Holiday Hoo-Haa

This morning my dad forwarded an article for me to read. It was written by a young lady who spoke about Christmas holidays and all the (some) obligatory meetings one has to endure during this time of the year. Parties, visits, bumping into people in crowded shopping malls...things like that. With such meetings comes the inevitable questions surrounding ones career, love life or current location of dwelling.

Truth be told, I have been mulling over this topic for the past few days as I wanted to write about this very topic as well.

Most people who know me fairly well will vouch that I enjoy going out and socializing. I love meeting friends over a good meal or sitting in a quaint coffee shop chattering away.

However, when I arrive in my hometown for the holidays, I turn into somewhat of a recluse. My family knows this. Malls? No thank you. Eat out? No thank you. I don't use the word, "friend" loosely so I am comfortable to say that I have very few friends in my hometown who I arrange to meet and catch up with.

I consider my trips "home" a success if, when I am about to leave, I've seen very few people. I know this sounds harsh, but hear me out.

Comments and questions I try to avoid at all costs come from people who I know genuinely mean no harm. But little do they know that their 'innocent' questions could pierce very sore spots that I am otherwise trying to either avoid or heal.

So...asking for the umpteenth time what I do, and then give a look as if to say, "Oh...is that a real job?" to asking me if I know So-and-So who also recently relocated to Cape Town, to something which stabs me of late, "Please tell me you have a man now!"

The last time I went back after a short trip home, I remember telling someone, "East London isn't the same as I know it before." to which I was replied, "The city is the same, Nothing changed. Only you changed!"

The more I come back here, the more I realize how true this really is. The city is the same. The stores are the same. The roads (with all those potholes) are the same. The people...are the same. Yet it is me who has become so busy, that I can't organize a dinner date with a friend without my phone to see if my planner can tell me if I'm free or not. I'm the one who has to make decisions on my own, who falls ill on my own.

I change everyday and I know for a fact that I am not the same person I was last year this time.

Situations and circumstances of 2013 have molded me to become the sensitive, sometimes insensitive, caring, sometimes selfish, calm, sometimes control maniac that I am.

So I guess what I'm actually trying to say is, for some of us - the holiday period is not AS joyous as it is for others. No offence to anyone, please...but, I'm quite happy hibernating at home with my nose in a book :)

Jozi (10) OR Tambo

I'm very early for my flight, but I still check in and go through. I spend about 3 hours (yes, 3 hours!) at Wimpy with my music and my book. When it's time to board at 19:30, I'm more than ready to leave the airport and him my hometown!

Jozi (9) Good bye, Jozi!

So - do I like Jo'burg? Yes!

Granted it was a long weekend, but it wasn't as scary as I anticipated and also, the people were pretty friendly.

I'll elaborate on this post later.

Jozi (8) Melrose Arch

Melrose Arch

We go to Melrose Arch and have lunch at Grand Central. We walk around for a bit, have coffee and then head to Sandton Station to be on my way to OR Tambo.

Jozi (7) The Chilli Boy

Taken from The Chilli Boy website:

THE CHILLI BOY is a theatrical phenomenon that has had South African audiences flocking to theatres over the past few years. Writer, Geraldine Naidoo, has cleverly created a hilarious play that tackles issues of cultural identity, racial difference and masculinity in an extraordinary and highly entertaining way. After sell-out seasons in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and London’s West End, THE CHILLI BOY continues its spiraling success as one of the best theatrical productions in the world today.

I thoroughly enjoy the show and afterwards we head to News Cafe for a bite before going home.

Jozi (6) Soweto

We arrive in Soweto and head to Maponya Mall. DJ Black Coffee is on the decks trying to break a record of spinning for 60 hours. The crowd outside is growing, but we window shop a bit and then have lunch at Primi Piatti before catching a movie.

We watch Just Wright with the lovely Queen Latifah before heading to Jo'burg Theater for The Chilli Boy.

