happipill

[happipill]

#Day13ofLockdown

Worked out solo this morning, zoom was acting up good thing Frank had shared the demo video beforehand.

08 April 2020

[happipill]

The Journey…

2008

2010

2012…

[happipill]

When the Travellingcheapskates went to Grahamstown

So one had always heard of how much fun the Arts Festival was and thanks to the First Wednesday Fever some of us could almost imagine it. We decided to put a stop to the wondering, gave into peer pressure and attended the National Arts Festival 2013.  

Google was our first stop for answers to all the what’s, where’s and whens’. At reaching point information overload we decided to inbox old school mates, had that avoided coffee with chatty colleagues that  went to on and on about their one time at the festival *rolls eyes* and we did put our Travelling Cheapskates contacts to good use of course. We saved up, made a list of fellow travelers who vanished as we got closer to the date mind you.We searched and searched and eventually booked accommodation, bought the bus tickets, did research on the Eastern Cape, Grahamstown and pretty much everything related to the festival.

 The day came when we  packed our backpacks, put on our thickest winter clothes and we hopped on the bus to Grahamstown, for some art indulgence. The ‘City of Saints’ embraced us with bearable weather conditions despite the forecast and warnings from friends. We checked into the res accommodation met up with friends and got down to business drawing up a must see schedule, figured out the map, ooh so we thought until our journey kept getting adventurous-  a number of times mind you. We walked from the one side of town to the other, into Rhodes and out, up then down the Monument route as we ticked off 'our must see’ list.

  The different shows, things to do and see managed to postpone bed time to as late as possible. Our late curfew excuses included  Indumba- a dance expression of a cleansing ceremony ritual of one of the Mozambican tribes.  Vusi Mahlasela affectionately dubbed 'The Voice’ gave us a memorable performance with a great build up from our side- I’ll tell you what that’s about. We didn’t have tickets right, so we chilled by the door in the hope of a miracle and after a door slam and a change of sad face strategy we enjoyed the show with the crowds. Jou Ma Se Comedy Club was a serious ab workout with funny men  on stage, Skierlik- a one man show was a good send off for us, taking us on an emotional journey.

Sunday came, stands were folded announcing the end of the festival, the end of thirst quenching episodes outside Oude 65, the end of art festivities. We now retelling our experience  like the chatty colleague as we put operation lets go back into plan.

[happipill]

Tip: Always a good idea to visit a city or place where you have buds. They are best hosts with local tips on bargains and what to do as well as what not to do.

Travellingcheapskates in Durban with friend Nomusa Zungu

[happipill]

Good Times with Friends

Neighbourgoods Market

Braamfontein

Johannesburg

[happipill]

The Standard Bank Arts Festival 2013

Grahamstown

South Africa

5-7 July 2013

https://www.facebook.com/Travellingcheapskate?ref=hl

[happipill]

Butterflies

Wildnerss Beach

2010

[happipill]

Hidden Gems Fashion Kapitol

Johannesburg

26 January 2013

[happipill]

The streets of Alex with many untold stories. Am forever fascinated by the fourway streets: you could have a child confidently playing a skateboard a taxi carelessly pulling over and a random car cruising by….

Alexandra Township, Johannesburg.

18 July 2012

[happipill]

Namibian Tease

Easter 2013

Namibia, Swakopmund

The long bus drive into Windhoek Namibia, flying the Travelling Cheapskate Flag high. Explored the land of the brave with its warm people, lovely food in Xwama, rich history at Hereos Acre and picture perfect landscapes in Swakopmund and Waterberg. A still early morning jog by the beach,quadbiking escapade sinking deep in the dessert. All leaving the cheapskates dazed with disbelief of such perfection. Great times appreciated…#sigh#

[happipill]

A weekend with these awesome creatures…..PURE BLISS!!!!!!

Philile and Mpume at the Canteen.

04 August 2012.

[happipill]

Outside tata Madiba’s house

Houghton

14 December 2013

[happipill]

Vilakazi Street is known for its lively vibe and buzz but never have we experienced it so alive in any of our Travellingcheapskate escapades as on this day. Two days after the news of Madiba’s passing, the street was filled with everyone and anyone, tv broadcasters from all over the world, ANC campaigners, celebrities, aspiring entrepreneurs and travellingcheapskates ofcourse out  to celebrate tata’s live.

Vilakazi Street, Soweto 

7 December 2013

[happipill]

Philile, miss make it happen managed to make her way through the crowds celebrating Tata Nelson Mandela’s life, just so she could make small talk with her long time inspiration Errol Barnett,host of the award winning ‘Inside Africa’ show on CNN.

Vilakazi Street 

7 December 2013

[happipill]

With all the hard work that goes into all the different lives we lead, Travellingcheapskates took time off to celebrate Frisco’s birthday. Now our good friend Frisco goes biiiiig I tell you .The night was really interesting, the fun brainwash session with Dream Team who had us chanting dream team over and over again..lol, someone’s ‘I see Sizwe Dlomo in a different light moment’ *giggles* and how can we forget miss Pearl’s freeze moment when she spotted her eye cleanser PRO.Really had a great time cant wait for the next one…*sighs*

23 November 2013

Rosebank

[happipill]

Long Weekend Fever

Now we aint no travellingcheapskates for nothing, we actually live up to the name. We took advantage of the past long weekend thanks to the Human Rights Public Holiday; we exercised our right to explore. Hahahaha on a serious note Pearl and a bud from KZN took time to explore the city of gold on foot whilst Philile explored the Northen KwaZulu Natal coast her second home she claims.

               Nonhle & Pearl @ Neighbourgoods Market

A dear High School friend, Nonhle Nxumalo came to Jozi for the weekend giving birth to the whole Joburg on foot expedition. Our TT status (ten toes aka carless) got us exploring other means of getting around which by the way didn’t only save us money but also gave us an uninterrupted, up close view of the intimidating city. Our start off point was in Braamfontein by the “Eland Statue” a good photo spot for those of us who grew up spotting the artwork on South Africa’s famous soap opera Generations’ establishing shots. The infamous Neighbourgoods Market on Juta Street was our fuel up point. The food market with all sorts of nibbles prepped us getting some people all buzzing before the walk over the Mandela Bridge, into central CBD. We passed some interesting buildings such as the Old Corner House built in 1886 and Standard Bank Chambers representing the old financial district, some of the buildings mimicking the old British ruled city. The panoramic view of the city and surroundings from the peak of the city was worth the walk- calming beauty. Top of Africa on the 50th floor of Carlton Centre was just the perfect way to end the tour.

                                 View from Top of Africa

Lookout for the next post on how Philile exercised her right to explore..

[happipill]

Joburg on Foot Expedition