Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel
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The Magic of Jozi

When you end up in a place because of a childhood fantasy, you just gotta tell the story.

I’m not from here. I also am not from where you think you know I’m from. I’m from way up north when it was still the Transvaal. A place where I jokingly say hell is right underneath because it is so damn hot there.

The first almost 8 years of my life we lived on a farm 60km from Ellisras near Stockpoort border post. I went to the same primary school my dad, all his siblings and my sister went to – right across from the highschool my mother was a teacher at.

Then we moved to a farm just outside of Duiwelskloof and Tzaneen. I matriculated at Ben Vorster and then I moved to my Jozi.

…but wait, I’m skipping the story of why I ended up in Jozi.

My mom is from an area called Rikasrus just outside Randfontein. My grandparents lived in a smallholding in a double story home they built. We would visit every holiday and the whole family always seemed to be there.

They had a lot of kids who in turn had kids and somehow we all fitted around an extra long dining table. 5 children had 10 children between them (at that stage). All hands had to be there to peel peaches on holidays… and I still love peaches. Breakfast around the dining table was always Weetbix and dinner ended with “huisgodsdiens”.

The younger cousins had to go to bed early but we were allowed to sit in the livingroom on the floor. This is where my obsession began…

A big glass window and door gave me the perfect place to sit and stare out over what I thought was the most magical place in the world that never stopped or slept. The lights in the distance twinkled like little fireflies in different colours. I would sit there just wishing I lived in that place.

I thought it was Johannesburg, but it wasn’t. It was Soweto or Krugersdorp. My magical place was even better when I finally arrived.

I barely had a big suitcase full of clothes when I arrived, but I was determined to live in the biggest city. I knew exactly one person, my godmother and then I made 2 friends and then it became home.

I lost touch with all the people I knew way back then, but now I see the beautiful lights of Jozi from my house and they are more beautiful than when I saw them the first time.

The lights brought me here and kept me here. This is home.

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Voortrekker Monument - travel blogger
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Explore the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria #INSTAX

I will never be the person that says my BAE or it is AF something or ON FLEEK. Those aren’t real words – and I like my words. I do however like to use words like WANDERLUST and Lekker. (Now those words are mos lekker, jy weet.)

You don’t have to travel far to see spectacular monuments and attractions, because right next to Pretoria is the Voortrekker Monument. It is an architectural wonder that will have you taking photos like a mad person.

Back to this wanderlust thing…

Pretoria is just over the river past a few hills, but actually going there requires a shift in driving habits, remembering to speak Die Taal in shops and restaurants and relaxing (we Joburgers are different, we are always switched on).

Pretoria has 2 of my favourite architectural beauties, the Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument. If you give me a day and a camera I will come home with hundreds of photos of these two places.

Just the other day we popped over the border to the Voortrekker Monument (again) and it took away my breath (again). No matter how many times I see this marvellous building, I get goose bumps. Its sheer massive presence dwarfs everything I have seen anywhere else in the world. It is such a strong building that tells a story so passionately and beautifully.

In the belly of the building massive arch stained windows illuminate the stories on the walls. Stories of a people that left for the unknown in search of a future that helped build the ZAR and saw a president as loved and respected as Paul Kruger.

Then there is the cenotaph that only on 16 December gets hit by the sun… all it says is “ONS VIR JOU SUID-AFRIKA”. A simple promise made by simple people and still observed by many.

The views from the top of the building is spectacular, you can even see the Union Buildings. However – don’t forget to take a photo of the arches.

There is a secret view that you would want to see – if you can stomach heights. Prepare to climb the last stairs to above the dome. You will have the most spectacular view of the cenotaph way down below.

The Voortrekker Monument humbles you. It feels like a place where you can sit and quietly drink in the many stories on the wall. It is a place where you realise just how small you are.

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Gems of Limpopo: Pioneer House – Houtbosdorp

Nowhere on a map or tourist attraction website will you find this quaint little white house with thatched & green roof that sits against a mountain just off the Houtbosdorp road. Yet, somehow a big corporation like ZZ2 (the people that grow tomatoes, avos, mangoes and more) decided it was worth restoring.

Now I don’t know if you can just drive up and get access – I know people, I grew up there. If in doubt, just contact ZZ2 head office and ask.

So it is somewhere off a gravel road that tests the limit of your little town car, just past University of Limpopo, up and down a few hills – on the right… Driving up the road that had clearly seen heavy rain my little Chev Spark had to cross over “dongas” that could’ve swallowed her whole – and there was a misty rain blowing down against the mountain.

…and there it sat, a little white house with a thatched & green roof surrounded by mist that swept around it like a blanket.