Jozi (5) Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, we have breakfast at the most delicious bakery/deli/coffee shop called Fournos. We then go to Melville for a walk around. We see the poster advertising The Chill Boy which is a one-man show so we go to the Jo'burg Theater to book tickets, and then... we make our way to Soweto!

Jozi (4) We Are Family - Bollywood film

After lunch at Monte Casino, AK and I decide to watch a Bollywood film: We are Family starring Kajol, Arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor. The film was directed by Siddharth Malhotra and produced by Karan Johar. I feel pretty close to this film because last year I met a friend of Malhotra's in Seoul and he told me about the "exciting film that Siddharth was working on in Australia" at the time.

We Are Family movie poster

Throughout its production process, I was following tweets from the director and producer for articles I was writing. Reviews of the film warned that it would pull at heart strings and oh damn... did it?! The film is an adaption of the Hollywood movie, Stepmom.

After the film, we go out for drinks and then head home and turn in.

Jozi (3) Brightwater Commons

Brightwater Commons

On my way to the airport in EL, I realize that my black eyeliner is finished and I don't have a back up. So my priority (yes, priority!) is to get to Clicks and buy one. AK and I go to Brightwater Commons soon after I arrive.

There's a young girl doing some kind of promotion for a spa outside the entrance of Clicks.

Promo Girl: Ladies, I'm going to offer you a manicure, pedicure and massage for only R200. How does that sound?

AK and I are already bought. R200? Hell yes! So Promo Girl takes our name and contact details and then asks us to sign.

I take the pamphlet from her and ask her what the fine print is that we need to sign.

Promo Girl: Oh, nothing. You just need to be over 18 years old...

She rambled on a few other things and we figured out that the appointments are only from Monday.


Me: ...but I'm leaving on Sunday, I won't be here then.

AK: Can't we get any appointment this week-end?

Promo Girl: Well, you can call them (points to a number and then looks at me) and tell them that you're going back to Durban.

What? What???

Jozi (2) OR Tambo & Gautrain

Smooth, slick and smart!

Trying to find the Gautrain isn't very difficult, and when I find it the staff are friendly and helpful. I pay R110 - R10 for the card and R100 for the trip to Sandton Station. Waiting for the train, there is a lady who opens a juice, but a security guard comes to her and tells her that fines for eating/drinking are up to R700.

When I board the train, I'm reminded so much of Korea - when I'd ride the subway! It's such a gorgeous day in Jo'burg. I arrive in Sandton and meet AK who's waiting for me.

Place to store your luggage

About to pull out from OR Tambo Station

Sandton Station

Jozi (1) The idea to go

Friday, September 24 is Heritage Day in South Africa (which meant a long weeekend) My brother was going to be out of town for gigs the entire week, and I wanted to meet my friend AK who’s now living in Johannesburg. We haven’t seen each other since before I left for Korea. Another reason for visiting the City of Gold was to see what it’s “really” like. The previous times I’d been to Jo’burg was for family occasions so our trips were just from the airport – home – airport. I’d spend two nights in Jo’burg. Arrive on Friday and back home on Sunday.

Home Sweet Home!

Tuesday, August 24 2010

On our way home!

We landed in sunny East London and were met by my dad, "big bro" Vijayan, Donovan and Gershwin - who work for my dad. After loading all our luggage into one car, we were on our way home...where I was going to meet (for the first time) Zelda, a little Jack Russell who adopted our family last year. To say she's stolen my heart is an understatement. Who wouldn't fall in love with this gorgeous face?

Ms Zelda Makhan

Good morning, Jozi!

Tuesday, August 24 2010

...and on Tuesday morning, we arrived in Johannesburg. There was a confusion with our domestic tickets (Johannesburg to East London), but it was sorted out without much hassle and after a quick snack at Wimpy, we boarded our final flight home! I love the moment when I arrive in Johannesburg...especially hearing South African accents.

And...we're on our way home!

