Living in Johannesburg might not be as
grand as living at the foot of Table Mountain, or as blissful as a monastery in
Tibet, but it’s the place I call home. Although I am not in the cultural
heartland of the northern suburbs (side eye Parkhurst, Emmarentia, Melville,
Parktown) or in the profligate plushness of Sandton – I am settled in
Bedfordview.
1. On Kloof Road, everyday, you will find a
haggard old black man, long forgotten by time, friends and family. He walks
down the road everyday – in my mind he is looking for his place of being – his tired
feet shod in oversized, torn leather casings, probably from his youth. Although
saddening, I find it funny when he walks with his head just low enough to
reveal his depilated scalp, cussing under his breath. Those brave enough to
venture close to him get a lashing of words.
2. Around the corner, there is Gillooly’s
Farm. A seemingly tranquil park, with all kinds of water birds, a dam, a
playground and a little mountainous hill. On weekends, it is a hive of
activity, with dogs and their owners running around, kids on their bikes, live
music, the bustling café, the families braaing and playing cricket, laughter
and great atmosphere. It’s also where we let Mila and Jethro run free and where
we took our engagement photos a few weeks ago.
3. There is a pizza place in Edenvale, just
off Linksfield. The best pizzas in Johannesburg. Wood fired ovens, that acts as
a heater on nippy winter nights, a friendly owner that knows you by name,
pizzas dripping with toppings and cheese – and a crazy car guard who will
always tell you where to park and always talks your ears off. He takes his job
very seriously.
4. When I am in the mood for biltong I go
to the biltong shop in the mall, just downstairs from my office. I always ask
for R10’s biltong, but the lady always gives me R11 or R12’s biltong. She
doesn’t charge extra. This old lady also always greets my friend. “Hello my
sweetheart, hope you have a lovely day today.”
