I’ve been writing this blog for nearly three years, and a lot has happened since I published my first post. I think it’s time for a revised “About” page.
This is me.
My name is Heather Mason and I’m an American living in Jozi. (“Jozi” is the local slang term for Johannesburg. We also call it Joburg.)
I’m 38 years old. I moved to Jozi from Washington D.C. in August 2010, at the end of the American summer and the beginning of the South African summer. That’s why I decided to call the blog 2Summers. I’ve just finished my third summer in South Africa so the name doesn’t make that much sense anymore. It’s too late to change it though.
When I meet new people and they hear my accent, they usually ask me what I do and why I came here. I have a hard time answering both questions. But here goes.
What I do: I write and I take photos. When I moved here I was just a writer. Then I started blogging and including photos in my posts. I realized that my stories are best told with a combination of pictures and words. So now I do both.
Why I came here: I came because I was in a relationship with a South African — a photographer named Jon. Jon was the main reason I came, but I also came because I was pretty sure I belonged somewhere in Africa. Turns out I was right. I belong in Jozi, specifically in Melville.
Jon died in December 2011. After he died, I never considered leaving. Joburg is home for me now.
Photo courtesy of Jon.
I’ve developed a passion for Joburg that I’ve never felt for any other place. I love exploring this wacky city, which is unlike any other city in the world. I love walking Jozi’s streets and discovering places that most lifelong Jozi-ites don’t know about about. I love showing the world that despite its negative reputation, Joburg is a great place to live in and to visit.
Surf around my blog for a while and you’ll see what I mean.
Updated April 2013.
HI
I AM THE OWNER OF COWBOYS AND ANGELS ANTIQUES
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LUKY’S PIC
POP IN AGAIN WHEN YOUR IN THE AREA WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT SA AND YOUR JOURNEY.SOUNDS VERY INTERESTING
ANDRE
Hi Andre,
I’m glad you like the blog! I will definitely stop by the next time I’m in the area. I’m still thinking about the chair
Best,
Heather
Very, very touching blog … Kathryn sent me your way and I’m so glad she did. Jon was an incredible photographer and I love the way you write about your relationship. And I’m so glad you’re taking photos, too!
Thank you so much Betty, I’m glad you like my blog. And thanks to Kathy for sending you here!
Hey Jo!
I really enjoyed your blog. I lived in Melville for 6 months in 2008. I worked at the Constitutional Court in Joburg. I recommend you go for a visit there. It is a beautiful building and there is a lot of fantastic art there (the blue plastic dress is my favourite). There is also the old fort prison. The place is steeped in history.
You can do a tour of the court building for free. Just phone up and ask for information and they will be happy to help.
Look forward to reading more… maybe even get your view of the Court.
David
Hey David, I went to Constitutional Hill on Wednesday. We didn’t have time to tour the inside of the court, but we walked around the outside of the fort and admired the artwork outside. I loved the panoramic views of Joburg and reading about the history of the prison. There was a lot going on when we were there because it was World AIDS Day (free counseling and testing, street theatre, etc.). Really cool. Hope to go back soon and spend more time.
Hi I like your blog. And I also want to take the path you’ve taken. I am from the Philippines and I am itching to travel the world, not leisurely, but with a mission. What non-profit organization are you working for? I’m looking for some voluntary jobs (some incentives wouldn’t hurt) and I really really want to go to Africa.
Keep on posting your adventures.
Nice blog!
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Your about page is one of the best I’ve read….inspirational
Thanks so much bookjunkie. That is really very kind of you.
Hi Jo -
I stumbled upon your blog and LOVE that you are loving our beautiful country. With so much negative publicity about South Africa, it’s great and refreshing to read about your adventure and to see your gorgeous photographs – homesick!
From a very cold UK, big hugs to Africa
xx
Thanks so much. One of my goals in writing this blog is to show that South Africa (and Joburg more specifically) is not just a crime-ridden place that you pass through as quickly as possible on your way to other places in Africa. It’s a beautiful, vibrant city/country filled with interesting and talented people. I’m glad that’s coming through.
Stay warm and thanks for reading!
Just found your blog. It’s great to see my country through new eyes. Makes me fall in love with it all over again – thank you. I live far up north in the middle of the bush but originally come from the Johannesburg area. If you are ever up this way again, pop in to visit me on my (very rustic) game farm.
You can find me at http://www.slowvelder.wordpress.com
Kind regards
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
I haven’t gotten very far into your blog yet, but your farm sounds like a place I want to visit! Thanks so much for the kind words. I’ll be reading along from now on.
-Heather
Hi – I love the concept of 2summers. We had the opposite experience when we arrived in London in September, having left Cape Town in the spring: 2winters!
Enjoy your South African experience.
Sunshine
If I ever move back to the States, I’ll be sure to go in May
just found your blog. fantastic pictures! I really want to travel to Africa (and especially South-Africa and Botswana one day), but your blog is making me even more eager to save up and make the trip. Thanx for the beautiful pics!
