Lockdown Journal: Day 57 (I Got Nothing)
It’s Day 57 of the South African lockdown. I really don’t have much to say. Here’s a picture of a cat.
I put a lot of energy into my posts from yesterday and the day before, and woke up today without much motivation left. Also I don’t think I can top yesterday’s experience. A boring lockdown day at home and my run-of-the-mill emotional angst seem like very trivial blog topics compared to a food program feeding hundreds of hungry South Africans.
Fortunately it’s Friday and I’m going to continue my new habit of taking Saturdays and Sundays off from lockdown journaling. I’ll be back on Monday, hopefully with renewed vigor.
I did receive a beautiful food delivery from Publik Wine Bar today. During the lockdown, Publik has pivoted from selling wine (which, if you believe today’s news, may or may not be for sale in South Africa again…like ever) to selling and delivering fresh produce and other specialty foods. I finally decided to give Publik a try.
There are a few items here that I’ve never cooked with before, and I’m super excited about all of it. I actually had to ask a friend to help me identify the vegetable at the bottom left next to the eggs: In case you’re wondering, it’s fennel.
Maybe I’ll document some of my creations over the weekend and share them in the next post.
Publik lists all of its food items for sale on Instagram (so millennial) and then you order via Whatsapp. Orders are delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Today’s Featured Photographer
Today I’m featuring artist/photographer Suzy Bernstein, who is a neighbor of mine and has been taking beautiful, candid photos of life in Melville during our prescribed morning walk times. Suzy shoots all of her Instagram photos on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
A post shared by Suzy Bernstein (@suzybernstein_photography) on May 15, 2020 at 9:51pm PDT
This photo was shot through the window of Bounty Hunters, a charity shop that doubles as a cat shelter. It’s just one of my recent favorites in Suzy’s feed but there are many more. Follow her at @suzybernstein_photography.
See you all next week.
I have never made it but have eaten a similar sounding fennel salad and it was YUMMY! https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/shaved_fennel_salad/
Thanks! Will check it out.
Love the photo of the real cat and the stuffed cat. :) But Trixie is always adorable, too. Enjoy your days off! (FYI, fennel tastes like black licorice to me. I think it’s nasty.)
I saw it mentioned earlier, now reminded. Very depressing. Deeply angry, like 30+ years ago angry. Full civil disobedience mode. …I don’t know of any other such authoritarian thing in this. …I wonder how long…visa for Mozambique, if it’s 90 days or can be extended after 30 days, maybe I go stay in Maputo.
I’ve often thought Maputo would be a very nice place to live. I guess one should learn Portuguese though.
90 days no visa. …Now i just have to figure out how to pay for it all, 3 rents.
Sounds like you’re on your way. Here’s something else to get you in the mood! https://430779ae203f.xneelosites.com/2019/03/23/15-quirky-things-to-do-in-maputo/
Yes, thanks. I was thinking of that, I remembered you said it is not inexpensive but then I factor in [illicit sector] cigs cost.
I can make out a few words on r/portugal… i’ll go find out what tobacco is now. …..tabaco - HAHH :) LOL
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Fennel is good for Soups and Stews so the foodies testify. Get creative and try it.
Fennel is an acquired tast. I love it chopped up in salads. Or you can eat it raw. Hust make a dip with olive oil and salt. I think it is an Italian way of eating it. Have a wonderful weekend ????
That sounds delicious.
You’re going to have some fun with your groceries. I’m looking forward to seeing the results in your beautiful photographs next week. Yesterday I was thinking that we were actually missing a photo of you in action at the food distribution - and bingo, there it is!
Awwww, thanks!
South Africa has such amazing food!
Yes!