Travels with the Joburg Tour Guide

Photo of the Week (9th to the 15th January 2012)

2012-01-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

We have recently got to know the staff and kids at the Bethesda Children's Home in Soweto. They are AWESOME! What a special and beautiful place. We are making it our CSR programme (and personal goal) this year to visit them and help out in anyway we can. This weeks pic of the week is taken by and featuring one of my favourite people and colleague at Past Experiences Tania Olsson. I love this picture of them all having fun with their Xmas hats on and stars and glitter all over their faces. This picture was taken at Past Experiences Christmas Party. We decided that instead of having a party for the company that we would rather have one at the Children's home. It was definitely the best end of year party I have ever been to. We all made Christmas crowns together and had treats and danced. I must also thank all the amazing people out their who donated their time and goods/ money. We couldn't have done it without you!

Tania and the Kids at the Bethesda Childrens Home (picture by Tania Olsson)

Photo of the Week (28th November- 4th December)

2011-11-30T00:42:00.000-08:00

A huge apology for not updating in a while. Working full time and doing my Masters doesn't leave me much time. That said I really should try and update more. So here is a quick photo!

Cafe Riche in the Pretora Inner City

OK so I know this isn't about Joburg but Past Experiences has recently extended into the Pretoria CBD. This is one of the oldest Cafe's in PTA and very unique as it has some Art Nouveau finishes. Rare for Gauteng.

Photo of the Week (26th September to 2 October 2011)

2011-09-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Graffiti in Newtown

I have chosen this image as I love the Graffiti in Newtown, it is like walking through an art gallery. It is just so stunning and I chose this one as I love the skull. Our guide Tania did a Public Art Tour that included this over the weekend.

Training the Southpoint Cool Kids

2011-09-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

Owning the Westcliff Hotel

In the last few weeks we have trained 8 Southpoint students to help us with our tours. Southpoint own over 20 buildings in the Braamfontein District of the inner city, majority of which are student housing.

They have thousands of students in the area, which has really changed (for the better) the vibe and feel of Braamfontein. They also own bars, restaurants, a hotel and venues in the area.

We decided to train some students as we needed help with bigger events and corporate groups. Their role is to look after guests and help the guides out on the day.

Southpoint recommended 8 students to us, who are absolutely top notch varsity students. Responsible and with a huge amount of energy, enthusiasm and personality...they are the perfect fit for Past Experiences!

Lunch after our corporate event

If anyone is looking for students to help with events etc, let us know...these guys are awesome!

Awesome Pre- Jozi Pride Event happening this week

2011-09-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Travelstart Blog Post: A Sensory Overload in Fordsburg, Johannesburg

2011-09-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

I wrote a post on Travelstart about Fordsburg recently. I think its pretty fun so please check it out:

Travelstart Blog Post: A Sensory Overload in Fordsburg, Johannesburg

Image by Tania

Photo of the week (19th to the 25th September 2011)

2011-09-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

A view of Newtown looking into the city, including the Diamond Building.

This weeks photo is of Newtown. I just love the Diamond Building and the Banner of Hope Artwork (the twisted SA Flag) . I great and a little different view of the city!

Event: JOBURG FLASH! 1 hour flash tours of the Inner City and Fundraiser

2011-09-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

JOBURG FLASH! 1 hour flash tours of the inner city, our new website launch and Greenhouse Project, Joubert Park Fundraiser....yay!

Past Experiences LOVES the Jozi Inner City!

And we would like to get as many people as possible into the city on Saturday the 24th September (Heritage Day) experiencing and using their inner city!

We have organised a morning of fun tours aimed at locals (budget friendly) to get you out and about and into the inner city! We are also launching our new fab and interactive website. We decided that the best way to launch our website was to involve you the public who have been so awesome over the last 2,5 years and to give back to the city we love.

We are going to do this by donating R10 of every ticket sold to the wonderful inner city Greenhouse Project that is based in Joubert Park!

Tours on the day!

We will be doing 4 1 hour tours on the day!

They are perfect for those who love the city or for those who have not ventured into the city for decades.

All the tours are 1 hour and the idea is for you to come on one or as many of these tours as possible! Each tour will focus on a particular area or theme or person.

At 9h30-10h30 you can choose between 2 tours:

Mandela's Joburg (Guide: Jo)

... A look at the Joburg that Mandela would have experienced in the 1950's. We will also make a stop at his newly refurbished offices. A really fab experience!

or

A Mini Public Art Tour of Newtown (Guide: Tania)

This area has some of the most stunning art in the inner city and on this tour we will look at what the area has to offer.

At 11h00-12h00 you can choose between 2 tours:

Old Chinatown (Guide: Jo)

Join us on a mini tour of Joburg's original Chinatown. See some public art, learn about the history and bring some cash as we will be making a stop at the best Chinese Supermarket around.

or

Diagonal Street-A Real African City (Guide: Tania)

Come and explore one of the most unique area's in Jozi. Diagonal Street is home to a largely Indian Community but is also a traditional African area. Come learn more about its history!

Date: 24th September 2011 (Heritage Day...wooohoo!)

Time: 9h30 until 12h00

Price: Each tour is R40 (R10 goes to the Greenhouse Project)

Meeting Point: Market Theatre Parking Lot

For more details email us on past.experiences@hotmail.com or phone on 011 678 3905

We will also be doing a collection of any gardening equipment/ gardening stuff that you dont want or need for the project!

More details on the project:

"IN the heart of the inner city is a green project that combines community involvement and education with environmentally friendly building principles - all in a small corner of Joubert Park in Johannesburg."

The project has three main focus areas:

•To demonstrate development practices which will sustain people and the environment;

•To support organisations working to improve the urban environment, particularly community-based organisations (CBOs); and

•To disseminate information that will enable individuals to improve the quality of life in their community in a sustainable manner.

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?

Upcoming Event: I Love Braamies -Walking Tour of Braamfontein (17th September 2011)

2011-09-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

If you have visited Braamfontein lately, you will know how absolutely fantastic it is looking. From its stunning new hotel and student accommodation, to its fantastic new restaurants, galleries, shops and the 70 Juta district.

Join us this Saturday the 17th, for a relaxed but concise walking tour looking at the history, present and future of this special inner city area.

The Tour will begin with tea/ coffee at the Grove of the Lamunu Hotel, from their we will discover and learn about the area. The tour will end at the stunning new Neighbourhood Goods Market where you can have a delicious breakfast (yum!), browse the stalls or even have a refreshing beer!

The perfect way to spend a Saturday morning in your city.

Cameras welcome.

Info:

Date: 17th September 2011

Time: Meet at 8h30 and end at 10h00

Meeting Place: The Grove at the Lamunu Hotel (GPS coordinates: 26.19375, 28.0364) (Corner of Juta and Melle Street)

Price: R50 (includes tea or coffee at the beginning of the tour)

Parking: Public Parking on the Corner of Melle and Juta

For more details or to book phone 011 678 3905 or email us

on past.experiences@hotmail.com

Photo of the week (5th-11th September 2011)

2011-09-09T03:47:00.000-07:00

A Young Nelson Mandela- Photo of an image at Liliesleaf Farm
Photo by Justin Du Piesanie (My other half)

This weeks "Photo of the Week" is one taken at one of my top sites- Liliesleaf Farm. I absolutely love Liliesleaf and the period of history it portrays. I also think that Nelson Mandela was extremely stylish when he was younger! So my photo of the week is a "photo of a photo"!

Fab Image!

Dialogue in the Dark: Sci-Bono, Newtown’s New Must “See” Exhibition

2011-09-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something interesting and fun to do in Jozi, you have to get down to Sci-Bono in Newtown for "Dialogue in the Dark". It is awesome.

Read my review on Travelstart:

Dialogue in the Dark on Travelstart

Event: Creative Jozi-Public Art Walking Tour of the Joburg Inner City

2011-09-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday 10th September 2011

9h300 till 11h30 (times are estimates)

Price: R90

Join Past Experiences for a leisurely walking tour of the inner city. This fantastic tour will focus on the wonderful array of public art that can be found in the Joburg CBD. Public Art is so great as it is art created for public space- as opposed to art created for an private or public art gallery. Public art is for everyone and can be seen anytime. Joburg has awesome public art- both old and new and on this tour we are going to see as much of it as possible. We will also look at the history, present and rejuvenation of the inner city as we journey through town.

A great idea would be to join us on the walk and then go to the new "Neighbourhood Goods Market" Opening in Braamfontein on the 10th for lunch and a walk around...a fab way to spend a Saturday in the City! Yay

Meeting and parking : Miriam Makeba Street Newtown- Market Theatre Parking (map can be provided)

For more details and to book, please phone us on 011 678 3905 or email us on past.experiences@hotmail.com

Dont forget to follow this blog, Twitter: PastExperiences and Facebook: Past Experiences

Photo of the Week (29th August to 4 September 2011)

2011-09-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Bungee Jumping at the Orlando Cooloing Towers, Soweto

I know I am posting this a day late but I have had a busy few days. This weeks photo of the week was taken by the Orlando Towers Team when I took my boyfriend Bungee Jumping for his birthday a few months ago.

The pic is of my boyfriend Justin during his jump and I love the angle and view of the tower. Loads of fun! The towers were the old cooling towers of the Orlando Power Station. Its a great afternoon out as the site has a great bar and you can just take a look at the towers or take part in the adrenalin activities!

Fab Joburg Links

2011-09-02T01:02:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would do a quick post on some great Jozi links that you should take a look at:

http://mrbaggins1.livejournal.com//- some great pics and info on Jozi!

http://todoinjoburg.co.za/ -Stylish site with great posts!

http://blog.tyme.co.za/?p=1169- Cool photo blog

http://joburgexpat.blogspot.com/- looking at Joburg through an expats eyes

http://www.jhblive.com/- an old favourite!

http://thereluctantjoziblogger.blogspot.com/ -another cool Jozi Blog…my boyfriend Justin’s.

http://www.travelstart.co.za/index.jsp- great Travel website

http://www.jozikids.co.za/index.html -another old favourite..but totally worth a look!

http://jhbgp.blogspot.com/- some nice pics

http://tinsel-contemporary-sa-jewellery.blogspot.com/- best jewellery in Jozi!!!

http://urbanjoburg.blogspot.com/ -very cool blog

http://tobethinkingaloud.blogspot.com/ -Fab photo blog

http://urbanrebirth.blogspot.com/ -My friend Brian’s blog

http://philosophyandmadeleines.blogspot.com/ -Fab food blog!

Photo of the Week (22nd to 28th of August)

2011-08-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Wits Choir on the Gautrain
By the Fab Tania Olsson

THis weeks photo of the week is taken by Tania Olsson. Tania is a member of the Wits Choir, who if you have not heard them sing... are fab.

