburg should join the capital Pretoria, forming in this way the biggest urban zone of Africa. We enter into black places, fruit and vegetables markets, garages, barber shops; Jo'burg, the boiling city, catalyses the musical, artistical and architectural tendances of Africa. Jonathan, black policeman in Johannesburg, tells us the 'black figures': "South Africa has the world record of crime: 70 homicides per day, more than 25OOO a year and one robbery every minute. In 24 hours, in the only aerea of Jo'burg, there are 36 car highjackings. And the rape statistics are terrible: 1 every 26 seconds. 1,5 million of women and children are sexually abused every year; during her life, a south african out of three will be raped." Closing his eyes, Jonathan adds: "40% of the men between 20 and 30 years old are seropositive". The Car@van wishes to mix passion and experience of traveling with the knowledge of the new technologies. We believe in the importance to use them also in a way to help poor people. Art around the World For our last day in South Africa, we launched a new iniative! We will exchange on every continent an artwork of the previous continent, in order to create a link between different artistical and cultural expressions. The first artwork is an artisanal wood tray, with sculpted handles. The colours of the woods used remind us african landscapes. That is perfect! Theo's uncle, Father Claudio Rossi, offered it to us, enthousiastic about the idea of universality of the language of Art. We will accomplish the wish of the Virtual People - Voting Form n°5: 'Realize a 'Nomad' mural painting in Johannesburg'... without any troubles!? Guide our next steps,insert contacts & info on