Melville and Surrounds (Category) - 203 posts

Sandwiched between a week in Durban and a week in Lesotho, Joe and I are wrapping up one hectic (but fun) week at home. We’re leaving again tomorrow morning and …

I’ve been thinking a lot about wildlife this weekend. To most Americans, the term “African wildlife” brings to mind lions and elephants and giraffes. But there …

UPDATE (OCTOBER 2017): Alas, Café Mexicho has closed down. It had a good run though. Fortunately there are several good alternatives around town – read …

NOTE: For an updated review of Café Mexicho, click here. Joe and I had planned a pasta dinner last night, but wound up working late and didn’t feel like …

I’ve been exploring Melville on my own lately. An typical atypical shop in Melville.Yesterday I walked two blocks to 7th Street – the main strip in …

We’ve christened the house with a name: the Lucky 5 Star. Thanks to Lucky, living here is like staying in a five-star hotel. Lucky in the garden, in front of …

The seasons are turning and my second summer is about to begin. It’s still cold at night and in the early morning – especially in a house without …

Just before dusk yesterday, we went walking in Westcliff – an old, wealthy neighborhood adjacent to Melville. We tramped over a bridge along a busy road …

I’ve gotten ahead of myself. I should say a few words about this place where I’m living. Johannesburg (Joburg, Jo’burg, Jozi, JHB) is the largest city in South …

It’s my second full day in Joburg. I’m sitting on the deck of my new house in Melville, soaking up the late winter sun, admiring the small purple …

I arrive in Africa a week from today. Next weekend I’ll be settling into my new home in Johannesburg. Three days ago my boyfriend sent me this photo from …