I wrote about them on Travelstart so please check it out: The hills of Joburg are alive…with the Sound of the Wits Choir

This photo was taken a few months ago when the Choir was setting off on a tour to North America and Canada. I love it because I think its a great image and it is also of two awesome things that I love about Joburg: The Gautrain and the Wits Choir.

Photo of the week (15th-21st August 2011)

2011-08-16T02:28:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely love Mary Sibande's work. I am also a huge fan of Public Art and this was one of my favourites. If anyone didn't see it, they basically wrapped 18 buildings with huge images of Mary's character Sophie. It was so beautiful and really bought some colour to the city.

The chosen image was up on Miriam Makeba Street.

This image was taken by Justin Du Piesanie (my other half) who is an avid photographer of the city and often sell his images to magazines and newspapers.

Mary Sibande's Sophie
Long Live the Dead Queen

Photo of the week (8th- 14th August 2011)

2011-08-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

House and Leisure's Mad Men Photo Shoot at
His Majestys Building. The model
sits in front of a wood panelled wall with a
map of Africa on it.

The His Majestys Building is one of my absolute favorite buildings in the inner city. This stunning Art Deco building based on the architecture of New York (particularly the Rockefeller Centre) was built in 1944. It was originally a theatre and law offices. Although the outside looks great most of the interior floors are occupied by dreary prefab walls and an array of random companies.

That said the top floor is AWESOME. The building was home to numerous law firms but the "penthouse" was something special. Totally wood panelled and two storeys high, it is awesome. I was lucky enough to get in and take a look as House and Leisure magazine were doing a "Mad Men" photo shoot. It was better than I even expected. A sweeping staircase leads up to offices and a large boardroom where a map of Africa takes pride of place on the panelled walls. Although the space is empty, the shelves are still lined with the files and law books. I wish I had the funding to do something with this space.

I will hopefully do a more lengthy blog on the space and show you more pics within the next few weeks.

Getting to Joburg- Guest Blog by Travelstarts Russell Jarvis

2011-08-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

Here is some great info for anyone planning to visit Jozi!

Johannesburg is easily accessible by road and air and you can rent cars in all major cities around South Africa. Get to Joburg via the N1 if you’re driving from Cape Town and Bloemfontein; and by the N3 national road if you’re coming from Durban. Remember national road toll fees when budgeting for a self-drive trip to Johannesburg. Pay attention to speed limits and beware of animals and pedestrians crossing the roads in certain areas along your route. Stop regularly (especially if you’re driving with children) and if you can, rent a GPS (satnav) as it’ll go a long way in helping you drive around Johannesburg.

Approximate Driving Times & Road Distances

• Durban to Johannesburg – Approximately 587km and 7 hours by road (1 hour by air)

• Cape Town to Johannesburg – Approximately 1473km and 17 hours by road (2 hours by air)

Fly to Johannesburg

While all the roads leading to Johannesburg are in perfect condition, some of you may prefer the comforts of flying to the City of Gold. If you’re not keen on taking the scenic route then daily flights are available from all major South African Airports. Budget travellers can search for flights on South Africa’s domestic low cost carriers like Kulula, 1 Time and Mango. British Airways (operated by Comair) and SAA have full service daily flights to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport from other airports in South African including King Shaka (Durban), Cape Town International Airport and Port Elizabeth Airport.

When searching for flights to Johannesburg, make sure you look at options that fly to Lanseria. It’s often cheaper and more convenient to fly into Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.

Book Flights to Johannesburg Online

Get to Joburg easily with Travelstart. As South Africa’s leading flight comparison site, Travelstart makes it easy to find the cheapest tickets for domestic flights in South Africa as well as international flights.

Click to book cheap flights to Joburg and catch up on my posts on the Travelstart blog.

Please check out: http://www.travelstart.co.za/index.jsp for great deals, travel info and to make a booking!

Who is Russell Jarvis:
Russell blogs for Travelstart and is a fountain of knowledge on travel tips, Visa information, destination reviews and much more.

What the Joburg Tour Guide has to say:
I am a huge fan of Travelstart. They always have great blog posts (I write one too) but I actually meant the other ones. Its also a great way to find the best flight prices. I have booked many flights via them including my holiday to Europe as well as many local flights. CHECK IT OUT!

Pic #2 (1-7 August)

2011-08-05T03:50:00.000-07:00

So this one was taken by my friend Tania Olsson who spends most of her spare time taking photos in town. As this is women's month in South Africa I thought to give you this one as a kick-off to August..

"Girl Children of all ages will probably understand how this image reminds me so much of going to fabric stores as a kid and playing around under the counters and over the rolls of fabric, sweet memories! :) The boys were usually left at home to fend for themselves, heehee"
- Tania Olsson

It seems like these shops haven't changed for generations and in fact, this shop is still owned by the original family that opened it. It's in Ferreirasdorp, kinda next to Newtown and unfortunately they only sell these beautiful ShweShwe fabrics by the roll. Although, whether you're buying or not, the shop is amazing to thrift through as they stock so many different designs that we don't usually see in all the normal material stores around Johannesburg.

Shopping in town is amazing!!

Picture of the Week (25th to 31st July)

2011-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

So I have decided that every week I am going to pick an image of something that I love in Joburg. It can be anything at all! A place, a person, an artwork...anything! It can be taken with a fancy camera or a phone...as long as the subject matter is positive and very Jozi then its perfect.

You are also more than welcome to send in a pic that you like and if it goes with the ethos of the blog, it might make its way onto the blog...crediting you of course.

Pic of the Week
Kids playing outside their parents shop in Diagonal Street. I am always really
interested in the life of Jozi inner city kids. Also this pic proves that you don't need fancy
toys to have fun...just an old box and a friend.

A Week in the Kruger...yes I know not very "I Love Joburg" but AWESOME anyway

2011-07-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

Its a real life Bambi. A fantastic Bush Buck

I know I have not written in a while...but I am now officially back and will make sure to post every week without fail.

I went to the Kruger 2 weeks ago for a huge family holiday (25 of us!) which was awesome and super relaxing. I also got some fab pics so here are a few of my best.

xx The Joburg Tour Guide

Selling Jozi and a Weekend in the City

2011-05-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to go to Tourism Indaba in Durban last week. Southpoint one of my absolute fav Inner city rejuvenation companies (they are responsible for a huge amount of fantastic work in Braamfontein) took me along to be part of their stand. Southpoint owns over 20 buildings in Braamfontein and houses over 4000 students in the area. On top of that they also have quite a few student bars in the area as well as 2 roof top bar venues: Sky Bar and Randlords. The view is to die for!

Why they were at Indaba is because they also have a stunning 60 bed hotel in Braamfontein called Hotel Lamunu (BTW- a great place to have an after work drink). We are working together to sell the inner city as a leisure destination. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s got loads to see and do and you can do it all using public transport. My suggestion is that if you are looking for something a little different to do over the weekend, why not book a night or two at an inner city hotel and really experience what city life is all about!

People (both local and international) had such a good response to our inner city product. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait to show them around and help make Jozi a tourist destination.

The Carnivore Resturant team- really friendly

It was also great to meet other Joburg products, organisations and establishments at Indaba. It is funny how we have to go to another city to meet. I met some great people from the GTA and Carnivore Restaurant (weird since im a vegeterian) who I hope to meet up with soon.

Kieliepensie Day Care on a Gautrain Visit

After Indaba I was on the Gautrain on my way home and I saw a really lovely site that made me fall in love with Jozi just a little bit more. A day care called Kieliepensie Dagsag from the East Rand were going on a school trip on the train. All the toddlers, babies and kids were dressed in their bright yellow tshirts, loaded into prams or walking. It was so great to see locals so excited to be using the public transport. What also got me really excited is that the Gautrain will be in the city soon! It will open up the city to a whole new group of people...I can’t wait!

We also did a lovely little tour last Saturday morning. Our guide Tania lead us on an adventure through the Mining District ending off with tea at the Rand Club. I have recently become a member of the Rand Club and I am so excited. I love its history and its building and I plan to spend many an afternoon reading in its library and many an evening drinking in the bar!

We have some great events coming up over the next few weeks so keep in touch

The Joburg Tour Guide xx

The Inner City Adventure Continues: Jozi to Cape Town, the Jetsons and Chancellor House

2011-04-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been absolutely crazy and so I begin this blog with a huge apology for not posting sooner! I was in Cape town for a week and then hit the ground running once back in Jozi with loads of tours, meetings and adventures in the city!

Here is what I have been up to:

A week in Cape Town

Fab building in Cape town

As i have mentioned before, Im doing my Masters at UCT in Conservation of the Built Environment. This means that I get to spend four weeks every year in Cape Town. I have just come back from one of these weeks. I had a fab time staying with friends and experiencing the city. Cape town has some great people, buildings and history (so different to Jozi's history). I went to the Milnerton Market while I was their which was AWESOME! I bought some great stuff at bargain prices including an art deco chrome coffee pot...swoon!

Since I have been back in Jozi, I have also had some awesome inner city adventures:

An Amazing Rea Vaya Experience

The original picture- with a young Edwin in the centre

Edwin Siwedi today

As many of you already know, on most of our tours we try to walk or use public transport. Our most common mode of transport is therefore the Rea Vaya bus system. I was doing a tour on the system a few days ago and had the most amazing experience. We were lucky enough to meet a gentleman called Edwin Siwedi. Edwin who is now a grandfather in his 50's was 18 years old in 1976 and played an important role in the student uprising. He was actually one of the young man in a famous photo of the event. It was an absolute honor to meet him!

A visit to the little that remains of the Top Star Drive-In

Me standing in front of all that is left of the Top Star Drive-In today

A Scene from the Jetsons. The Top Star Drive-in entrance

could easily fit in well here

I was exploring the city the other day, with a friend and we ended up at what was once the Top Star Drive-In. Opened in the 1960's Top Star was a popular place for Joburgers to watch a film, and offered an unbeatable view of the city. Unfortunately it closed down in 2006 and since then the mine dump that the Drive-In was situated on has be re-mined for gold. It is a tragedy that such an awesome spot in Jozi has been lost. The only part of the Drive-In still there is the arch over the entrance! But it is fab- very 1960's and it really reminds me of the Jetsons Cartoon and its space like design.

An update on Chancellor House

Chancellor House- refurbishment nearly finished

Probably one of the most exciting projects happening in the inner city right now is the refurbishment of Chancellor House. Once the offices of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo's Law firm it has been pretty much an inner city slum for decades that is, until last year when it's refurbishment began. I will keep you updated and write properly on it, when it is completed in the very near future...cant wait!

I am off to Durban next week and Tourism Indaba but will try squeeze a quick blog in before then!

Party at the Old Park Station-you have to see this!

2011-03-30T02:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we were lucky enough to be invited to my cousin's husbands 40th birthday at the Old Park Station concourse.

If I had to describe the party and the building is one word, it would definitely be WOW!

