No problem Gail, thanks for coming.

That is a fantastic success story, in spite of apartheid. Thanks.

Yes. I really should do a more in-depth post about the Plaza’s history, but here’s an abbreviated version: In the early 1970s, the apartheid government forcibly removed all of the Indian shopowners from a nearby area that had been deemed ‘white-only’. Forced removals like this were commonplace in mid-20th century apartheid South Africa. The government built the Oriental Plaza and all the shopowners were required to move their businesses there. Apparently the government really hoped that the businesses would start a cutthroat competition with each other and basically drive all of themselves out of business. But in instead the Plaza became a huge success and remains so 40 years later. It’s a really special place.

Also, you are killing me with the samosas.