more from the weekend

While in Joburg, we also went back to the Market on Main on Sunday. It's really nice to see that it's been growing a lot ever since we first went there last year.  Having left the house without breakfast, I was very hungry by the time we got there, and so I was really happy that there was a lot of food options to choose from: empanadas, sandwiches, Ethiopian food, cupcakes, brownies and much more. 

The only sad thing is that they removed the lawn in the courtyard, but you can still sit under the wild olive trees and have a picknick with a doggie watching you...

summer nights

We spent a fantastic weekend in Pretoria and Joburg, and had a great time at the Jozifest on Saturday. It took place in Newtown, in an old industrial area, and there were bands, DJs, dancing and a great atmosphere with an interesting crowd.

Okay, I must admit that I didn't know any of the acts, but hey -
a party's a party, right!?!
Somehow, my favorite spot was that large, dark hall with DJs playing what I thought to be quite demanding drum'n'base and other beats.

And if this wasn't enough, we went to Kitcheners afterwards, and I just absolutely loved that place, the vibe and the incredibly sophisticated, cool music...
There is a bar, a dancing room and a Bismark painting on the wall above the DJ.
It kinda felt like a party at someone's home and I was soo glad I was invited, too ;)
It was so much fun to go out in a real city!
Thanks Lea and Terence for having us!
See a whole lot more Jozifest pics here...

rooftop rally

We spent a lot of time in Stonetown climbing stairs in various buildings to enjoy the stunning views on the many open rooftop spaces the city has to offer.

For breakfast at our hotel, we sat down to this view.
The House of Wonders offered these fantastic views over the city and the water.
From the tower-like space on top of another house you could clearly see all the patched, corrugated iron roofs as well as the spread out city.
Sundowners were enjoyed on this rooftop and so the days in Stonetown went by quite fast.
I am still dreaming of living in one of these houses so I could enjoy these views every day. Imagine what a great party space these rooftops would make....

art in the night

I attended the opening of an exhibition at the Thapong Visual Art Centre last Tuesday and it was one of the best events I have been to in quite some time. The centre was packed with people, the art was beautiful and interesting, there were music, drinks and good conversations all in the same place.

The exhibition is running until 26 May, so check it out if you're around!

And see my review in the Botswana Gazette here!

Jozi again

We went to Joburg for the weekend and got some nice views of the city in its autumn colors. Many of the trees have put on brownish leafs and when it is not overcast, the air is crisp and clean, especially in the mornings.

Apart from spending a lot of times in the shopping malls, we also had a look at the stylish 12 Decades hotel in the Maboneng Precinct, followed by a visit to the Market on Main - it was a lot busier than last time and I was shot in Joburg :)

Meandering in Maputo

On our trip to the Elephant Coast we spent some time in Maputo, a busy African city with a certain colonial chic to it. The city is full with pedestrians, the streets are lined with trees and the roads are full of potholes.
There are some formerly grand houses near the Old Market and little cafes in the beautiful Main Station.
And apparently Botswana's old trains made it all the way to Mozambique!

Beautiful Days

While in Joburg for the U2 concert we spent a lovely Sunday at Market on Main, browsing the shops and stalls, looking at beautiful pictures in the galleries and enjoying the view from the top floor before sitting down for a picknick on the grass, sipping on mojitos and chatting with friends.

The next day, we went to look for Stanley 44 in Milpark and were lucky to find the place. Cute shops and restaurants are set around the courtyards and we spent hours at Bean There, a fantastic coffee shop with a tranquil little outdoor area.

Because I still tend to feel a little overwhelmed by this big (bad) city every time I go there, it was great to discover that there exist these little oasis that are perfect to just hang out for a while.

snowy Brussels

When I arrived in Europe I could feel the winter. And it seemed like the snow and ice was following me around: Bavaria was covered in white layers when my plane landed, and I also saw snowflakes dancing in Copenhagen.

But the real winter wonderland only happened while I was in Brussels:

In the almost 3 years that I spent in Brussels I never saw that much snow!

It was rather extraordinary.

(even though in the end it also meant that my flight was cancelled…)