My cousin Margie's husband Eric is Lebanese so the party had a "Lebanese theme" which this building is perfect for! Think Arabian nights, with smoke machines, low tables, red velvet and stunning mood lighting. The food was also great- humus, flat bread, couscous...all my favourites. The alcohol flowed freely and the DJ was awesome. In my opinion a successful party needs a few things: great music, fab food, lots of booze and fun people, and this party had all those things in abundance.

I have heard about how fab this building is before but no pictures or stories, did it justice! You walk in and its like you have stepped back in time. The old shop fronts are still their are look like they have just closed up for the night.

Designed by Gordon Leith and originally decorated with 32 J.H Pierneef murals, Clive Chipkin describes the station beautifully in Johannesburg Style (1993)

"behind the main exterior of Park station is the great sunken station concourse-magnificent, like vast Roman thermae. The floor is three and a half metres below street level, but the stunning intersecting barrel vaults and lantern clerestories rise up nearly 15 metres above the floor level in a controlled explosion of public space".

Chipkin also says that at the time, the concourse was so popular that it often appeared in short stories and novels:

"Jill Westcott ran down the marble steps of the Johannesburg Railway Station into the blue-dome vault with the sunken goldfish ponds and the murals. The clock said she had 15 minutes to catch her train, and she slowed to a sedate walk. She told herself she had nothing to fear. He hadn't rung up and after last night he certainly wouldn't have the nerve to come to the station" Fell Purpose by A. Campbell

What is so great about the station, is that it looks like someone just closed it up one day and never went back. This is not entirely true as it is an event space and I have heard was a really popular spot for raves in the 90's. We explored all the surrounding rooms (they were once restaurants or bars) which was fantastic!
Even the bathrooms are stunning and totally old school! One of the most remarkable rooms is the "Blue Room" which is a completely tiled in "delft" style tiles each with a completely different South African Image on them from Rock Art, to the Castle in Cape Town.

But believe me we weren't only looking at the architecture...this was a party of note! We danced and drank and were maybe a little to merry! Justin (AKA Monkey) passed out on a police car (the police were not around at the time) afterwards! Good Times.

A huge thanks goes out to Margie and Eric for such a fab party!

Ill write again soon xxx

Inner City Capers -including an expedition to the fabulous London House

2011-03-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

I had the most awesome of adventures with Tania on Saturday afternoon. We decided to spend a few hours aimlessly wandering through the inner city taking photo's and doing research.

We found some great places and saw some great city scenes:

Retro Dinner
While walking down Jeppe Street (near Newtown), we found the most awesome looking old Diner. Really fab! It is now some sort of tavern/ bar but the old diner fixtures are all their. We went in and took some pics of the super friendly patrons! It seems to have been next to an old movie theatre. I can just imagine going to see a movie and then having a milkshake and burger at the Diner! Swoon.

Lionel Richie Time Machine
Just outside the Diner, Tania spotted one of the coolest and craziest cars I have ever seen. I love how it looks like a faded Lionel is sitting in the back!

Aegis House
We then ended up near the Rand Club, where we took some stunning pics of the Aegis Building which was home to an insurance company originally but now has some fab shop space on the ground floor. My favourite is the retro shoe shop and the "Sense and Sensibility" Coffee shop.

London House
We were then walking past London House (an absolutely stunning Art Deco building) when the security guard said that we should go inside and take a look! wow..it is so stunning. I am not sure what it was originally but it is now full of traditional African dress makers and designers and was still buzzing on Saturday afternoon. It has such stunning original features which is great to see! It also has at least one large "walk in type" safe on each floor! We are totally in love with the building! It also has a great view which we were lucky enough to see from a 13th floor veranda. What is surprising is that although the building does look a bit rundownn from the outside, it is actually looking pretty good inside! I also love how it has such a vibrant, sustainable community working inside it!

We discovered a few more great buildings but I am going to do some research and then will blog about them!

Ill blog again next week! X X

Inner City Adventures-Religion and Pipe Smoking in the City of Gold

2011-03-14T04:34:00.000-07:00

I have had a really busy week in Jozi which means I am going to have to write two blog posts this week. My first blog is going to be about an absolutely fabulous day I had in Joburg.

The day started off with a Rea Vaya ride to Regina Mundi in Rockville, Soweto. I have mentioned the church before as it is definitely my favourite site in Soweto. What is so great about the church is that it isn't a tourist attraction but rather a functioning church. It can be found slap bang in the middle of Soweto and is often called the "Mother" or "Protector" of Soweto. Regina Mundi which means "Mother of the World" is a catholic church home to one of the few black Madonna's in the world. It became famous in the 1970's as it is where many children involved in the student uprising ran for safety. The church is not just a tourist attraction but rather plays a crucial role in the community. When we were visiting on Thursday they were just finishing up their weekly soup kitchen. Outside the church, some bubbly local ladies have set up a few tables of handmade craft. I have walked past it so many times when I am taking tourists around the site but finally had a good look. I was pleasantly surprised! They have made the most stunning mosaics of the "black Madonna". They are about R130-00 -totally worth it. The artists who make the tiles are: Sonto, Tebogo, Nokwazi, Zandi and Marry. If you would like any more info contact Tebogo on 0733746712. My company does a great tour of Regina Mundi-email if you are interested.

We then caught the bus back into town for lunch at the Marshall Inn- a great little inner city bar and restaurant. It, like many older inner city spots, may look a little dodgy at first but once you explore them a little further, they prove to be special, unique and worth a visit! It has been owned by the same Portuguese family for over 20 years and is situated in the mining district on Marshall Street, just near Khotso House. The main bar which is up the stairs is cosy and full of business people from the area. I cant wait to go back unfortunately it is only open during the week until 18h00. It still has a fabulous old credit card advert on the door- I love it when things like this survive!

On our way back to the car which was in Newtown, we had a couple of fun experiences. I always meet the most awesome and special people while walking around the inner city. On this particular day we ended up walking behind a large group of elderly ladies in their distinctive blue and white Church uniforms. We got talking when one of them told my boyfriend that she loves him! Other than that priceless piece of info, they told us that they had been at a meeting at Khotso House (Marshall Street). (Khotso House is a bustling religious centre that is home to the South African Council of Churches and played an important role in the anti-apartheid struggle. The building became known in the 1980's when a bomb just about destroyed it. It was later found during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that former South African President PW Botha personally ordered the bombing). To get back to the church ladies, when we asked them which church they were affiliated with, they told us the "South African United Apostolic Church of Christ in Mufolo Soweto" under the "Archbishop IM Khumalo"...what a mouthfull! The ladies where even kind enough to let us take a photo! Total characters.

We were then walking down Diagonal Street, when both my friend Tania and my other half Justin decided that they would like to start smoking a pipe! yes you heard me right...A PIPE! an old mans pipe! They both then bought one..ok they only cost R20 so it wasnt like they exactley broke the bank. It was really funny and they actually suprisingly both suit a pipe. The Diagonal Street area is full of fun little shops that sell things like pipes. Tania bought me a fab hollow ivory looking pendant that you would traditionally put snuff or herbs in! I LOVE IT!

The city is just so alive and unique! I have been to many city's in South Africa and the rest of the world but none are as friendley or vibrant as Jozi! how lucky we are to live here.

I also had a great city exploration on Saturday which i will blog about during the week.

Be in touch soon- the JHB Tour Guide.

Discovering the City

2011-03-04T02:14:00.000-08:00

Even though I spend so much time in the city, I am always discovering something new. I have always said that I would like my life to be full of adventures and Joburg is my adventure.

I have taken part in some fun events, activities and adventures in the city recently.

Archaeological Society Tour with Peter Rich
We went on a really great tour of Ferrierasdorp with the Archaeological Society and prominent architect Peter Rich. It was great going on someone elses tour and it was fantastic as he doesn't only care about buildings but also the communities and people that live in the buildings. We went into Orient House a great building with a strong community feeling which was super interesting- the drying chillies on the roof were stunning. I also just love Ferrirasdorp- definitely one of my favourite areas in the city. It really is like a little village.

12 Decades Hotel/Joburg Photowalkers Photo Exhibition
We then rushed off to an awesome event organised by passionate Joburger Mark Straw (also founder of the ever popular Weekend culture Club and Joburg Photowalkers)- a tour of the 12 Decades hotel and then a photo exhibiton that anyone can take part in inspired by the hotel (which will happen in the next month or so). Its a great hotel as it has 12 rooms, all of which are decorated a different decade of Jozi's history. My fav's were the Love Jozi room and the Nigerian Nollywood room.

For more details on Joburg photowalkers and the exhibition:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/JoburgPhotowalkers

When we were exploring the Main Street Life area after the event, we found this awesome old drain. Now I know a drain might be a strange thing to blog about but it is just such a rare thing to see in the inner city and looked so old and awesome.

St Albans Mission Church
St Albans is a stunning old Anglican church near the Westgate Rea Vaya station on the outskirts of the city. I just love the look of the church and it has a really interesting history. It had a largely coloured congregation who were removed during the forced removals. I have admired this church from afar while on the Rea Vaya to Soweto so it was great to get up close and take some pics.

Fantastic Building...swoon!
I have found a new building to love. It is a really run down building on Marshall Street. It seems to be damaged by fire and years of neglect. It says CPB 1913 on it. I am not sure what it was exactly but will find out and update the blog. A side note: I saw the biggest rats..ever..at this building! Smaller than a medium size dog. Crazy. Still I want this building!

Naming Jozi
I dis a really fun tour the other day- its called Naming Jozi and its all about the origins of the building, street and area names in the inner city. Its a really great way to learn about some of the city's most prominent figures. I am doing another one on the19th of March. Hope to see as many of you as possible on the tour!

Catch up soon..hope you have many Jozi adventures till then!

Stranded at the Drive-in...Branded a fool!

2011-02-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

I have had such an insanely busy week but I have had some time to enjoy the city.

We went to the Veldskoen drive-in the other night. I love, love, love going to the drive-in. Its great for so many reasons: its cheap (R60) per car, its a double bill (two movies), you can sit outside on a mattress or camping chair and watch a movie under the stars, you can pack a picnic and booze...its just so fab!

We watched "Easy A" and "The Green Hornet" -really fun and had a picnic. My friend Alex who is a chef made the most yummy cookies and fruit crumble thing.

Veldskoen is the last drive-in in Joburg which is such a pity. So please go, go, go support it!

Details:

Malibongwe Drive, Ferndale, Randburg

Tel. (011) 793-2812

Cows and a farm...in the city!

2011-02-11T05:38:00.000-08:00

21 years ago today Nelson Mandela was released from prison so I thought it would be fitting to write about one of my absolute favourite sites in Joburg- Liliesleaf Farm. Mandela played a large part in the events that took place here and made it not just a rural farmhouse but one of the most important heritage sites in this country. Its not actually in the inner city (rather in Rivonia) but it is just so special that it really does not matter. I have blogged about it before but I find it so inspirational that it is going to get another mention.

