I hate my financial advisor

My financial guy was going through my expenses the other day and said:- “Okay, Violet. Let me give you some advice.” I have never been good at taking advice. Especially when I have not asked for it. But if anything this last year has taught …

Love, loss and what I used to wear

Yesterday I had to go to the doctor. I was pretty anxious, not just about my health but about the whole outing. I would have to drive there, avoid the soul crushing apocalypse on the streets, park, run the car guard gauntlet, have my temperature …

We used to hug, darling

The cafe where I pick up my coffee has adapted brilliantly to the pandemic. Everything is outdoors. The Barista is genuine when he asks how we are. The sanitiser is hard core, tables are well spaced and the security guard doubles up as a server.  …

The most unusual year

The beginning of this year is a blur. I was in the game reserve, heard about an imminent lockdown, had to make a few quick and insane decisions, then found myself at home with my son back from Cape Town, locked in and up, walking …

I went to Sandton and now you also have to.

When Pablos Eggs Go Bar closed down in Melville, I was heartbroken. Sad for the staff, sad for me, shattered and oh so lonely. My days of red shakshuka were over, my little egg soldiers on toast were gone, my corner was empty and who …

One day in Katlehong

I was already saying OMG IT IS HOT, as we arrived in Katlehong for our walking tour. It was 3000 degrees in the shade and not yet 9 am. As I scrambled out the car to join the group, momentarily remembering how much I hate …

All things considered…

I lay in my restorative yoga class thinking of the ingredients for a Negroni. Gin. Campari. Vermouth. Gin. Campari. Vermouth. I thought:  “If I think about Negronis, I won’t cry.” And yet the tears welled and even while I lay and restored my body, they …

Revlon, in a pandemic?

Before the pandemic I used to write travel stories about fabulous places, cosy couches, exotic safari lodges and sexy sunsets.  I am still writing these stories but now there is a pandemic and I have to include pandemic stories too. A few weeks ago, at …

My Jewish Bagel

I never take much food on road trips. Usually I buy a coffee as I get going and then stop along the way and eat junk, like slap chips, bar-ones and wine gums. The road trip I did now, taking a chance and heading to …

Next stop – Zimbabwe.

I’ve had Zimbabwe on my mind. It’s impossible not to, the country is all over the news. Activists are being abducted and tortured, citizens beaten, the government has zero regard for human rights, the economy is disastrous and corruption is rife. It’s a terrible , …