We interrupt this regularly scheduled program...

For the next couple of weeks I’ll be holed up in an office in Joburg’s northern suburbs, pursuing professional goals that do not involve blogging. And I was just hitting my blogging stride! But hey, one must eat.

I’ll still be moonlighting as a blogger during this period. I’ve got a post or two in reserve and my weekends are still free. And if I come across anything interesting to write about in Bryanston I’ll let you know. (Bryanston is to Joburg what Potomac is to Washington D.C.). Probably not though, as I’ll be spending 99% of my time in an airless conference room.

A silly photo of my departure this morning. I consider this to be my first legitimate bike commute, as I was going to an actual appointment and not just cruising to the gym or the grocery store. I looked ridiculous and my backpack was stupidly heavy. I received several honks from impatient rush-hour drivers (chill out, people) and arrived at my destination a hot sweaty mess. (I rode to the posh Crowne Plaza in Rosebank, where I deposited my bike in the hotel’s luggage holding room and caught a ride from there to Bryanston with some colleagues. It was hilarious.) Photo courtesy of Joe.

Until next time.


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Sunday Morning at 44 Stanley Avenue

How have I never blogged about 44 Stanley Avenue, the coolest shopping and dining complex in Joburg, which is only five minutes from my house?

44 Stanley sign surrounded by trees
The entrance to 44 Stanley Avenue.

I guess it’s wrong to say I’ve never blogged about 44 Stanley; I’ve mentioned it countless times over the years (see here and here) when writing about specific restaurants or shops that are there. But I’ve never written a dedicated post about 44 Stanley as a destination and it’s about time I did – especially now, with the holidays upon us.

Photos From Braamfontein's Indwe Park

I’ve been dreadfully uninspired lately, struggling to think of anything I want to blog about despite having a long list of great ideas (many of which you, my readers, provided in September). I’m finding it hard to feel positive about life at the moment. But on Saturday Thorsten and I got the chance to visit Indwe Park, an indigenous garden and sculpture park in Braamfontein, and I knew I had my topic for today.

Americans in Joburg: Why We Vote

In 2020, I published a blog post with tips for Americans living in South Africa who wanted to vote in the U.S. presidential election. I thought about simply resharing that post this year. But then I realized: 1) I want to write a U.S. election post that will be fun and informative for everyone, not just other Americans; and 2) Believe it or not, the U.S. presidential election stakes are even higher in 2024 than they were in 2020. So I’m introducing you to some really cool Americans in Joburg – one who I’ve known forever and two who I just met – and tell you a bit about who they are, why they live here, and why they vote.