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| Photo: Tim Van Rooyen |
The
blogger Heather Mason moved in 2010 from the United States of America to
Johannesburg in South Africa.
She has been living there now for a while, and on 2summers she blogs passionately about her home town. It seems she is on a mission to show the world how loveable Johannesburg is. And she is brilliant at what she does ....
She has been living there now for a while, and on 2summers she blogs passionately about her home town. It seems she is on a mission to show the world how loveable Johannesburg is. And she is brilliant at what she does ....
THE
TOURISTIN: Three words that
characterize Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: Evolving, quirky, and unpredictable.
THE
TOURISTIN: How do you get around
Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: I'm ashamed to admit that I've become a slave to my car in Joburg. I
always used to hate driving but for some reason I really enjoy driving here.
Which is strange because driving in Joburg is really a rather life-threatening
activity (the minibus taxi drivers are insane) and the traffic is terrible.
THE
TOURISTIN: What is the best kept
secret about Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: Joburg's best-kept secret is that it is a fantastic place to live. This
city gets so much negative publicity, but the truth is that quality of life
here is great. The weather is sunny and warm (not too hot or too cold) all
year-round, the cost of living is low compared to comparable cities in other
parts of the world, the people are outgoing and friendly, and there are so many
interesting and exciting things to do. The traffic isn't great (see above) but
that's a small price to pay for the amazing life I have here.
THE
TOURISTIN: What is your
favourite borough/suburb/area in Johannesburg and why?
Heather
Mason: Melville is definitely my favorite suburb (neighborhood) in Joburg. I'm
biased, of course, because I live in Melville. But I love Melville's central
location (10 minutes from downtown and less than 20 minutes from most of the
other nice suburbs) and its quirky, bohemian vibe. 7th St., Melville's main
drag, is constantly changing and yet somehow stays the same. I also love the
fact that Melville has lots of great shops, coffee houses and restaurants that
are all within close walking distance. Melville has tons of great B&Bs and
guesthouses, too.
THE
TOURISTIN: The best place for a
coffee in Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: It's hard to pick just one place because Joburg has countless great
coffee shops. But if I had to choose one it would be Uncle Merv's Original Shakes and Coffee in the Maboneng Precinct, which is really
more of an outdoor stand than a coffee shop. Uncle Mervs makes the best
Americanos in town, in my opinion, and I love the people-watching in that spot,
especially on weekday mornings.
THE
TOURISTIN: What is one
restaurant we must try out while in Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: My favorite Joburg restaurant is the Leopard in Melville. Besides being in
my own neighborhood, the Leopard serves imaginative, delicious food in a
laid-back environment. The menu is constantly changing and it's best to call
ahead.
THE
TOURISTIN: Where would we meet
you on weekends?
Heather
Mason: I'm all over the place, really. But my favorite things to do on weekends
are to go on walking tours in interesting parts of the city, or to take
informal photo walks with my friends. My boyfriend is a graffiti artist so I
like to watch him paint, which can happen anywhere. I also love Fordsburg,
Joburg's Indian neighborhood, which has an amazing outdoor market on weekends.
Fordsburg is my favorite place to go for weekend street food.
THE
TOURISTIN: Do you have a
favourite museum/gallery we all have to visit when in Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: I have many, but if I had to recommend one it would be Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill
used to house a notorious prison, which has now been converted into a museum
presenting an interesting historical angle on apartheid. Constitution Hill is
also the site of the highest court in South Africa, which is open to
the public. I also recommend climbing the ramparts around the old fort and
checking out the amazing views of the Joburg skyline.
THE
TOURISTIN: What are some of your
favourite places to shop for A) groceries and B) clothes?
Heather
Mason: For groceries, I love shopping at local fruit and veg markets. Nearly
every neighborhood has one and they often offer more than just fruits and
vegetables. My two favorites are Impala Fruit and Veg in Northcliff and Tyrone
Fruiterers in Parkview. For clothes…Well the truth is that I'm not much of a
clothes-shopper. But
I really like The Space, Hobo Couture, and Big Blue.
THE
TOURISTIN: What souvenir shall
we bring back from Johannesburg?
Heather
Mason: The quintessential Joburg souvenir is a rainbow beaded giraffe.
THE
TOURISTIN: Thank you so very much Heather.
Safe travels always.
From
Berlin with love