My cameras struggled with rain on the lenses, but I pushed through and I captured a little of this home where a couple raised their children in a house with few too many bedrooms and way too little space – and not so standard doors.

Pioniershuis Houtbosdorp Limpopo
Hubby at 1.72m; Door at 1.74m

The story goes that the couple had a bunch of kids and when they passed on and the kids had moved away the house fell into ruin. Since it has been restored one or 2 old pieces of furniture from the original owners was obtained and an old coal stove is on lend from my bro-in-law. The house has a rondavel attached which brings the grand total of rooms to 3 and a stoep – I didn’t see the outhouse (which I assume they would’ve used). It isn’t really big, but it would’ve been warm if the coal stove was fed.

I love historical buildings – even if it is a plain old building with no special architectural features. It is the fact that somebody decided to move up a mountain and carve out a live that tickles my interest – and trigger happy camera fingers.

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Gems of Limpopo: Modjadji Rainforest

Have you ever been in a place that was just so ethereal that you just can’t get over it? Well, I am still in awe of the Modjadji Rainforest in Limpopo.

I grew up in the area and have been there before, but this time I took my husband. We got into my little Chev Spark drove down a mountain with sometimes a single lane gravel road and then up another mountain 40km down the road.

After entering the gates of the reserve you actually need a 4×4 as the road to the starting point of the hike is really badly maintained. Some places I feared my little car would be swallowed by the earth.

The view from the top of the mountain over the rainforest and valley is just spectacular. You can see the tiny houses at the bottom of the valley and the dense green rainforest.

What goes down, must come up

The hike through the Modjadji Rainforest is not for the unfit as the route will take you down more than 5km into the belly of the forest. The route is neatly marked with stone stairs.

Humidity and the thinner air will take its toll on you, but being able to see this majestic forest on foot will make the trek worth it.

About a kilometer down the route will open onto a platform where you can take spectacular photos of the stairs disappearing into the forest and another valley view.

What you need to know

  • The chances of you being the only person/s at the reserve are highly likely based on the number of entries I saw in the gate logbook.
  • Entrance to the Modjadji Rainforest Reserve will set you back R30 a car and R20 per person.
  • There is a picnic spot with braai facilities.
  • Take water!
  • Leave nothing, take nothing.

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Instax blogger - Johannesburg blogger
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Exploring Gauteng: Nzamiye Mosque, Midrand #INSTAX

We don’t often stop at the beautiful place between us and our destinations, but when we do – magic happens.

Last week I started my “Doors of… Project” with 3 cameras in tow, my trusty Fujifilm digital camera that I have dragged all over the world, my iPhone 6 and my brand new Instax Mini sponsored by Fujifilm. Taking photos with digital cameras are super easy – if you don’t like a photo or it is out of focus you just take another one. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 was a whole different story…

I wanted to bring an element of nostalgia into my photos without photoshopping and that is why the Instax Mini is in the mix of cameras too.

To see all Instax photos just vist this Instagram link #INSTAXgoddess.

Nzamiye Mosque, Midrand

First on my itinerary was this new mosque built in Midrand. Its pointy towers pierces the skies from a large piece of land next to the Old Johannesburg Road. The Nzimayi complex consists of the mosque, school, restaurant and more and its sheer size is impressive.

I phoned ahead to make sure that I would be allowed to take photos in the mosque complex – and it’s a good thing I did. During my visit I was asked 4 times if I had permission to take photos. As soon as I reassured them that I had permission , they were all very happy for me to drag my cameras around. As per usual with mosques I had to cover up from ankle to wrists and wear a headscarf when entering the mosque.

The mosque courtyard is surrounded by white arches that gives you glimpses of doors surrounded by blue flowery mosaics.

Standing inside the mosque you will feel dwarfed by this impressive space. It has a high ceiling with many windows – and down below students  that are learning and worshipers. The opulence feels new, not yet lived in but beautiful.

…and this is what it is all about, the doors.

Do you want to visit?

If like me you like to take photos you have to phone ahead. You can also organise a guided tour. Entrance is free. Read more about the mosque on their website, click here.

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Dear YOU, we should hang out more often in Limpopo

I really don’t know how this has happenend. Just the other day I wrote this amazing article and planned this amazing calender with posts I wanted to do and then I somehow didn’t quite get to it and now it is almost mid-August! How, seriously – how?

This weekend we went to Houtbosdorp to stay with my parents (and celebrate my dear old mom’s 70th birthday). It was the perfect weekend in the mountains. It had snowed everywhere else so the arctic winds necessatated snow jackets and a heater for my cat in the room.

As always, the views from my parents’home is amazing. How could you not have an amazing view if you lived on a mountain that had views over other mountain tops?

