If you don’t know that I love the Jozi City Center by now then you haven’t been reading my blog enough! 
And it really has nothing to do with the fact that I live on a street that’s the same as my surname (ok, ok, I am tickled by that just a bit…).
The longer we’re here (and we’re going on 2 years) the harder it is to leave because the city is just getting cooler as time goes on with more development, investment, better organisation (thanks to the Joburg City Tourism Authority, the JCTA) & general fabulosity & it’s all happening rather fast.
The truth is that we have also gone through phases of “needing more space” (and maybe some grass) and when we do, the conundrum that we’re faced with looks something like this pic my hubby recently posted (note the caption)….
The suburbs make sense. The city makes sexy…
PS the right is an actual picture of our street. I come home to that everyday. Ok, some days I don’t leave the house, but every time I see it, it still takes my breath away. #firstworldproblems indeed.
Ok I’ll stop gushing (focus, Wisaal, focus!)… I was trying to explain to a friend what the upcoming Joburg City Festival is about. And I rambled on really badly, but I’ve settled on the heading of this post (this is where you scroll up and read it again). No one can ever say that the city’s a dull place but in the 7 days from the 25th to the 31st August (inclusive), my Jozi will be pulling out all the stops to show you what she’s got to offer.
The inner city will be coming to life via a series of events, the list of which is so extensive I felt a little overwhelmed reading it. There’s a lot that’s going to be happening and events are still being added daily. What events am I looking forward to over the week (since I have to choose…)?
- SA Mzansi Ballet lunchtime performance, Braamfontein (I’ve never been to a ballet!)
- Serial Monogamy at POPArt Theatre, Maboneng (are you not intrigued by the show’s name?!)
- Champagne and cupcake shopping at 1886 Boutique, Maboneng (does this need any explanation?)
- Back, neck and shoulder massage special at the Pyramid Day Spa (loooove these guys)
- ‘Come Inside’ Exhibition Walk About by Reshma Chhiba at Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill
- Free entrance to ABSA Money Museum, ABSA Campus (heard so much about the money museum, finally going)
- ‘Turf War’ Barista Competition at Cramers Coffee, Corporate Mining District (this one is for my
coffee snobhubby) - Joburg Antiques Roadshow at 1886 Boutique Joburg, Maboneng (antiques are a newish favourite of mine)
- Tastes of Maboneng (great way to taste all the food from the precinct’s 15+ eateries, check my review of the inaugural event)
Even though I’ve mostly cleared my week, I’m probably being over ambitious with this list, but I am going to try and fit it all in and some!
I can’t possibly do the Joburg City Festival justice in this post but you can check out the overview of what’s in store. Now that you have an idea of what you’re in for, look at the detailed day-by-day schedule on what specific activities and events you’re keen on & make the necessary bookings (capacity is limited on some) - all info to do so is in the detailed program. Some activities are free, some are discounted, some you need to book for, others are 1st come 1st serve on the day – it all just depends…
If you’re a city newbie i.e. you haven’t seen the city past Neighbourgoods & Maboneng I seriously recommend signing up for a walking tour. There are several companies and tours to choose from but there just is no better way to take in the sights, sounds, smells and people of this city than on foot. Don’t think about this one, just do it!
PS don’t forget to plan your transport to the festival and your parking as well – there are loads of options. There’ll be Joburg Squirrel shuttle buses & tuk-tuks running between the various venues so once you’re in town, you’ll be just fine getting around.
In case you still need a little inspiration to head south, here are some of my favourite city shots over the last 2 years…
View from our balcony
This is why its called the double decker…
Jozi’s pretty even on a gloomy day…
The Grove in Braamies – such a cool hub to spend an afternoon…
The view from the other side of my balcony… (ok, I’ll stop…)
Somewhere on the city streets, can’t remember exactly…
Love the guys at Cramers (their claim is the best coffee in the world!)
And let me answer that nagging question I’m inevitably asked: Yes, the city is safe. You have to have your wits about you like anywhere else and you will be fine, promise.
Hope to see you lots on Jozi’s gorgeous streets at the Joburg City Festival in the next few days and well beyond that.
If you should need any further info, please contact the JCTA’s office at the Turret, corner Marshall and Loveday Streets. Or better yet, go visit f you can. They have such an interesting building!
I already know it’s going to be awesome!
W