Thanks for visiting! You should get here as soon as you can — Africa definitely lives up to its expectations.
Hello, the first half of your “About” blurb could be written for me, living in suburban DC, commuting to an international non-profit! But I hope to follow in your footsteps one day and move abroad soon.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed and I shall come back for more blog yumminess.
Thanks! Maybe we were neighbors
Hello,
I’m an 31yr old Houstonian Poet/artist as well and have been thinking of moving to South Africa-Cape Town some time closer to the end of the year. I did a similar thing New Years Eve 2008, I moved to Egypt, Cairo for about a year. I’m eager to do it again.
If you or anyone else have any ideas how to possibly connect to people prior to my move, I’m all receptive on what the hap is, finding work, socializing, etc.
-Rhae
Hi Rhae,
Wow, you sound like an adventurous person. I’ve only been to CT this one time but I certainly know people you can talk to. Let me know what your specific questions are and I’ll see what I can do!
As a writer and a human, I admire you for having the courage to run away and the discipline to document it.
Wow. Thank you, Tom.
I’ve been reading your blog since about August and I absolutely love it. It so wonderfully whimsical and honest. I appreciate that you have found a place in Africa for you to be able to ‘be’ and experience your life. I love that you appreciate that Africa has so much to offer and I’m glad that you are letting it known to the ‘world’ at large.
Good luck on the rest of your adventures.
Wow, thanks so much KruRai. I can’t believe you’ve been reading since August! I’m very flattered. How did you find it originally?
I was going through wordpress blogs and was intrigued by the ‘Melville’ in one. I thought to see where else in the world there was a Melville and lo and behold, it was Jo’burg. I wanted to start one of my own about things to do in Gaborone, Botswana and was looking for some tips.
Hi,
If you have the time, I left you something over at my place
http://wp.me/p1cRCj-1kI
Great, great blog. The more I read, the more I enjoy it. My wife and I are about 5 weeks from our trip – but won’t be visiting Johannesburg (except for the airport). If you wouldn’t mind, we have a few questions that you are probably uniquely qualified to answer for us. Could I e-mail you? Thanks!
wish i could travel as much as you! cant wait to peek in on your adventures!
Hi – just came over here from Joburg Expat, thanks for telling me about your blog. I love it! Your writing is great and I’ll be following it, it’s wonderful to see what other expats in Joburg have on their “plate”. Mine is way too full and I can’t keep up, what with life always coming in between the writing… By the way, so funny to see a picture of Bing on your blog, who’s also a good friend of mine. Small (expat) world.
That’s so funny that you know Bing! We see each other often on Photowalker outings. Thanks for reading and I’m looking forward to keeping up with your blog, too. It will be fun to compare expat experiences.
Congratulations on your award in February 2012 The Dark Globe Shoot Off. I also participate, so come to your wonderful blog. I’m in the southern hemisphere of america, my issues relate to the Patagonia, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. I’ll subscribe to your blog.
regards
Southern Cross – Cruz del Sur
Hi Cruz, thanks so much for visiting and subscribing! I just looked at your blog and your photos are beautiful. I love you’r winning picture — it was one of my favorites from the start.
Cheers,
Heather
Pingback: Lazy Friday: Blog Reviews « Earthkeeping with the Wild Things
You’re it! Have fun….
http://thirdeyemom.com/2012/02/22/thirdeyemom-has-been-tagged/
Hi 2Summers, this morning I read a lot of your wonderful blog post at some point I was awarded a award to share, I leave you this award for you. You must follow the chain with at least 4 other bloggers.
The Liebster Blog Award
“Liebster Blog” award is given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers, for all in the spirit of fostering new connections and motivation. “Liebster” is German and it means “Dearest” or “Beloved.” But, at the same time it can also mean “Favorite.”
http://1cruzdelsur.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/liebsteraward.png
Hi Cruz, thanks so much. This is so nice of you and I’m really glad you’re enjoying my blog. I don’t think I qualify for this award though, as I don’t have less than 200 followers. I did have less than 200 followers for a long, long time! But not now.
Even so, thanks so much for the sentiment
Wonderful experience to read your Website, my two summers are now 26Summers, somewhat like you I upped sticks after my wife died in 1998, am still here in Cape Town and Ireland, and was updating my Website on the Cederburgs when I came across your artwork, I take photos !
Have sent you a private note regarding the use of your pics.
Hi Robin, thanks so much for the message and I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog. I’ve sent an email back to you. Cheers!
Hi,
I’ve been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award http://willshegetaway.wordpress.com by http://elladeewords.wordpress.com/
I have posted the award details at http://willshegetaway.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/versatile-blogger/
The rules for accepting this award are:
1. Thank the award-givers and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along 15 or 20 bloggers you read & admire.
4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
Your blog is amongst the 15 that have inspired, amused, entertained and informed me as I’ve taken my first steps in blogging, so as a token of appreciation, I’d like to nominate you for an award.