I am also writing a paper for my Masters on the conservation of the buildings at the site..hence the visit today. So anyway, we (Justin, Tania and Kezhia and myself) visited the site this morning and had an absolutely fab tour, great guide and a generally amazing visit.

For those who don't know anything about the site, I will just give a quick rundown.Basically it was a house that was brought by the communist party in 1961 and used as an underground base by the ANC and Communist Party. It is also where the armed wing of the ANC (MK)was formed. It at different times played host to Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Oliver Thambo..and the list goes on! It was also due to a raid at this site in 1963 by the Apartheid Government that many of important liberation leaders were arrested and/or ended up in jail for decades after the infamous Rivonia Trial (Nelson Mandela included). It was also at the Rivonia Trial in 1964 where Nelson Mandela spoke one of the most inspirational and amazing speeches, which I think if everyone tried to live their life's by we would have a much better world:

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

I am very excited about doing this project on the site, I am so lucky to live in a city and country with such an exciting and amazing history and heritage.

Also just a quick mention as I thought it went nicely with the "farm" is Transport Square near Ellis Park which is home to some beautiful mosaic cows. This fantastic area has been part of a huge regeneration project and has some of the most lovely art. I also like how they have planted some indigenous trees..always great in the inner city!

And now something totally off topic:

Yesterday I had a meeting in the city so we decided to have lunch and the meeting somewhere a little different. I am not a huge fan of Chinese food but my meal at the "Yung Chen Noodle Den" in Commissioner Street was Delicious. Really yummy bean curd. I love the old Chinese Quarter in the city, it is just so stunning and old school.

I will write soon..until then I hope you have some great adventures in the City of Gold.

Adventures out of the city of gold!

2011-01-31T23:14:00.000-08:00

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A few weeks out of the city- but I survived!

For the first time in a very long time I have actually spent some time away from Jozi and my beloved inner city.

First up over the festive season I went to Knysna for a family Christmas. It was loads of fun going for long walks, relaxing, swimming and spending time with my immediate and extended family. Cant wait to go back!

Me and Justin (AKA Monkey) then had to rush back to Joburg as we were flying to the UK on the 29th with our friends Amy and Ross. I lived in London for two years and haven't been back since so I was really excited. We had an absolutely fantastic time in London, Edinburgh (thanks Lauren, Ray and Caitlin for having us to stay), Dublin and then London again (thanks to Jackie and Nick for looking after us like Gold). It was great experiencing the culture, art, fashion and pubs!

It was super getting home as I had missed our Joburg City adventures alot...but then ended up going to Capetown for the week, last week as I was accepted to do my Masters part time. I only have to be in Cape Town for 4 weeks over the entire year which is great as its a fantastic city to visit but I still get to be in Jozi. I am also really excited about my course. It is a Masters in "Heritage of the Built Environment" and looks at conserving buildings...which if you know me at all you know how much i love that. I get to do my first project on Liliesleef Farm....yay!While in Cape Town I also got to stay with Raphaella a really awesome friend...she cooks the most awesome food and it was like staying in a hotel. I cant thank her enough. the area she lives in also has some great Art deco buildings..very Miami!

I had to then get back ASAP as I had tours all weekend. They were great and we had some fantastic people on them. Sunday was really busy as I had a tour in the morning and then took a journalist and food blogger around to give him an idea of the city. We also decided to go for lunch in Soweto which was great. Interesting Fact-Vilakazi Street is a hang out for bikers on a sunday afternoon...weird. The street also has some great new public art and sign boards up. Awesome but a very busy weekend!

Its great to be back and I have a very busy year ahead of me....hopefully its a fun one.

Long Live The Dead Queen and Yoga in the City

2010-12-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

I am about to leave for my Xmas holidays so this has to be quite a rushed blog. I thought I would rather post some images of two events that i have attended recently than write a huge amount!

I was lucky enough to attend the Joburg Art City Mary Sibande Open top bus tour through town last Sunday. It was in a word "AMAZING". Seeing the public art around town from and open top bus was awesome. Mary then also gave us commentary on each of the images as we drove around which was super interesting. It was absolutely fantastic to meet someone whose art I see and talk about nearly every day-bit of a dream come true. I cant wait for the next event! Joburg really is the largest art gallery in the world! Just another reason to love the CBD!

I also attended the first "Yoga in the City" event on Sunday which my company Past Experiences is organising in conjunction with Monsoon Yoga. The first class took place at the beautiful Ansteys building on the 3rd floor. It was supposed to happen on the roof but it was wet so we did it next to the creche inside. It was such a stunning class and a great group of people. It was also lovely as all the kids in the creche joined in with the yoga which was really cute! I can not wait for the next class!

Thats about it for now..I cant believe I wont be spending time in the city for a few weeks...what will i do? I am definitely going to get withdrawal symptoms! Ill write again in the new year. Have a great Christmas and New Year!

Inner City Adventures

2010-11-30T05:08:00.000-08:00

I have had an absolutely insane couple of weeks- hence I haven't blogged in a while.

To make up for this I am going to try mention everything we have been doing lately even if it means just doing a couple of lines on each! hopefully this will give people some ideas on fun things things to do in the city!

Public Art Tour

We did a great public art tour a few weeks ago. I was a little worried as it was on the same day as the 94.7 Cycle Challenge which means that their were streets closed and I thought people might not be able to get to the event. I was totally wrong..we had over thirty people and it was a fantastic tour. We also had the SABC News Crew come along on the tour. One of the most awesome sights of the day actually had nothing to with art. The Cycle challenge was routed through the city which i think is a great indicator of how the city is on the up and up! The tour stood on the side of the road at Gandhi Square and cheered people on.

Radio Today

I had an absolutely awesome experience the other day. I was lucky enough to be on Gillian Godsell's radio program Jozi Today for an hour. The show focused on Women Entrepreneurs. I was slightly nervous but ended up absolutely loving it...maybe I have a future in Radio! It is a great show and focuses on people and events in JHB. The show is then followed by another program called Heritage Today. They are really interesting and can be found on AM 1485 or DSTV 169.

Book Launch at the Lister Building.

I went to a book launch at the Lister Building in the City. The book looks awesome and i cant wait to get a copy. Its called Positions and looks at Contemporary art is SA. It was a lovely little get together with wine and a stunning view.

Cartoons in Context- Museum Africa

Museum Africa has the most amazing exhibition on at the moment. Its all about political cartoons. Its really fantastic and explains what each cartoon is about so you understand what the context is. They have some really old ones to newish ones that have featured in the Soweton. I can recommend it enough and its free.

Past Experiences Gift Vouchers and Boxes

Why not give someone one of our experiences for Christmas. You can choose one of our budget tours which are presented on a lovely voucher (the date can be chosen by the person later) or our premier choice a beautiful gift box, chocolates, book and voucher for a private tour. Its a really unique and original gift they will never forget!

Imbali Visual literacy Project

When i was at museum Africa the other day I had a look in their shop. They have the most beautiful and unique products. Really stunning printed skirts with a map of Joburg, place mats, embroidered Joburg bags, lights and so much more. They are all part of the Imbali Visual Literacy Project which you can check out at http://www.imbali.org.za/. They are based in Newtown and have some studios at the Bus Factory.

Ernest Oppenheimer Park

I cant tell you in words how stunning this park is looking. The art, garden and public spaces are so colourful, stylish and bright! The JDA and City Parks have done an absolutely fantastic job on this rejuvenation project.

Main Street Christmas Decorations

A couple of weeks ago when we were walking down Main Street we were joking around and said that they should put a sleigh behind the Jumping Impala's and put a red nose on one of them. Well they have done something similar- all the Impala and the Leopard Public Art have beautiful bells around their neck and the trees have been wrapped in Shweshwe material.

Ansteys Building

I have written about this building quite a few times but I was able to go the roof of the building (19th floor) the other day and stand next to the spire (not sure if that's the right word). It was the most awesome experience. We are actually doing yoga their on the 12th December as part of our new "Yoga in the City" and "Fit in the City" initiative. It will take place on the 4th floor which has the most amazing view of the building. We are very excited!

Food Wine Design Fair

We went to the opening of the "Food Wine Design Fair" at Hyde Park. It was fun and had some nice stalls but the parking at Hyde Park was a complete mess. We didn't eat much of the food but had an awesome Beer Steph Weiss...so amazing and some fantastic jewelry from Geraldine Fenn who owns Tinsel in Melville...so beautiful! Their was some great decor items and art. We saw William Kentridge..which was great..I am a big fan particularly his public art- Firewalker.

Mounted Policeman in the City

I was starting my "I Love Joburg Tour" last weekend and we suddenly saw some horses and mounted policeman coming down Market Street. It was lovely to see and later on when we went to the Joburg Art Gallery they were in their horse box as that's where the metro cops are stationed.

Chinatown, New Public Art and Fit in the city

2010-11-15T03:20:00.000-08:00

Just thought i would share a couple of things with you very briefly that i have seen in the city recently. The rejuvenation of the Joburg inner city is really happening in a big way at the moment and i am loving the amazing Public art being installed and events going on. My advice to anyone living in JHB who hasn't experienced the city recently is to come on one of our tours and/or just explore your city...you will love it!

Chinatown Dragons
These stunning dragons have recently been put into the old Chinatown in the Inner city. they are really stunning and add to the feel of this historic area! We are going to see them in my Public Art Tour this Sunday if anyone is interested. I love old Chinatown-my favourite part is the Chinese Supermarket..it has the most amazing tea caddies, tea pots, tea's and so much more!

The coolest graffiti ...ever
While exploring with one of my fav people Tania- we found this amazing Graffiti! It is totally District 9 themed and even features a prawn or in the words of Wikus van der Merwe "a fokking prawn". So AWESOME! I wonder what genius did it!

Miss Diagonal
Tania and I have started a small business called Miss Diagonal in our spare time. We are selling some great unique and super funky accessories, off the hook 1980's earrings and the occasional item of clothing..and all at a great price! We are selling our items via Facebook, private little get togethers and our new blog (http://missdiagonalinjhb.blogspot.com ). Its not totally up and running but it will be within the next few days.

Oppenheimer Park
I have written about it before but since a whole lot of new art has been added i thought i would mention it again. Harry Oppenheimer Park behind the old post office has had a total makeover in the last few months and it is so fantastic. In the last couple of weeks the JDA has put in a whole lot of new art including a wooden post office, some springboks (a tribute to the Impala statue that was once in the park but now in Main street) and a whole lot more. Check it out ASAP! We are also going to try and take a look at it this weekend in my public art tour if time allows!

