I’ve never been to Burning Man or Afrika Burn. While I theoretically love the idea of hanging around in a remote desert for a week, living communally and photographing incredible art, I’m not keen on the meticulous planning and preparation such an expedition entails. So when I heard there would be a Brixton Burn – a mini burn, so to speak, in my soon-to-be home suburb of Brixton – I quickly signed up to attend.
The burn took place on a Saturday night beneath the Sentech Tower, in a community performance space that used to house a controversial monument to Irish volunteers who fought in the Anglo-Boer War. It was freezing cold (literally below freezing, which is not a common occurrence around these parts), the earth was bone-dry, and the late winter winds were punishing. We weren’t sure the burn would happen at all under those conditions. Thorsten and I considered sneaking away before dark.
Luckily we stayed. The fire marshal eventually gave the go-ahead, with strict orders for all the spectators to stand upwind. The burn turned out beautifully (albeit slightly anxiety-inducing). And I had a great time photographing the festivities.
There was a dance performance before the fire, put on by the Well Worn Theatre Company and the Shade community youth program in Brixton. There was tasty local food and a fun community vibe that Brixton events have become known for. I’m so happy it all worked out.
The burn itself was thrilling, both visually and because it instantly made us warm.
We nearly froze to death during our short walk home (I’ve officially become a cold-weather wimp) but it was worth it. I’m hoping for warmer weather at next year’s burn.
Thanks to everyone in the Brixton community who helped put together such a great event.
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.