Leaving Singapore

Monday, August 23 2010

It was another hot day in Singapore. We spent the morning and afternoon walking down Orchard Road. We had brunch at Wendy's and stayed there for a while to escape the heat. Also, Darmesh and I had Wi-fi access there (something we were missing terribly from Korea). After a while, we went back to the hotel and prepared to make our way to the airport.

Clear skies in Singapore

We were very early so walked around a bit, shopped, and sat at Dunkin' Donuts for a while, only to notice that we were sitting next to those foot massager's that are all over Changi airport! Not long after that, we were on our way home!

Manila Hijacking

Sunday, August 22 2010

When we got back to the hotel from Universal Studios, we got to learn about the hijacking / hostage situation that was taking place in Manila (Philippines). We watched live footage in horror of an ex-cop who took a bus load of Hong Kong tourists hostage.

Read the story here.

Universal Studios

Sunday, August 22 2010

Darmesh, mum & me

The last time I was in Singapore, Universal Studios was under construction. I don't think it needs much introduction, but some of the things we saw: Madgascar merry-go-round, lunch at an old-fashioned diner, Hollywood (experienced what it's like to be on a set), streets of New York, Sci-fi city, Egypt, Jurassic Park, Fiona's (Shrek) castle, Shrek 4D movie, Donkey show.

This could very well have been the hottest day in Singapore. We arrived at Universal Studios pretty early, but as the day progressed and the heat became more intense, I began to feel weak and even sick. Nevertheless, looking back at my photos now, I think this was the highlight of our few days in Singapore.

Hollywood

Madagascar merry-go-round

Lunch at Mel's Diner

Look who Darmesh bumped into!

At Hollywood "studios"

On a movie "set"

Mum & Darmesh on streets of New York

Egypt

Mum with someone from Sci-fi City

Jurassic Park

Fiona's (Shrek) Castle - Far Far Away

Waiting in line with Darmesh to see Shrek 4D movie

Sentosa Island

Sunday, August 22 2010

In the afternoon we went to Sentosa Island. We went up this revolving viewing tower that overlooked the whole island...pretty awesome!

We went to the museum (Images of Singapore) Check out my blog from the last time I was there.

Images of Singapore (Museum)

Next stop was Underwater World (aquarium). Also, take a look at my blog from my last visit.

You can put your hand in and touch the fish

Lastly, we went to Songs of the Sea (laser / water show) which was just incredible. Again, here's my blog from the last time I was there.

Just before the show started

After we got back to the city from Sentosa Island, we went for dinner and then back to the hotel. It was a long day, and we were becoming more anxious to get back home to South Africa in 2 days time!

Little India

Sunday, August 22 2010

After a light brekkie at Starbucks (next door to our hotel), we spent the morning in Little India.  I'd been to Little India before and had the best bhel puri ever! I had to find that place again. It was also very hot, making us feel very listless. We eventually stopped for lunch at a place that was open (many restaurants weren't open yet (it being Sunday and all). 

We went back to the hotel for a quick nap, because we were going to spend the afternoon and evening on Sentosa Island.

Found my bhel puri spot!

For a few more pics of Little India, check out my blog from the last time I was in Singapore in 2008.
 

Orchard Road

Saturday, August 21 2010

Because we got to bed so late, we went for brunch to an Indian restaurant just a few steps away from our hotel. I'd already been to this restaurant on my previous trip. 

Samoosa

Naan

Masala Tea

We then walked down Orchard Road. We went to Singapore Airlines in Ion Mall to change our flight back to South Africa.  Walking around the mall, and comparing prices to South Africa, everything seemed to be very expensive.

We had pizza for dinner at a place near our hotel. The heat drained us...all we wanted was to flop into bed when we got back to the hotel. 

By dinner time, we were exhausted! The heat was unbearable.

Hello Singapore!

Saturday, August 21 2010

Good morning, Singapore!

We arrived in Singapore in the wee hours of the morning. We were exhausted - especially having to look after our luggage. We got to the hotel after 3am and passed out cold till the next morning.

Changi Airport