Fit in the City
Yesterday was the first in I hope many of our "Fit in the City" events. We started with a 5km walk around the city. We had 16 people which was great. Our youngest members were a 10 week old miniature pug and a toddler in a pushchair. We are hoping to do a jog in the near future as well as Yoga in the City over December. We will also be doing another walk on Sunday 28th! The aim of this is to use the city in a different way..not just for tours..but make it an integral part of all our lives.

Another week in the Joburg Inner City!!!!

2010-10-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have had another busy week in the inner city.

It all started last week Friday when we went to the Alex Nash exhibition at the Grayscale gallery in Braamfontein.

Alex Nash exhibition/ Grayscale Gallery- Braamfontein/The Guildhall

Alex Nash's customised sneakers are awesome and he has been part of a really interesting heritage project where he designed a shoe for every cultural group in South Africa. The Ndebele shoe was my favourite. The event was also really fun as it was sponsored by Vitamin Water and Millers. We met some randoms at the party and had quite a few drinks. It was really fun. Afterwards we were really hungry and in need of a few more drinks so we went to one of my fav bars- The Guildhall. Always fun and the owner always gives us something on the house- he is an awesome host.

Saturday in the City

Constitution Hill/Windybrow Theatre/ Jag/ Fordsburg/ Braamfontein Cemetery

On Saturday I had an awesome day exploring the city with my boyfriend Monkey/Justin and my friend Tania. They have a company called Shutterproof Photography that specialises in Joburg Inner City and event photography. They wanted to take some pics and so of course I had to tag along. We first went to Constitution Hill and took pics from the top of the old fort-great view of the city. We also had a look at one of my favourite public artworks- The Angel of the North. We then went for a drive around Hillbrow and ended up at the Windybrow Theatre (once the home of mining engineer Theodore Reunert and now a theatre) which is currently being renovated. Its a really unique old building with a great history. I also like how it is still used and serves an important role for the surrounding community. I have wanted to check out the new Ernest Cole Exhibition at the Jag for a couple of weeks and so we stopped their next. If I had to describe it in one word i would definitely say...WOW. It is so fantastic and a very thought provoking look at what it meant to be black under Apartheid. By this time we were really hungry and tired so we decided to go to Fordsburg for lunch. I had an amazing bunnychow (curry in a loaf of bread for the non South Africans) and then we went and got some traditional Indian cakes for later in the day. We had decided to go home but as we drove past Braamfontein Cemetery we decided to go and have a look around as it is Joburg's oldest cemetery. It was a really great look at our history with many well know figures graves as well as many men killed in WW2 and the Boer War. As you can imagine after such a busy day I went home and passed out...walking around with crutches and a moonboot is so tiring.

A Crazy Tuesday afternoon in the Inner City

Barbican, Ansteys, His Majestys Building and the Reef Hotel

On Tuesday my sister Sarah who is a journalist invited me along to a meeting with an architect in the inner city. The architect Brian Mckechnie is really passionate about the inner city and has had a lot of involvement in many heritage and inner city projects. His main inner city "baby" is the Anstays Building which i have written about before. He offered to take us on a visit to his building and on the way we were walking past the Barbican when the builder who knows Brian Offered to take us in. Anybody who really knows me or has been on a tour knows that this is my absolute favourite city building and so this is probably the most awesome thing ever! It is absolutely amazing inside and the builders attention to detail is great. We then went on a tour of the Ansteys building and got to go into the original Anstey familys apartment...very awesome. It really is an amazing building. My second favourite building in the city is His Majestys Building. I have wanted to go and explore it for ages as i heard that the old theatre was still inside. We decided to go and explore and so we phoned the lady in charge of the building who might actually be insane. When we got into her office I felt like I was in trouble at school. The building looks really awful inside as it is filled with horrible 1970's prefab..yuck. But all is not lost as the 13th floor is still looking amazing. Lots of wood paneling. Afterwards all this inner city fun we went for a drink at the Guildhall and then stopped in at the new Reef Hotel. Its stunning and the bar is great. They make a great whisky shooter. They also have plans to put a bar in on the roof...I cant wait as the view is awesome.

Every time I am in the city I realise how much I love it. I find myself getting more and more passionate about the history, buildings, people and future rejuvenation of the Joburg Inner City. Ill write again soon...

Images by Shutterproof Photography www.wix.com/justindup/shutterproof

Art, Buildings, Soccer, Zingara and a Moonboot- Two weeks in Jozi!

2010-09-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

I have had some awesome fun in the "City of Gold" in the last couple of weeks...as usual. So please check out whats been happening in my life and in Johannesburg!

School Tour of FNB Stadium with 124 kids
I was contacted a few months ago by a small rural school in Hobhouse in the Freestate. They were interested in a tour of some of Johannesburg's stadium's. We put a few packages together which they could choose from but they could only take the most simple package (tour of FNB Stadium) we offered due to a serious lack of funds. My company Past Experiences then decided to sponsor the kids worksheets, pens and party packs. We were lucky enough to get additional funding by our bookkeeper which meant that we could give them really awesome party packs. A few days before the school visit we went on a tour at the stadium ourselves. Its really fun as you get to go behind the scenes and see the change rooms, VIP areas and so much more. The kids then went on a similar tour a couple of days later but were lucky enough to have it done in Zulu as English isn't their home language. The kids and teachers had an absolutely awesome time at the stadium and were so appreciative of their worksheets and packs. I would love to organise more tours like this particularly for underprivileged schools. If anyone is interested in funding an outing we would be happy to organise the schools and events!

Fashion Kapitol Update
I did an inner city shopping tour a couple of weeks ago and was so excited to see that the new "Fashion Kapitol" development in the city is starting to open and has some exciting tenants. My favourite so far is the "Fashion Shack" which has the most stunning shweshwe clutch purses! I bought one for a friends birthday and now i want one as well.

Beautiful Building in Fox Street
I was in the CBD doing research the other day and stumbled into the most stunning building! I wish i could live in it...the green tiles and roof are just stunning.

Creative Jozi- A Public Art Tour of the Inner City
I will be doing a public art tour of the city this Sunday the 3rd of October. I will write more about it afterwards but just thought I would give it a quick mention as Joburg has such a stunning array of art dotted around the city and I am just so proud of it!

Madame Zingara
I was lucky enough to go to the opening night of Madame Zingara last weekend. It is absolutely amazing! It takes place in an old circus tent (apparently one of the last remaining mirror tents in the world) and basically you are treated to the most amazing circus/ performance. It is so stylish and reminds me of an old carnival or the circus in "Big Fish". The service is fantastic and the food is Delicious-mezze platter, ravioli, Thai green curry (or for the meat eaters chocolate chili steak) and an array of little puddings! I have heard that it can be quite pricey but i cant recommend it enough! Madame Zingara simply rocks. It will be in Joburg until February so go and check it out!

My Moonboot!
And finally (but maybe most importantly as it effects every single thing I do for the next 6 weeks) I am now wearing one of those moonboot/cast things! Last week Tuesday i basically fell over myself at my parents house and I have fractured two bones in my big toe...one really badly (basically crushed it) and the other just a normal fracture. It was so painful and now i have to wear this moonboot for 6 weeks but i have blinged it up with some stickers to cheer me up. Also my job is all about walking around the inner city and my bar job is also about moving! So basically I am screwed but thats life and I am just going to have to make a plan.

So from a hobbling Joburg Tour Guide..write soon!

(Please note- some of the pictures (the better ones basically) were taken by Justin Du Piesanie of Shutterproof Photography)

Jozi's Spring Awesomeness!!

2010-09-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

I Love Hot Weather! Everything is so much better when the weather is fantastically warm. Joburg has seen the change in seasons in the last couple of weeks and I'm sure most people are LOVING it! With the World Cup over, Past Experiences has been really quite so after doing some marketing I am now working on new products and doing research. I have been super busy as usual in and around Joburg with some great events and visits so please check it out:

Braamfontein Rejuvination
I dont know if anyone has been to Braamfontein recently but it is looking fantastic. Their are some great regeneration projects going all over the area. I went on a walk about with South Point the other day and saw some of the work in the area. i don't want to forget the smaller independent projects going on but because the walk around was with South Point that's what I am going to focus on. The have done some amazing projects in the area and have loads of things planned. They have new bars, a gym, student accommodation and loads more. What i like about what they are doing is that it isn't aimed at wealthy people who want to live in expensive inner city loft apartments and go to fancy restaurants and art gallery's. Their apartments etc are aimed at University students and the prices are budget but everything is really young and stylish. My favourite South Point project is definitely Hotel lamunu. Its awesome. Every floor is dedicated to a famous Wits Graduate. The rooms are small but lovely and the restaurant is really cute. They have the best bran muffins I have ever tasted! Yum...cant wait to go back. Don't forget we do an awesome tour of the area called "Bustling Braamfontein" which looks at the history and future of Braamfontein.

Sci-Bono Murder Mystery Evening
We went to such an unique evening at the Science museum in Newtown a couple of weeks ago. They had a Murder Mystery evening.I should say that I am the hugest Agatha Christie fan and i love mystery novels so i loved it. Me and Tania (one of my favourite friends) got so into solving the murder. We got to look at the murder scene and then question the "staff" who were around on the night. We didn't win but it was loads of fun.

The Sketchbook Project 2011
I have been teaching myself to draw/ paint/ sketch recently. I did art for matric but we had a really substandard teacher and when you have to do art according to a deadline and for marks...its not so fun! I haven't really done any art for about 8 years and so I am definitely out of practise. Its been loads of fun just painting whatever I like. The reason i am "finding my inner artist" at the moment is because I am taking part in the Sketchbook Project. This is a project where you get sent a sketchbook from America, you choose a theme and then can basically do whatever you like to fill it up. You then send it back to them and it goes on a touring exhibition through America. The sketchbooks will end up in the Brooklyn Art Library. My theme is "...you'd be home by now" and I am so excited!

Northcliff Hill
I know that I have written about Northcliff hill before but it has such a stunning view. We (me, My boyfriend Justin and best friend Kezhia) drove up to the top of the hill to look at the view on Saturday. Its stunning! Their is also a security guard their on a Saturday so its a safe and cheap way to spend an afternoon.

Breakfast with Alex in her stunning garden
We went for breakfast at my friend Alex's house on Sunday. Alex is a chef and cooks the most awesome food. We had flapjacks and they were too Delicious for words!Alex's mom Sally has the most stunning garden and the flowers and trees in the garden at the moment are so beautiful! We are actually going back this afternoon to take photos. Joburg is springtime is just the best!

Joburg Theatre Complex
I went on a great walk around of the Joburg Theatre Complex (old Civic Theatre)yesterday. We went backstage and onto the stage which was really interesting and fun. The props for the pantomime are already their..the giant sparkly clams and pirate boat are so fun. At the moment a musical version of Jock of the Bushveld is on and the stage (set designed by Stan Knight) looks really great. I loved the tulle trees that looked so real from far away! Past Experiences is definitely going to do a tour here soon.

