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?

Lomo in Lumo

Just before I left Joburg for the summer holidays, I bought myself a little Christmas present... or two. On the way back from a visit to the Johannesburg Art Gallery to see the French Connection exhibition (which is well worth the visit), I popped into the Lomography Embassy Store at 70 Juta Street to pick up some film for the holidays.

Embassy had some amazing Christmas specials, and so, to my own surprise, I came home with two new lumo Lomo cameras! (Let it be known that I remain ever loyal to my trusty LCA+).

The Fisheye1

The Sprocket Rocket, in shocking yellow!

I went wild with them this holiday, so watch this space for a sneak peak at my summer adventures.

This one compliments of my lovely friend Marie. Visit her blog, Beef and Bubbles

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.