Magaliesburg Meander

Being an outdoors person, moving to Johannesburg was rather a daunting thing.  My hesitation was always met with the same response from the locals: "Oh, you should just take a little drive up into the Magaliesburg."And so I did. Before we got to the part where you go walking in the mountains, however, my companion and I were distracted by some of the more entertaining oddities that the town itself had to offer.

I'll have to go back to the Magaliesburg, and actually go hiking or cycling in the beautiful landscape the area has to offer. The Cradle of Humankind is still on my Bucket List, so watch this space.

Howl Nights

Wolves Cafe, Illovo

Hipsters have emerged from the cracks in Jozi. They congregate at Wolves Cafe on Corlett Drive after finishing a day's work-from-home. They eat cake, drink craft beer and red cappuccinos, and smoke rollies on the pavement. I like to watch them.

Every Thursday night, Wolves hosts a little live music gig. Many times I've had the cockles of my heart warmed by the intimacy of Howl Nights. Many times I will return.

Pigeon Square

Market Street, Ferreirasdorp

The story goes that there's an old Muslim trader in downtown Joburg who, for years, has put out crumbs everyday for the birds on this oddly shaped island in the middle of Market Street. A more recent development are the origami-like statues of pigeons, that serve as perches for these city fouls. I really like the statues. Who makes perches for pigeons? I'd like to meet you...

Bungee! at Orlando Towers

Orlando Towers, Soweto

After being awesomely painted, and repeatedly featured on TV during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, they've become somewhat of a landmark in South Africa. But these old cooling towers in the south of Joburg also offer a tonne of fun... and adrenalin. Abseiling, freefalling, bungee jumping, bridge swinging; the list goes on. Even just the vibe on site is amazing.

Despite my bravery one Sunday, I've definitely learnt that I don't like bungee jumping. I'm certainly glad I can cross this one off my list.

A Picnic in the Park

Parkwood

There are loads of pretty cool parks in Joburg, and thank goodness for that! Most of them are well kept, and for those of us who like a colourful playground or a good climbing tree, will provide endless entertainment and childish joy.

Neighbourgoods Market

Neighbourgoods Market, Braamfontein

One of the problems I have with inner-city rejuvenation, or gentrification, is that it often has the undesirable result that it displaces poor people or small businesses. Although a perceived benefit is that it takes middle class people back into the city, this really only happens in isolated bubbles, and is facilitated by the momentary unity created by the likes of a market. The Neighbourgoods Market is an interesting case, as it takes place, literally, in a parking lot (as well as on a rooftop). In this case, no displacement takes place, although the issue of isolation may still prevail. Nonetheless, if you can see past the lack of income-level diversity, these little shindigs are good for a red velvet cupcake and a bottle of craft beer.

Bowls in Rosebank

The Rosebank Bowls Club (which is actually in Dunkeld)

Joburg has a number of well kept Bowls clubs, and the locals are usually quite excited to regale you with the tips of the green. Bowls may be a sport with a high incidence of death, but it's actually quite a fun game to play with a bunch of friends and a few jugs of Pimms.

Rooftop Chillin'

The Living Room, Maboneng Precinct

I have mixed feelings about the inner-city gentrification movement that we've seen gaining momentum in spaces such as the Maboneng Precinct in Fox Street, and Juta Street in Braamfontein. While I establish my stance on the movement, I've been doing some exploring in the interests of data collection.