Keep up the good work!
Finding your SA adventure very intriguing… Do you know that a South African summer camp does exist? It’s a secret but a magical place…. would love for you to come and check us out – your pics are amazing and I think you’d get a lot of great ones out here…. I ventured over to the US back in 2006 to work at Camp Shane – what a life changing experience! Please keep blogging – makes for a great daily read
Thanks for reading, Janine. Your camp looks really fun! Hope I can check it out some day.
Glad to have discovered your blog & read about your advetures. Have spent a fair bit of time in SA – often challenging but always interesting. Great pics, by the way!
Thanks very much! I appreciate the comment.
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have nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award. If you’d like to accept it, please visit http://armouredup.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/one-lovely-blog-award/ to collect it. Blessings to you…
Thanks so much, Arlene!
What a great find. I just stumbled on your blog and it’s so lovely to see and hear about my home country through your eyes. I’m one of those people who have their hearts in 2 countries and I do miss SA at times. Thank you for your posts:-)
Thanks so much! I’m glad you found my blog and that it reminds you of home. Enjoy.
Ciao Heather,
I’m doing some research and I’m wondering if you can provide me with some information. How much does 1 kg of bread cost in Johannesburg? Thank you.
Hmm. A loaf of bread costs anywhere from R7 to R10, depending on the type and the brand. I’m not sure how many loaves of bread are in a kg though. Does that help?
Thank you for your quick reply. It does help. What about freshly baked bread like baguette’s and panini? I appreciate your help!
That’s a tough one to answer. You can go to a bare-bones bread-making establishment on the street in Hillbrow and get a loaf of fresh bread (not a baguette, but fresh-baked bread) for 5 or 6 rand. An upscale bakery in the northern suburbs can charge anywhere from R12 to R25 for fancy fresh-baked bread.
In low-income areas, fresh bread is usually cheaper than packaged bread. In high-income areas it’s the opposite.
Hi Heather, Kathryn referred me to your blog when she heard that I was from Joburg. So awesome to read your blog and see all these wonderful views and pictures of Jozi. It is such a weird city to describe in words, but your images capture it beautifully. Looking forward to discovering more of Jozi through your eyes. I was born in Pretoria but have been living here for almost 20 yrs now.
All the best
Gerda
Thanks Gerda, welcome! I’m glad Kathy sent you over. I will check out your blog too. I’m happy to hear your enjoying my description of your home town.
The blog is getting visitors because of you Heather Mason. Thank you for writing so beautifully and being encouraging of the Troyeville Bedtime Story. I love your photographs and your blog.
Oh, thanks so much Lesley. I’m thrilled to hear that my blog is bringing traffic to the Troyeville Bedtime Story. Let’s stay in touch – I definitely want to visit the bed again sometime soon.
Hi there – we were both featured on My Sardinian Life’s top 5 expat blogs. I’m only now getting around to checking out the other listings. I look forward to following your expat adventures and sharing stories….especially since we both come with an American perspective.
Thanks Liana! Your blog looks great too. Best of luck on your life and travels in the Philippines.
Hello, Just wanted to let you know I nominated your blog for a Beautiful blogger award
http://unistudentsoutlook.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/the-beautiful-blogger-award/
Hi Heather,
we all feel like we know you – it’s weird.
I think a big part of it is because you write very clearly and honestly.
Your new About page reflects a bit of the amazing evolution you and your blog have gone through. Now, you’re infected forever. You have Africa in your veins.
Thanks Yashik. I appreciate your consistent readership!
You have been officially nominated by me for the Interesting Blog Award. It was created by crazybunny and given to my by Running without Socks. Now it is yours. Do with it as you will. At the very least I hope it gives you a smile!
Please link to http://furrynuff.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/i-am-an-interesting-blogger-it-is-official/ to accept your award!
Thanks for making my life a little bit more interesting.
Victoria
As a fellow American living in South Africa, its great to see how much you love Jozi. I’ve been living in SA for 13 years and, despite the country’s challenges, I love it! There’s so much cynicism….but I feel blessed to be living here right now. Stay positive!!!
Thanks Darin, I appreciate the comment.
Heather, I have nominated you for The Sunshine Award. Please see the latest posting on my blog for the rules regarding this award. I love all of those Joburg photos!
http://crowcanyonjournal.wordpress.com
Thanks very much! I’m glad you’re enjoying the pics
Hey Heather. I stumbled upon your blog this evening and have been surfing around a bit. Your story is very interesting, and the way you tell it, quite inspiring. I think I met you once actually; you were handing out flyers at Critical Mass once to raise money for the repairs to the boxing ring downtown. Small world. I’m so glad you’re enjoying Joburg. Keep seeing the beauty around you.
Hi there, thanks so much for the comment. Yes, that was me at Critical Mass! What a crazy evening that was.
I had a quick look at your blog too — looks great. I’ll follow along.