Expats of Joburg

October 18, 2014

 M and B at Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein.

Some cities are known for their strong and large-numbered expat communities. Johannesburg is not one of them. There is a shockingly small number of expats here, and those who are here generally live in the far northern suburbs and have been temporarily stationed here, often begrudgingly, by their North American/European company. As for the remaining expats, there are so few that it seems we all tend to know each other, or meet somehow during the course of our time here, as we are always keen to meet the new joiners. Kind of like a very small town within a very massive city.

M and I met B through work, as together we pretty much hold a majority on the expat circle at our particular firm. This, consequently, is also one of the benefits of being one of a very small community; we have the chance to meet other people, who, like us, chose to come to South Africa on their own free will, and are keen to see and do as much as they can while they're here. B was whole-heartedly in this camp.

We had a great time showing B around while he was here on a short-term assignment from Austria. It was a chance to visit places we keep meaning to check out and also to a chance revisit places we love. But more than that, it was a chance to meet an awesome friend that we hope to visit in Austria someday. And B, I promise we'll give you the chance to return the favour of boring us to tears with stories, facts and endless activities in your beloved city.

We made sure to take B to the Giraffe's of Jozi, and spent a sunny morning checking out the shops on Jan Smuts, followed by a visit to one of our Jozi favourites, Neighbourgoods.

This is a spot we visited when we first arrived, but they have now painted over the graffiti that used to be there.

This mural is in the Joburg CBD, and is across from a place I visit for work frequently. It is somewhere I keep meaning to visit on a weekend when there are no cars blocking it. We managed to catch it at just the right time- no cars, and the sun was cooperating nicely.

On the top right it says "You can't catch me, so just let me be". Love this piece.

This statue is called the "Shadow Boxer" and is an iconic moment of Nelson Mandela.

 Shadow Boxer up close.

 Light or dark: it's all a matter of perspective.

B made us the most incredible Austrian dinner- we were all punch-drunk on delicious food and wine by this point. 

Pancake soup, a proper touque, and a dude who is not a fan of dogs. 

Checking out the photo and film expo. 

The best part of the expo- playing around with the props. 

 Lunch with a view. Higher Ground is a random, hidden away restaurant at St.Stithians College in Bryanston- it has awesome food and stellar views. Check, check.

Family photo after "Joburg Wine" school. Four locals and six foreigners together representing Canada, Austria, England, and South Africa.

The winemaker himself. In this case, I think the picture really is worth a thousand words.

 M with B and his wife, who came for a visit at the end of B's assignment. Cheers to an awesome three months getting to know you and showing you around Joburg, B!