Hi there

The trans karoo is still operational. Spoornets passenger services now fall under the Shosholoza Meyl which operates passenger express trains to Cape Town, Bloemfontein, East London, Port Elizabeth, George, Durban, Newcastle and a whole lot of other towns and cities. For more information visit:

http://www.spoornet.co.za/Spoornet/CDA/Articles/SPN_Article_Index/1,1065,2-172,00.html

(You're going to have to cut and paste the entire url)

Unfortunately they still do not operate an online booking facility, but you can book over the phone. These intercity trains are perfectly safe. I do not recommend using the Metro trains which are the intersuburban trains in Johannesburg. They are apparantly still fine in Cape Town however.

The Great Synagogue in Wolmarans Street has indeed been converted to a pub and fast food chicken outlet (at least it's not pork). The Rissik Street Post Office is sadly rather derilict as much of the JOhannesburg CBD has become. However the area is on the up again, with crime having been slashed by more than 40% since the installation of closed circuit cameras and investments are starting to trickle back.

Also there is nothing wrong with the City Lodge in Sandton, or with the Sheraton in Pretoria, take your pick. I hope you enjoy your stay...