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. 

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.

A Lurid Legacy

I'm torn between sharing a very emotional account of my visit to the Apartheid Museum, and simply saying, "Go and see the Apartheid Museum" because I cannot quite capture the experience in words or in photographs. 

This is not a fun day out, but I think it's something people should really do. You may think you know the history, but the feeling of submersing yourself in the stories and images in a space dedicated to the memories and sacrifices of a brutal regime cannot be replaced by any other form of account. So...

Go and see the Apartheid Museum.

The current temporary exhibition at the Apartheid Museum takes you on a journey through Nelson Mandela's life. At the end, you are given the opportunity to choose your favourite group of his famous quotes, select a stick of the corresponding colour, and place it among other people's selections. A friendly tourist offered to take my picture.

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...

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.