Cycling Though Soweto on Mandela’s Weekend
I’ve been invited to be a Gauteng Tourism Authority ambassador. I don’t think I’ve ever been an ambassador for anything before so this is pretty cool. It basically means that I get to do [...]
Remembering Rivonia on Madiba’s Day
“…no one can blame brave just men for seeking justice by the use of violent methods; nor could they be blamed if they tried to create an organised force in order to ultimately establish [...]
Presidential Private Parts: Up Close and Personal
If you are in South Africa and don’t reside under a rock, then you’ve likely heard about the controversy raging over an artist’s portrait of South African President Jacob Zuma, called “The Spear”. If [...]
Alex: Joburg’s Other Township
I recently visited Alexandra Township for the first time since moving to Joburg, to attend a kids' baseball tournament. At the end of my post about the tournament, I said I was looking forward [...]
Another South African Struggle
I don’t write often about South African government and politics. Politics here are complicated and contentious — even more so than other countries I think, due to South Africa’s incredibly tumultuous history over the last [...]
The ANC Football Divas Do Jozi
Yesterday, thanks to my new friends at travelwrite.co.za, I attended a “Rediscover Joburg” tour hosted by the mayor of Johannesburg. The purpose of the tour was to showcase various development projects in the city [...]
Zuma Speaks (and we miss it)
Today is Heritage Day, a public holiday celebrating the cultural heritage of South Africa. Similar to Labor Day and Memorial Day, Heritage Day seems to serve mostly as an excuse for a long weekend. [...]
A Thousand Hills
Joe and I have spent the last couple of days moving between Durban and an area to the north of town called the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Here are some highlights. Monday After [...]
Bedlam at the Beach
I’m on the verandah of the Lemon Tree Bed & Breakfast in Kloof, a posh suburb of Durban. A breeze is rustling the royal palms in the garden. It’s calm and quiet. The verandah [...]