Don’t even get me started on the sunsets… I promise, I didn’t even apply a filter to this photo 🙂

Just to top of the weekend, we also visited Haenertsburg as I’ve always loved the vibe of this little town – and well it was just 30km down a gravel road, over a mountain and to the right of that bush (you know how it goes).

This little town is rich in history, quaint shops and friendly people (and vervet monkeys).

My absolute favourite part of the day was lunch. I ate the most delicious Lavender scone… and licked off my fingers.

It was quite weitd to see the cherry blossoms out early, but I guess after the rains they thought it was almost spring.

You are still wondering where these places (Houtbosdorp and Haenertburg) are – right? Well, Haenertsburg is somewhere between Polokwane and Tzaneen. It is just after the ZCC church area.

Houtbosdorp is a little more complicated to direct you to, because it is no longer a town but rather just a road with farms – but it used to be a Swiss logger settlement. The original farm that the “town” was built on is still there and the ruins are still there, but you can’t just rock up and say you are there to explore – private property. If however you want to see the spectacular views you drive from Polokwane side to the University of Limpopo road and keep on driving until it becomes a gravel road. As soon as you hit gravel, you are on the right track. Places on this road to book – Kurisa Moya or Graceland (they have 3 giraffes).

That is it. Safe travels.

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Dude, there is a lion on my car!

There are perks to living in Africa. You are closer to the most amazing nature reserves and you have sunshine almost all year round.

We recently visited the Lion Park just outside Joburg – and did we get more than we bargained for…

We excitedly drove into the first fenced area with the young lions – the only vehicle in this camp. The lions all lay in the middle of the grassy area, spaced around a felled tree trunk. While husband was clicking away the cats raised from their resting positions and walked down the road behind us.

…and then one lion walked towards our car. It peeked into the back window like a naughty cat and before we could say or do anything the car got another passenger!

The lion walked the roof. The fear was real, a cat could break through the sunroof and land in the Subaru with us. We made a lot of noise and started to drive a bit to try and scare the cat off. Unfortunately his/her curiosity was greater than expected.

The lion finally climbed down the windshield and checked us out while standing on the extra long Subaru bonnet.

We were more than a little relieved when the lion was off the car and made a beeline for the next camp.

It is so amazing to see animals up close and personal, but I prefer seeing them in their natural habitat like in the Kruger Park – it makes it so much more special when you eventually spot one.

Yes… I played with the lion cubs too and fed the 2 giraffes!

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Romance in the Lowveld (at Summerfields)

This weekend was magical. We stayed at the 5 star Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa in a luxury riverfront tent.

From the minute we arrived at Summerfields to the minute we left we felt so relaxed. Would I go back? In a heartbeat – in summer…and now you can read why.

A little bit of farm, a little bit of 5 star luxury

Summerfields is a working farm with Macadamias, Litchis, Granadillas – and roses.  Hidden at the far end of the farm is the retreat and spa.

Be a VIP

Arriving at the gate, your name will be on a list. Arriving at the retreat you get escourted to the reception – while your bags make their way to your room. 5 minutes later you have a booking at the restaurant for dinner and in your room that smell like roses.

Everyone is friendly and ask how your stay is or how your meal was. I know they are paid, but it is nice to be looked after sometimes you know.

What makes Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa one of the most romantic establishments?

Each luxury tent is secluded and connected to the rest with wooden walkways. Your room is filled with roses from the farm, Charlotte Rhys products, an outside shower and bath that overlooks the forest – and in our case, the river too.

When you fall into bed it is like a soft cloud that catches you. From here you have a view of the beautiful forest and hear the river pleasantly making its way towards the rest of the retreat.

The most romantic part of our stay was the sunset baths with a lit candle and rose scented bath salts. It does get a little chilly after sunset in winter 🙂

The decor in the room and bathroom is just gorgeous…

Orga(smic)nic dining

At Summerfields you will find not 1 but 3 restaurants. If ever you find yourself in the neighbourhood – make a plan to book for breakfst, lunch or dinner.

We had dinner at the main restaurant. All vegetables on our plates came from the gardens at Summerfields (so you know it is fresh).

I loved everything – except the Ostrich Tartare. I’m a fussy eater that barely eats meat – let alone raw meat hidden in a salad pile. Aikona.

We ordered the same starters and desserts. Our salad starters had the normal greens and things in, but had homemade ricotta and the most delicious pesto I have ever tasted.

Dessert was a pear butter, butternut ceignet and chocolate macadamia bar. It was so sweet, but I couldn’t stop eating.

My main meal was quail with pumpkin puree, roasted beetroot, quinoa and cinnamon jus.