Liliesleaf Farm
If you know me at all, you know how passionate I am about South Africa, Joburg and its past. One of the many parts of our history I am fascinated by is the Rivonia Treason Trial and Liliesleaf Farm. I watched a 3 part series on the events and now I'm hooked! I think Nelson Mandela's words at the trial are probably some of the most important and inspirational ever said in our history:

"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Nelson Mandela (Rivonia Treason Trial)

Liliesleaf Farm is where many of those sentenced at the Rivonia Treason Trial were caught and is such a fantastic place to visit. I loved all of it but my favourite part was the vehicle that was used by Umkhonto We Sizwe (ANC armed wing)to bring weapons into the country in the 1980's. Its cover was a Safari Vehicle and all the tourists on board had no idea they were sitting on limpet Mines and AK47's. Its pretty crazy but really fascinating. We will also be doing a tour of this site soon!

Ill write again soon...The Joburg Tour Guide

Jozi- Two Weeks of Fun

2010-08-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy the last couple of weeks I haven't had any time to write. Just thought i would take some time out to blog about the fun events I have been lucky enough to be part of recently...maybe it will inspire someone to venture out into the city and try some of them.

Westcliff Heritage walk- Citadels of Commerce
Two Saturdays ago I joined Westcliff Heritage on a fun walk through the city. It focused on old department store type shops that used to be in the inner city. I was pretty tired as I had worked at my "other job" bar tending at Tokyo Star Greenside the night before and only got home at 4h00. I then got up at 7h00 to do one of my shopping tours in the inner city which was really fun but I was starting to feel the ZZZZ coming on by the time the Westcliff Tour started. It was really interesting though, very different to what i do as the tour focused mainly on architecture which i do to a lesser extent. I like the past, present and future of the city with a focus on city rejuvenation. I also like the exciting juicy gossipy accounts of history...always very interesting. An awesome part of the experience was that their were a lot of older Joburgers on the tour, some of whom even remembered some of the shops and old hotels. I love people's first hand accounts of history. I would also just like to mention that Westcliff Heritage does some awesome work in the city. They really try and look after some beautiful and important parts of our history when no one else does. I am in awes of the heritage work they do!

Party, Party, Party!!
After the Westcliff walk, I went to my best friend Kezhia's house for her sister Perdi's birthday party. Everyone had to bring a different bottle of booze for cocktails. Cocktails are always really dangerous as they taste so sweet that I never think their is an alcohol in them and so drink way to much. I also kept adding vodka to every drink I had! It was really fun but definitely got a little ridiculous! What I also really like about going to Kezhia's house is that their is such a mixed race group of people...its great! Although the next day was pretty bad...I have definitely felt better.

My first Gautrain Experience
Finally went on the Gautrain...it was awesome. My boyfriend Justin's parents live in Kempton so we took the Gautrain to Rhodesfield station. They picked us up and we had a braai with them. We then got dropped off at the station and went back to Sandton. It looks fantastic...its like being in London on the Underground. It was also surprising, that their were so many locals using it to get from Kempton to Sandton for a day of shopping.

Bafana Bafana VS Ghana at Soccer City
What a fantastic Experience! We went to the match for my uncle's birthday and it was so much fun. We parked at Park Station and then got the Metro train to the stadium. Their is a prophetic car guard at the station who told us Bafana would win 1-0. And he was totally right. Park station is looking fantastic and we even had dinner their. The train ride to the match was full of "gees" and it was so much easier than going in the car. The match was fantastic- loads of Vuvuzelas and flags. I finally supported a team that won which was a first.

MTV Squared
I have recently found an awesome bar in Dobsonville Soweto. Its a family run bar and just has such an awesome feel. It is in a converted garage in true Soweto Style. Its called MTV Squared and is just off Elias Motsoaledi Road. The drinks are cheap, the food good and the surrounding community is so welcoming...cant wait to go back!

Vilakazi Street Public Art
I am a huge fan of public art and Vilakazi street in Soweto has some fairly new art that is just really stunning. Great for all those photographers out their. My favourite one is of the sign language hands spelling out the name of the street. For any foreigners reading this blog Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world that has been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners- Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu.

Regina Mundi Church
I have been spending quite a lot of time in Soweto recently, so just thought I would mention my favourite place to visit in Soweto- Regina Mundi. This church isn't just a tourist attraction but rather it is also a working church that plays a huge role in the surrounding community. Regina Mundi (which means Mother of the World in Latin) played a huge role in the 1976 student uprising and the anti-apartheid struggle in general. Danny the caretaker/guide at the church is my favourite site guide and is totally legendary.

Lekgotla- Africa's Dining Room
An archaeologist friend from Canada (Jane) stayed with us a couple of nights this last week and wanted to take us out for dinner. We wanted to try something different and we never go to Sandton so we decided to try out Lekgotla (Tswana for meeting place) on Sandton Square which i have been dying to go to. It was so stunning- lovely decoration, ambiance and the food was totally out of this world. I had a meze type platter with Ethiopian flat bread, hummus, marmalade, roast veg and babaganoush..yum! Thanks Jane...cant wait to go back!

Write again soon...The Joburg Tour Guide

The Inner City Fashion District and so much more!

2010-07-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

Well the World Cup is over which is sad as my company Past Experiences was really really busy and I met some fantastic visitors on our inner city, Soweto and archaeological tours! I think Joburg did an awesome job in hosting so many people...and I think it highlighted that Gauteng can be a world class tourist destination...and not just a stop over!

I have had a busy couple of weeks since then so read on and maybe it will give you some ideas about what Joburg (and South Africa....as I have mentioned Mapungubwe this week) has to offer!

The Fashion District
I spent a couple of hours in one of the most stunning parts of inner city Joburg yesterday- The Fashion District. Historically this area was home to the fashion industry, textile factories, tailors and seamstresses but when the inner city went into a downturn in the 1980's and 1990's many of these business moved out of the city and this area was a bit of a no go area for many. But things are really looking up for the Fasion District. Their are numerous rejuvenation schemes going on- renovated buildings,a hotel, a sewing school and of course Fashion Kapitol. This is an awesome new redevelopment dedicated to fashion that even has an outdoor fashion catwalk! Cant wait for it to open!

The fashion District is also home to some beautiful buildings- many of them Art Deco..my absolute favourite period. One of the most stunning is the Gallo Building which was built in the 1920's to house Eric Gallo's record shop. In the 1930's a recording studio was added and in the 1940's renovations took place that changed the buildings outer facade to an Art Deco Revival Style (info from Westcliff Heritage Plaque).

Their are some great shops in the area- many of which we visit on our inner city shopping tour (I Love Shopping). Their is a fantastic bag shop, haberdashery that sells the most extensive collection of shweshwe I have ever seen, sewing machine shops, a fantastic little shop that sells only pashmina's. I even bought a shweshwe hat for R10 from a lady selling hats on the side of the road. Their is also a great new little cafe called SunMoon on Troy Street that sells the most delicious curry's and roti and its very very budget friendly!

Hats and Overalls!
I also recently discovered two great new shops next door to each other in the inner city. They for me represent why the Joburg CBD is so important and special. D&H Milner is a small shop not to far from the Carlton Centre that specialises in ladies overalls and uniforms. They have been around for over 4 decades and basically sell the Rolls Royce of ladies uniforms. They are all designed and made on site. Next door is the absolutely charming Gauteng Hats which is about 30 years old. This little shop is like walking back in time and you can buy beautiful gloves and hats..they even have the original shop counters! I have officially fallen in love!

Rissik Street Post Office
Many of our inner city tours start in Rissik Street which is home to some beautiful buildings. Probably most famous is the Rissik Street Post Office which was badly damaged by a fire last year. It has been sitting ever since in an awful state and we owe this important part of our history so much more! Flo Bird and Westcliff Heritage are really trying to do their part in getting the building fixed. They need as much support as possible.

Ernest Oppenheimer Park
But its not all doom and gloom in the Rissik Street area. City Parks has recently done the most beautiful renovation and restorations of a park directly behind the post office. Ernest Oppenheimer Park is looking fantastic. The gardens are stunning, their is a new basketball court and they have put in some fantastic new public art which is all about Jozi and Egoli....go and check it out ASAP!

Stargazing at Forum Homini
I was lucky enough to go to a Standard Bank Private Banking function with my dad this last week at Forum Homini in the Cradle of Humankind. It was a stargazing event and was really fun. We had great food and drinks- potato and apple soup, risotto, sorbet and an awesome whisky and rooibos drink. We then got to look at Saturn, the moon and even saw the space shuttle go over! I would love to see and know more about the planets and stars.

Save Mapungubwe
I know that my blog is about Joburg but this week I am also adding a little bit about my second favourite place in the world (other than Jozi) and that is the Limpopo province, in particular the Mapungubwe National Park (near to the Zim border). I went their for a long weekend recently after the World Cup. We stayed on the SAN Parks accommodation and it was fantastic! This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is home to the first known Southern African complex civilisation...first sacred leadership, first palace...and the list of firsts go on. This area is an integral part of South Africa's history and everyone should have to go and see it! Why I am also writing about it this week is because the park's nature and culture is being severely threatened by an Australian company "COAL of Africa" which is starting a mine in the area that is going to endanger the park! Something has to be done...so please check out this link and sign the petition...http://www.savemapungubwe.org.za/. It is saddening when all people care about is saving money and not at all about culture and our past!

I have a busy couple of weeks coming up as usual so expect another jam packed blog soon!

Great happenings around Jozi!

2010-07-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about some special people, places and programmes happening in Johannesburg. I have seen some great stuff on my travels about town recently and just thought I should share these with as many people as possible

Firstly just a big shout out to the Carlton Centre "Top of Africa" and their staff. The "Top of Africa" is the 50th floor viewing deck of the infamous Carlton Centre in downtown Johannesburg. The view is unbeatable and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who lives in Jozi or is visiting our fair city. They also have such awesome and caring staff- the ticket sellers, security staff and cleaning ladies. Everyone is great and they have been so helpful over the World Cup period that I really can’t thank them enough.

The Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) is, as always looking fantastic. This gallery is special for so many reasons. They play a large role in the surrounding community and the gallery is always full of local kids drawing and just generally having a great time. If only more museums and art gallery's could have an open door policy to their community. The gallery staff is also fantastic- they are sooo welcoming when you enter the gallery, they know a lot about what’s on show and are just generally great. And finally the JAG is fantastic because their exhibits are always changing. At the moment their is some unmissable stuff on show- William Kentridges "I am not me, the horse is not mine", "Borders-Bamako Photographic Biennale" and "Without masks- a collection of Afro-Cuban art". If you have some spare time over the weekend..go and check it out!

