Nuggets of Gold VI

Another golden nugget from the BP on Jan Smuts Avenue.

New Chinatown

Chinese New Year was a month ago, but I've been so busy I haven't posted any of the pictures yet. I went down to Cyrildene in the day to scope the scene and buy some things before the evening celebrations. 

I always find Chinatowns interesting, in any city. They're these sudden little enclaves hidden away in unexpected parts of the city. Derrick Avenue in Cyrildene is no different; lined with beautiful buildings and frequented by the local Chinese community members. The shops are filled with unusual ingredients like preserved chicken feet, fish flakes, bok choi and prawn crackers; and the restaurants serve all manner of delicious and strange sounding Chinese delights. 

I also popped down the road to China Mall in Bruma Lake, which houses the more conventional array of cheap merchandise. Sometimes I like to visit these kinds of stores to buy silly things in large quantities. Who knows when one might need a thousand tiny rubber chickens?

Top of Africa

At 50 floors and 223 meters, the Carlton Centre is Africa's tallest building (but apparently not for long). Completed in 1972, it's not much to look at, despite its big Transnet crown that glows red at night, but the views from the top are superb! 

Finding the ticket office and lift shaft to get you to the 50th floor is not easy. The attraction seems somewhat forgotten, which makes the experience all the more special. After getting very lost, and stuck in the service lift of a neighbouring building (which was terrifying), we eventually found the tiny ticket office that issues little receipts for the R15 entrance fee through a small window. We were unceremoniously shown to the lifts, which took us to the 50th floor in a matter of seconds. 

The 360 degree views are punctuated by warped and faded photographs that point out some of the land marks that can be seen from each window, and viewing telescopes that you can use to hone in on points of interest. The walls opposite the windows are lined with fascinating pieces of the city's history and information about the construction of the Carlton Tower. Nothing is in great shape, but it's quite an endearing experience, and the views from that height are breathtaking!

Unfortunately I didn't have the best choice of film in loaded in my camera at the time, so I didn't get the best snaps. You'll have to go and see it for yourself. 

Nuggets of Gold V

Another golden nugget from the BP on Jan Smuts Avenue.

i exist

Just before leaving my job, I discovered that one of my colleagues, Aalia, has a secret life. After hours, she's been quietly working away at an amazing initiative called i exist. This is a really cool project. How it works is that emerging photographers and artists submit pieces that express why they exist to one of the drop off points around Johannesburg; the artwork is exhibited at an i exist exhibition at the Maboneng Precinct, and sold. The proceeds go to charities that promote sustainable educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth; the artist gets exposure; and somebody gets a great piece of original art. Everybody wins! 

It's a super cool idea, and as someone who dabbles in photography, I know how hard it is to think about transcending the realm of whippersnapper and to really start thinking of yourself as an artist. In fact, I'm in the process of choosing one of my own pictures to submit to the next exhibition. Watch this space...

Check out the very cool i exist website for more information about submissions and exhibitions, or just to read more about this innovative initiative. 

The i exist team

"I exist to be heard" - Aalia Cassim

"I exist to light the way" - Adam Deane

"I exist to be amazed" - Sabeeha Jhetam

Fear and Love in Gold Reef City

I love theme parks! Enough said.

Nuggets of Gold IV

Another golden nugget from the BP on Jan Smuts Avenue.

Nuggets of Gold II

Another golden nugget from the BP on Jan Smuts Avenue.

Nuggets of Gold

Have you ever noticed the daily dose of wisdom that's sprawled on the blackboards outside the BP on Jan Smuts Avenue? Watch this space for a stream of golden nuggets from the side of the road.

High Tea

The Westcilff Hotel is Johannesburg's answer to old fashioned finery. One should really go there for high tea on a Saturday, I suppose, but since I'm going to be unemployed soon, I decided to just have a cocktail called High Tea instead. The view is quite beautiful, and it's fun to play posh for a bit while you watch the light fade over the big Jozi forest.

Recipe for a Red Hot Concert

Soccer City - Diepkloof

1. To prepare, light fire, throw on some meat, crack open some beers, put on some tunes. 
2. Leave to simmer for a few hours.
3. Then take one bus, fill it with 20 awesome people; add some more beers.
4. Send the bus to Soccer City; fill the stadium with people who're ready to rock.
5. Make sure you leave some time to deal with any frightfully disorganised and illogical venue officials who can't control a crowd.
6. If necessary, allow the people to relieve themselves, and refill with fresh beers before going downstairs into the stadium.
7. Find a sweet spot in the crowd; stick together; protect your territory; get psyched.
8. Season to taste with some Red Hot Chili Peppers!