Hubby had Karoo lamb, sweet potato and lavender puree (yummy) and onion brûlée.

Service at this restaurant is just amazing. You will only have 2 options per course every night, but… whatever they make, I’m sure it’ll be delicious.

Summerfields would be the perfect choice for:

  • romantic couples weekends (no kids allowed)
  • a place to propose
  • your honeymoon

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Once in a lifetime

Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life.

In life you can choose many different paths. You can choose to live a real life or pretend to be someone else (for the rest of your life). You can choose to sit in one spot or explore the world with a big smile and camera in hand.

There are things and places I will never forget from our many family holidays – when your parents were as adventurous with a map and tent as mine was, you would probably have gone mad.

We were campers that could set up and break down a camp in less than 30 minutes. We were the family in the old light blue VW kombi and then the light blue Landrover that would always drive slower than the rest.

We have seen Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia. We slept in the Hwange National Park while hyenas pawed our tents and a lion chased a buck through the camp.

We have walked on the Makgadigadi salt pans in Botswana and marvelled at the flamingos in their thousands.

We drove to Cape Town and almost ran out of fuel in some mountain range. We “freed” down the hills and we got there. Unfortunately we were also that family that went to every museum in the Western Cape.

To my parents’ dismay I was the kid that made the menu difficult with my refusal to eat red meats (I come from a long line of carnivores). I was also the kid that refused to take of my shoes to go into (yet another) mosque.

Then I left home and moved to Jozi…

In 2008 I made my first trip to Europe and I was hooked on those beautiful passport stamps. I couldn’t get enough of the food, the culture and the people. It was like a big playground – and I could play around in it for 6 weeks only. It was a whirlwind tour to 8 countries and a week on my own in Ireland.

Ireland stole my heart and I’ve only been back once – and still trying to get back with every possible lame excuse.

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#Ireland #burren #travel

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Then the whole marriage thing happened and we dragged our guests off to Mozambique for 5 days and an 18 day Europe, Ireland and Egypt honeymoon.

…and then the Kgalagadi called us

Nothing I’ve ever seen could’ve prepared us for the beauty of the Kgalagadi. The sun beating down on the savannahs, the lions casually strolling over the road or the fresh baked bread from the locals.

For some reason all our friends started going to Thailand and raving about it… and we decided to go see what the fuss was about.

All of Thailand’s beauty and splendour could not save it from landing on our list of places never to go back to. It is a tourist trap – and we want true experiences.

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#phiphi #stones #beach

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The highlight of all highlights…

No holiday could ever compare to the one in the Maldives. This little island paradise stole my heart. My soul still yearns for the white beaches and turquoise waters.

Where would I still like to go to?

  1. I really want to see the country as it is now, before it becomes too westernized
  2. The Scandinavian countries
  3. Eastern Europe
  4. All the Greek & Italian islands
  5. Bora Bora
  6. Seychelles
  7. Comores
  8. Anyplace that isn’t yet on my passport

I probably will never stop collecting passport stamps and memories, but for now all I can do is plan, plan and plan.

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The Local Tourist – Vilakazi Street

When work says they will pay for a drinks and food if you go to Soweto and take pics on Vilakazi Street, you get on the minibus and go. Maybe it wasn’t the best time to go with the heatwave and all, but to go back to Soweto and get a free meal…

Vilakazi Street is one of the most famous streets in the world with houses belonging to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the late former president, Nelson Mandela. You could can actually stand on the corner of either house and see the other house – how crazy is that?

Anyway, 6 of us piled into a van and made the trek from Sandton to Soweto. On the other side we were met by our guide, Nkosi and made the very long walk up the street.

8115 Vilakazi Street

The small house on the corner of Vilakazi & & Ngakane streets was home to former president Mandela’s family even while he was incarcerated. On the outside you can still see bullet holes and fire damage to the bricks of this humble home. Now it only hosts photos and quotes from the Mandela family.

It is truly amazing to think that someone that lived so humbly was president of a country.

Entrance to the (now) museum is R60 per person and that includes a short talk by a guide.

Walking up the hill – again and at the corner of Moemas and Vilakazi, where Hector Pietersen was killed, we turned right.

Along the neat little street with neat little houses graffiti graced a few of the walls.

Hector Pietersen Museum

At Hector Pietersen museum I was quote surprised to see that people were so anti Afrikaans and blaming killings on a language. Do people not realise that a language cannot kill people, it is people that kill people. Yes, apartheid wasn’t right, but blaming a language for an atrocity committed by more than just the Afrikaans speaking population…aikona wena.

The museum is a really important reminder to future generations that atrocities like the killing and disappearance of humans should never be forgotten or repeated.

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