I took a tour at the Apartheid Museum last week and was luck enough to take a look at the Nelson Mandela Exhibit that is on at the moment. It really is absolutely fantastic. Its all about Mandela from his birth, growing up, his life in Joburg, his family and so much more. The video footage of him is also fantastic! I can’t wait to go back and take another look. The book shop and restaurant are also looking great and it would be great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

I also thought I would talk about a great initiative/ programme (brought to Joburg by Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela)that is taking place in the inner city called City Year. It is a great national youth service programme that engages youth in a year of voluntary service and leadership development. Basically school leavers, become involved for a year on a voluntary basis facilitating after school programmes. They wear a very specific uniform (khaki pants and red jacket) that makes their presence in the city felt. I see them nearly every time I am in the city. It is great for the youth involved but also for city rejuvenation. Well-done to the "City Year" participants and organisers.

This is a generalisation but generally people living in Joburg are really friendly..is it the weather? Anyway often when I take international visitors around the city, we have a great random meeting with awesome and friendly locals. It always makes me proud to be from the city of gold. I met some great people in Newtown at the Brenda Fassie statue/ public art yesterday. They were posing with Brenda's statue and so we ended up taking pics of them and joining them in some photo's. I told them I would put them in the blog so a big shout out to BOOM2WIN and Sis FAITH!

So until next time...go explore and have fun in Joburg!

Ivory Coast VS Brazil!

2010-06-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

I went to my first and only World Cup match on Sunday. It was so awesome and now I wish that I was going to more matches!

The match was Ivory Coast VS Brazil. We obviously supported Ivory Coast as they are an African team and I am proudly African. It did make me a little sad to see so many South African people supporting Brazil and not an African country. That said the Brazil fans were great anyway and the spirit was fantastic!

We all got dressed up in the colours of the Ivory Coast Team and even had our faces painted...it looked great. We went to the match on one of the metro buses from Wits university. It was a totally stress free and I recommend it to anyone needing to get to a World Cup Match.

We got to the match early, got some beer (R30 for a Budweiser!), some dinner and then really got to be part of the spirit with the fans. We got involved with a Brazilian marching band, did some vuvezeling (me very badly), met fans from both sides and had our pictures taken by some international press!

The game then started...it was awesome! We got to see Drogba score a goal and even though we lost, it was still great. I was also surprised how quickly it went. I think that I may now be a soccer fan! I definitely enjoy it more than rugby!

My best experience is when i met a "Brazilian guy" at the match. He thought I was from the Ivory Coast, I thought he was Brazilian...so we took a picture together. Turns out his name is Llewellyn and he is from Montgomery Park...we live in neighbouring suburbs and we are both South African! It was really funny!

The World Cup is great and who knows...maybe I will make it to Brazil for the next one!

Fun around Town!

2010-06-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

Past Experiences have had a couple of really busy weeks with all the tourists here for the world cup. I have taken some great Americans, Brits and Mexicans around! That said we still found some time to do an awesome "I Love Newtown" tour on the 16th of June (Youth Day)for locals. We followed the stunning Newtown Heritage trail and also took in Museum Africa, the Workers Museum and Sci-Bono...it was loads of fun!

Museum Africa is looking the best it has looked in over a year and half- they have filled up their empty exhibition space at last and have got a great June and July program. They have guides in all the major exhibitions which really add to the experience! We were also lucky enough to watch one of their daily storytelling performances. It was great and I would recommend it to as many people as possible!

Mid-tour we did our usual coffee stop at Kaldi's on Mary Fitzgerald Square. Definitely my favourite coffee shop in Joburg . They do really great coffee and tea and have a really unique cheescake- its as if a cheescake and a milk tart had a baby- a cinnamony cheesecake!

We ended off the tour at Sci-bono which is Johannesburg's fabulous Science Museum. I cant recommend it enough. Its really fun for any age and its great for people who don't normally like museums or even science- all totally interactive and awesome! My friend Tania and myself had a great time playing on all the exhibitions. Some of our favourites were the heat sensing camera (it was like being in a spy movie), the chill zone where we could listen to soccer related stories on earphones, the tiny crane which I operated while talking on my phone...rebel! Our absolute favourite though was the fighter jet which you can sit in! We went all Maverick and Goose and sang the Top Gun Theme tune "Highway to the Dangerzone"...way to cool!

If you have any spare time over the next few weeks I totally recommend going to Newtown! It is looking fantastic and its so much fun! Why not enjoy a relaxed lunch at Sophiatown or if you are feeling flush-have dinner at Gramadoelas and catch a show at the Market Theatre. The World Cup Spirit is amazing in the area so you have to catch at least one game at the fan park on the square. Have fun!

Jozi Soccer Fever!

2010-06-11T00:19:00.000-07:00

Its finally here! After months of waiting the World Cup starts today. I'm not really a sports fan but I am a huge fan of South Africa (in general) and I am so excited! The spirit in Johannesburg is "OFF THE HOOK".

I am also really lucky because my job really lets me experience the vibe in a huge way- I have been spending loads of time in the Joburg CBD/inner city and Soweto on tours lately. I cant even put into words how awesome it is. It is also great for my clients to see...they are so impressed and shocked at how excited everyone is. When we are walking around the city we just stumble upon random Disci Dance lessons, street party's, football games through the traffic of downtown....we even saw a lone Rasta on stilts dressed in flags walking through the city!

And don't even get me started on the Vuvuzelas- they are everywhere! People have taken to just walking around town or driving in their cars blowing their vuvuzelas. I was lucky enough to be returning from Soweto on our new(ish) bus system- the Rea Vaya with a group of clients on Wednesday when everyone had to blow their vuvuzela's at 12hoo. The guy sitting behind us literally blew his Vuvuzela from Thokoza park to the city. The bus officials also now tell the bus driver that all the passengers are on board by blowing a vuvuzela! I was even woken up this morning at 6h30 with people just vuvuzelering on their way to work.

I have never seen so many flags in my life..they are everywhere. Shops, houses, cars, street lights, buildings, trees, people! Joburg is looking so fantastic and colourful! I have also never seen so many flags for sale- a guy selling flags on every street corner! My business Past Experiences has joined in with an flag on the gate. Our car has a couple of South African flags and even an Ivory Coast Flag as we are totally supporting the African continent (and going to the Brazil vs Ivory Coast match). Our offices are in Northcliff and we have spotted some awesome flag decorations around the suburb- my favourites are the giant "Go bafana" sign and the trees wrapped in the participating countries flags.

Also adding to the excitement are the huge amount foreigners who are in Joburg and of course the international press. I was doing tours at Hector Pieterson Memorial and Mandela house (with some British sports journalists) and I saw so many other journalists and cameras. I even saw a huge broadcasting van with an Argentinian number plate...they must have shipped it over!

Joburg and its people are so amazing at the moment and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world right now....Good luck Bafana Bafana!

Newtown In Pictures

2010-05-27T01:00:00.001-07:00

I don't really have time to write this week so I have decided just to post a couple of images of Newtown. Justin took these recently and I think they are great.

Newtown really is an amazing part of the city!

The images are of : Workers Museum, Sci Bono cracked mirror fun, Turbine Hall and Graffiti (All images by Justin aka Monkey)

Hill Walking, Face Painting and Road House Visiting- Another Weekend in the City of Gold

2010-05-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

Had a super busy weekend around town again!

On Saturday woke up early and headed to the CBD with one of my favourite people- Kezhia (Hope she reads this!). We hit the shops along Small Street. This area definitely has some of the best street fashion around! And the prices are crazy! It was also great to shop without working for once. It gave me time to appreciate how awesome the Joburg CBD is looking

We then spent the afternoon at Kezhia's moms house as it was her sisters son- Junior's 3rd birthday (one of the cutest kids I have ever seen!). We spent the afternoon, painting faces and blowing up balloon animals (or rather balloon pretzels- the instructions were lost until much later in the day). My boyfriend Justin acted as official photographer and took the most stunning pics of the kids and activities. Was really a stunning party- beautifully decorated along the theme of "Cars", their was also an awesome jumping castle. I want a birthday party now too!

After such a busy day we didn't feel like cooking so we decided to try out the new Road House on Beyers Naude. Its called the "Choose a Burger" Road House and is across the road from Steve's Spar. One word- Awesome. Its open to about 12h00 every night and its going to be a great spot for middle of the night/ after partying food. Its also sooo great to have a road House in the area. We used to sometimes make the trip to the Burger Box in Krugersdorp which has been around for ever. Hopefully this new venue gets a lot of support from the area. A great idea is to go for dinner their in the evening and then why not make the short drive to the Veldskoen Drive in. A great 1950's themed evening out and also pretty reasonably priced.

Sunday was Mothers day and after a delicious lunch with the family we were absolutely stuffed. So myself, my boyfriend, sister and puppy-Digital Dog From the Future decided to make the long walk up Northcliff Hill. Having lived in Northcliff my whole life I have done it before but not in a long time. I love Northcliff Hill and always proudly tell everyone on my tours about its long history. Did you know that archaeologists have found both Stone Age and Iron Age sites on the hill! It is thought to have been occupied by humans for over 250 000 years...and still is. According to Wikipedia the hill has 3 vegetation zones, is home to numerous animals and at 1807 metres, the ridge is one metre lower than Observatory Ridge, the highest point in Johannesburg. The view from the top is breathtaking and I was happy to see that their were loads of people at the top, watching the sun set and flying gliders. What a great way to end the weekend and we are planning to walk up again this week!

Just another fun week in the city of gold. As I always emphasise their is so much to do if you just know where to look and get creative. 30 days until World Cup and I can wait to share this city with tourists coming to see the Soccer! What an exciting time to be living and loving Joburg!

(pics- Justin, my sister Sarah and Digit looking out at the view, and me standing next to the Water Tower- a Northcliff landmark)

And some people say that there is nothing fun to do in Joburg!

2010-05-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

Have had a couple of crazy weeks in Joburg again. There is so much to do here if you know where to look! I am also proud to say that I have done and seen things for the first time and learnt a whole lot about the city. All this just makes me love Johannesburg even more. It is definitely turning into my biggest passion.

So here is what I have been up to lately.

A couple of Saturdays ago...I had just the busiest day out doing a whole lot of completely new things. First I started off the day with a visit to the Rand Club with the "Friends of the Joburg Art Gallery" and my mom and sister. What an awesome tour (given by a longstanding member). The club- established in 1886 was from the beginning the social centre for Joburg's elite. The building built in 1904 and then refurbished in 2005 after a fire, is beautiful. The art is amazing as are the stunning stained glass windows.

After tea at the club myself and my mom and sister then drove the short distance to one of my favourite areas in the city- Fordsburg. The vibe at the market that takes place here on Saturdays is great and the food is to die for. One of the best things about the "deli's" in the area are that they give you tastes of everything! The Indian Sweetmeats are the best and don't even get me started on the the savoury snacks. We also visited the spice and prayer shops. I have a tour of the area in May which ends off with dinner at one of the famous restaurants in the area so be sure not to miss it. Its great as you get to experience another one of Joburg's awesome cultures.

