Yesterday I held my first #2SummersBlogClass, with nine fabulous bloggers/aspiring bloggers, at Bridge Books in downtown Joburg. It was one of the best Saturdays I’ve had in a while.
Yes, I gave my blog class a hashtag. I’ve become one of those people.
We spent the day in the Bridge Books meeting room at 87 Commissioner Street, talking about why to start a blog, tips on creating a strong, readable blog, how to promote a blog on social media, and how to shoot great photos for a blog. We took a photowalk around the CBD, visiting one of downtown Joburg’s best rooftop apartments, meeting people in shops and on the street, and exploring historic landmarks.
We strolled over to One Eloff Street, a short walk from Bridge Books, and had lunch at Joziburg Lane. Joziburg Lane was holding a weekend festival, providing the perfect excuse for a tasty off-site lunch. We took photos of our food and discussed the important of hashtags. We also enjoyed exploring the One Eloff development and discovered some hidden spots.
We then returned to Bridge Books for some one-on-one time and further discussion of what makes a good blog. The day ended with a fantastic poetry reading, wine, and book-shopping.
I couldn’t leave without a new book and neither could Ntokozo. As I’ve said before, the books at Bridge are really affordable. If you haven’t gone to check it out yet, please do.
I was really nervous about yesterday’s class. I’ve never taught a blogging class – or any class, for that matter – and I was terrified about everything that could go wrong. But the class went better than I could have imagined. I really think everyone (including me) learned a lot and had a lot of fun.
Above all else, I discovered yesterday that I love teaching people about blogging. Starting a blog was a transformative experience for me, and I see blogging as an immensely powerful communication medium and an art form. I want to help other people discover the power of this medium and use it to change their lives.
If you were interested in yesterday’s #2SummersBlogClass but couldn’t make it, don’t worry. There will be more. If you haven’t subscribed to my blog already, please do (there’s a link in top-right corner of this page) so that you don’t miss any updates.
Thanks again to Bridge Books, Urban Ocean, and Joziburg Lane for making yesterday awesome.
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?
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.
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.
Given this week’s political nuclear bomb blast, it feels like a weird time to publish a light-hearted post about my recent (pre-election) jaunt through the United States. But I’m hoping you’ve have had enough of the U.S. election horror show – I know I have – and are ready (at least temporarily) for some wholesome American travel adventures. If so, please read on about my four-day visit to Maine, the northeastern-most state in the lower 48, with my sister, Susanna.
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It makes me smile, when I see it.