Read all my lockdown journal posts.
It’s Day 36 of the South African lockdown — the first day of lockdown Level 4. It’s May Day and we went OUTSIDE.
As of today, South Africans are allowed to go outside for exercise between 6 and 9 a.m. daily. Initially I wasn’t super excited about this rule, as you may have read yesterday. It’s unnecessarily restrictive, and the timing is poorly thought out as the sun rises late in South Africa at this time of year.
Nonetheless, I dragged myself out of bed at 6:30. I didn’t want to miss my first opportunity in five weeks to go for a walk. I made coffee, threw on some yoga pants, packed my camera, took the garbage out, and walked outside by around 7:15.
Two minutes later I remembered I’d forgotten my face mask, so I went back home to get it. By then it had already become too hot for the puffy jacket I was wearing. (I really should never complain about the weather in Joburg.) I traded the jacket for a thin fleece, donned my mask, and headed out again.
Guys. I cannot explain the unabashed joy I experienced during this hour-long walk around Melville. The light. The air. The colors. The sounds. The trees. The leaves. The flowers. The houses. The people. The dogs. The stylish array of face masks. I loved it. I loved it I loved it I loved it. Four hours later I’m still buzzing from it.
I can’t find any more words to explain how happy this walk made me. So here are the photos.
There is so much rage on the Internet right now. I don’t think I’ve seen so many angry rants on Facebook since the lockdown began, and I get what everyone is saying and feeling.
But just for today, I went for a walk OUTSIDE and I’m super happy. I’m going to try to bake some May Day banana bread now.
Today’s Worthy Cause
While we’re on the subject of Melville’s 27 Boxes: There is a great independent African literature bookstore there called Book Circle Capital.
Book stores are still not allowed to open under Level 4, which is really too sad for words. Books are essential! [UPDATE (5 May): Book Circle Capital has re-opened! Visit them between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.]
Anyway, Book Circle Capital is running a promotion to try to survive. Here’s what they told me: “We are trying various things to ensure that we survive this period. We have set up a voucher option through Yoco, our payment system, where people can buy a voucher and then come redeem it when the lockdown period is over. This ensures that we maintain the cashflow.”
You can buy a Book Circle Capital voucher here: https://pay.yoco.com/v/book-circle-capital.
See you tomorrow.
‘Twas a joy to walk the Durban Point Promenade this morning. Surprised only half of people wearing face masks. No police presence.
The Durban promenade sounds lovely!
The closure of bookshops bears similarities to Hitler burning books. Think about it….
So glad you had a good day Heather☺????????
Exclusive is open and Bridge books will be open from Monday.
I also saw that. Hopefully Book Circle Capital can open again too.
I am so happy for you! Without my daily walks, I think I might have killed someone in my house. Best walk for you ever.
It was the best ????
You went outside!! And met real-life people! That is wonderful.
I love your photos – it makes me want to walk your neighbourhood.
Thank you so much. It was wonderful!
My wife and I also went for a walk this morning. So liberating. We were both amazed by how vividly blue the sky was today–you can see it in your photos!
You’re right it really is.
I also LOVED my walk this morning and came back in a very positive frame of mind – although I know there are so many awful things going on. Interestingly – a friend of mine was at Bedford Centre this morning – after her walk – and sent me a photo of Exclusive Books which was open????
Oh yes, someone just told me that too! Need to update my blog. It seems like a real shame though if Exclusives can be open but independent bookstores can’t.
Nice pics! 🙂 …All.
Thanks!
Glad you’re well. Exercise, fresh air, and nature does wonders. xo
It certainly does. I can’t wait until we can visit parks again
Gorgeous photos! The sky is blue who knew..thank you!
Thanks 🙂
I’d like to buy you a voucher to Book Circle Capital but don’t know how to get it to you. Could you let me know please?
Aww, that’s so sweet of you Nancy! I’ll send you an email.