I then rushed home and got ready to do something I have never done before- I went to a rugby match at Ellis Park (lions vs Sharks). I know that most locals are shocked that I have never done this but I am not a huge sports fan. When a friend offered to get the tickets I said yes as I feel that since I am going to a World Cup match at Soccer City, I should also give rugby a chance. We had a really good time- watched some rugby, drank some beer and bought some tiny illegal bottles of brandy! What did sadden me though is that everyone seemed to be supporting the Sharks- they'r not even a Joburg Team.

After the match we ended up at the the Devonshire Hotel in Braamfontein's, Long Bar. I love this bar- great vibe. The hotel has been open since the 1930's and the bar was a really popular student hangout in the 1970's and 80's. What a great day out although super busy!

I have also done some other awesomely fun things recently!

I have spent loads of time in Diagonal Street in town- either taking tours or just hanging out! Love this area way to much. The fact that the street is diagonal gives it such a unique feel- It reminds me of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter (silly I know). I also love the really unique tiny shops that have been owned by the same family's for decades. My two favourite shops are the famous "Kwazulu Natal Muti Museum" (the smell of the dried herbs, skin and dead animals is crazy) and the shop one street down that specialises in beautiful Sotho blankets. I also discovered a really unique shop in Jeppe Street that has played a large part in many migrant labours lives- it sells farming implements which seems pretty unique in a bustling modern city like Joburg. They even had the pieces of wood that go on oxen when they pull a plow. I can just imagine migrant mine workers in the past, buying various farming equipment to sent home.

As usual I have gone to the Guildhall a great deal recently. Most of our Joburg Tours end off here (the poor mans Rand Club). They make awesome Portuguese food (my dad was heard to say the best he has ever tasted) and its a great place to have drinks while looking out at the city! What I also find quite interesting is-the argument surrounding "which is the oldest bar in Joburg". The three bars in the running are the Guildhall, the Radium Beer Hall on Louis Botha and Kitcheners in Braamfontein. Evidence that I have taken a look at says that the Guildhall is the oldest (1888 and in the right part of town to be the oldest) and Kitcheners the second, although people on my tours always like to add what they have heard which is great.

Probably one of the most important things happening in Joburg at the moment is the unveiling of a really awesome new fossil find- Sediba. This new fossil has been on show at the Origins Centre at Wits for the few days and will continue to be on exhibit for the next couple of weeks. This really is a once in a life time opportunity and the Origins Centre is unmissable. I went to have a look and was lucky enough to listen in on a tour being given by Sediba's finder Lee Burger. Sooo interesting and it made me realise once again how great it is that we live right near such a world famous and important archaeological area. I cant emphasise how much everyone should go and take a look. I am also doing some fun tours of the find and an easy intro to evolution and past finds, which I think really helps everyone understand why Sediba is so important and how it fits into past finds.

I also did a really fun "Bustling Braamfontein" tour over this last weekend. What an awesome way to spend a sunday morning. We started with delicious coffee and Muffins at the Devonshire Hotel (on Jorrison Street) and a trip to their 17th floor to take pictures of the city skyline. We then began our lazy walking tour of the area. Some of the stops we made and topics we discussed are Kitcheners, city rejuvenation and public art. We also made a surprise stop at the new Scientology Centre on Jorrison Street who welcomed us in when they saw us taking a look. I like to think that I am really open minded so I found it interesting learning about a religion that gets such bad publicity (thanks TOM CRUISE). The church of Scientology has renovated an old bank building beautifully and have installed a interesting museum on the ground floor- it has an art deco, Egyptian and African feel- really well done. Luke who showed us around told us lots of interesting stuff about the church and its leader (did you know L. Ron Hubbard lived in linksfield for 7 months during the 1960's?). Really interesting although I don't see myself becoming a member anytime soon.

So as you can see have done loads of interesting new things around town lately- cant wait to see what Joburg has to offer next!

A Fun Couple Of Weeks In the City Of Gold

2010-04-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Have done some really awesome stuff around Joburg recently so I thought I would just share some of my experiences with everyone. Also apologies for not having written in a while, I have just been soooo busy with tours etc. From now on I am going to write at least once a weak so please check in as much as possible .

First up a couple of weeks ago I was invited to a party in the Joburg CBD (Central Business District). i dint know the person but I super happy I went along. The party turned out to be in the Anstey's building (59 Joubert Street). I have one word to describe the building- WOW. It is now a national monument and is absolutely breathtaking. According to The Joburg Book (Ed Nechama Brodie) it originally housed the Norman Anstay and Company Department Store, which was known for its amazing window displays. Another interesting bit of trivia is that Umkhonto We Sizwe member and actor playwright Cecil Williams (who disguised Nelson Mandela as his chauffeur before his arrest in 1962) once lived there. The building was built in 1937 and is a beautiful example of Art Deco design. Probably the most unique feature is the awesome brass monkey frames in the foyer..again wow. And the party was fun too, met a lot of random people and had two very eventful lift experiences- I love how in South Africa you can meet complete strangers in the list and have a great time.

I also recently visited Lindfield Victorian House Museum in Auckland Park. Totally unique experience and I recommend that if this sort of thing interests you...check it out. The house is owned by Victorian enthusiast Katherine Love who also takes the tour. She dresses up as a Victorian parlour maid and goes through the house describing life in Victorian times. It costs R60 which includes tea afterwards. The house is in desperate need of repairs so please try and visit it if you can or make a donation(Katherine Love- 011 726 2932).

A couple of weeks ago my company received an invite to the Joburg Zoo Snooze-a camp out at the Zoo. What an awesome night. We pitched our tents right near the Lion enclosure and so got to hear them all night. We also got to go on a behind the scenes tour and a night tour. Such an awesome experience camping in the middle of the city and listening to the lions roar.

I have also been spending quite a lot of time in Soweto recently planning and taking tours. I know Soweto relatively well as I have spent time their over the last five year- I tutored English every Saturday for 3 years and also have taken a number of tours. That said I love spending time their and also have a complete passion for South Africa's history and museums. I really recommend visiting the Hector Pieterson Memorial- absolutely amazing and moving. Every school child in Joburg should have to visit it and realise the sacrifices the youth of Soweto made. Also worth a visit is Mandela House-Nelson Mandela's former House. Its only a short tour and worth a visit. There is also a really good and budget friendly restaurant across the road (Mandela Family Restaurant) which serves yummy traditional Soweto food. We will be doing a tour that takes in these sites in May.

Also worth a mention is Diagonal Street in town. I have done quite a few tours recently which take in this famous street.It is definitely one of my favourite places to visit in Joburg. Firstly i love how it runs diagonally (hence the name). You realise how unique this is, if you have been to the top of the Carlton Centre and gazed at the layout of the city. it is so uniform and straight and then you stumble across diagonal Street and the areas around it and it is just so different and special. If you are interested in bargains an unique buys this is definitely an awesome area to visit. The other day I bought three never before worn vintage hats from a little old hat shop for next to nothing. The area is full of small Indian shops, traditional African shops (The Muti Museum is situated here) as well as some really awesome modern buildings. If you are interested we have a CBD shopping tour on the 24th of April which takes in the area.

As you can see it has been a really interesting and full couple of weeks. Their is just so much to do and see in Joburg if you know where to look and I really want people (locals and visitors) to see this. I should have some more interesting finds next week so keep tuned and hopefully we will see you on one of our tours soon.

(The images are of the foyer at the Anstey's Building and of the random people we met in the lift)

I Love Joburg! An inner city public bus tour of the Joburg CBD

2010-03-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago- Myself and one of my most awesome friends Tania came up with the idea of running a "Tour of the Month". Basically we get creative, design a totally unique tour and then run it on a particular weekend of a particular month. All these tours are aimed at locals but of course anyone can join.

We started running these tours in November last year and they have been really awesome so far. Our first tour was "I Love joburg" which was super successful.I thought I would tell everyone a little about the tour since we are running it again on the the 13th of March.

On a sunny day in November 2009, 18 adventurous joburgers met outside the old city hall on Rissik Street. After a general meet and greet- our journey began.

Our 1st stop was the Rissik street triangle-which is made up of three of Joburgs older buildings. The Post Office, the old City Hall and then my personal favourite The Barbican (Johannesburg's first building based on the skyscrapers of New York and Chicago) which is being lovingly restored at the moment- its absolutely beautiful!

Next up we jumped on the Rea Vaya(our new bus system)and travelled a couple of blocks to the Carlton Eastbound stop. Getting off the bus was like entering another world! This area is packed with busy Saturday morning shoppers and is a total sensory overload! One of the most unique features is that most of the shops have a guy outside with microphone and boom box rapping about the shop and its specials (very different to shopping at Sandton or Rosebank that's for sure!). But no time for shopping today! Next Stop- The Top Of Africa (Carlton Centre).

The Carlton Centre is Africa's tallest building at 50 floors and is on my list of top attractions in Gauteng. The 50th floor house a viewing deck which definitely offers the best views in Johannesburg. Here I gave a tour on the layout of the city and some of its most interesting areas and buildings and then time was given to take pics and share any other fun facts and info.

We then jumped back on the Rea Vaya and travelled to one of Joburgs Gems- The Johannesburg Art Gallery. Here we learnt more about the architecture of this building and its art. What surprised many on the tour is the Degas, Monet's and Van Goghs on show. Not to mention the works of the South African greats- Irma Stern, Pierneef and soooo much more. Joburgers are really lucky to have such an amazing art gallery! After such a busy morning everyone was ready for lunch- a Delicious picnic in the sculpture garden!

After having a group photo taken by one of Joubert parks famous photographers we boarded the Rea Vaya and travelled to Joburgs oldest pub-the Guildhall where our adventure ended with a cold beer overlooking our beautiful city!

It really was an amazing day out and we could not have asked for a better group of people. We are running this tour again on the 13th of March and it will cost R170. Its a really unique way to experience your city and it would be great to have you along for the journey.

Why I Love Joburg! An intro to my blog!!!!

2010-02-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

Since this is my first post, I thought I would focus on how awesome Joburg is! Having worked in the tourism industry for the last year, it has become clear that most overseas visitors (or even South Africans from other cities and provinces) don't come to Joburg or Gauteng other than as a stop-over at the airport or for work. But I want to change this! I am passionate about this city and want to share its awesomeness and convince as many people as possible to visit!

My blogs will focus on awesome places, people and events in Joburg (and Gauteng). Some will be of tours and events that I do (www.pastexperiences.co.za), but others will be about events, places and people that I randomly come across in my daily life!

So please stay tuned to learn more about Joburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Me (the Joburg Guide), the people of this country...and much, much more....