The Chiz

 
It’s been a while since I was in Cape Town at my own recognisances and it was a novel feeling. I remembered why I loved living there, and why I no longer want to right now. Although I also met some people who were very persuasive e about me returning.

I launched my short story book, “A Body Remembered” at the Book Lounge in Roeland Street. What an awesome place. And while the launch was great, the poor turn out of friends and professional acquaintances reminded me of the old Cape Town adage that no-one is coming to your function unless they are there. Clearly, other more cool stuff came up for many. For those who did attend though, I think we had fun!

Went for dinner at a nice restaurant afterwards, annoyed a good friends girlfriend SO much she stormed out the place and met up with and Old Son Of Trout down the road at And Union afterwards. All in all, a typical Cape Town night out.

My sojourn also involved a Buck Fever Underground show (and getting Toast’s book), a visit to the Mercury where I saw loads of the old faces, but no bands. (too busy talking) and the requisite wild party at the Harfield Village den of iniquity.

In justifying my continued presence in JHB when I have so many friends down south and it is admittedly so beautiful, I have two weapons. One, I have set a series of actions in motion that I would be foolish to leave now that they are rolling. And to take full advantage, I must stay where I am. Secondly, Johannesburg has become my muse in many, many ways. Perhaps it always was. But it has become a metaphor for my own struggles with life, love and change and a big canvas upon which I am allowed to sketch my wild ideas.

Being back also triggered the thought that gives this post its name. After returning to JHB at the end of 2003 after not living here for 6 years, I was continuously struck by my past. I moved back to the side of town where I grew up and went to school. I was continuously turning corners and seeing into the past and memory lane. I realised in CT when that started to happen to me (I have now not lived in CT for 7 years!) that in many ways, I still see it through the filters of my experience there. It is easy to because, due mainly to its geography the city doesn’t change much.

I return to Johannesburg and a new chapter in my life. One I put in motion two years ago. I have no idea if it is still going where I initially intended, but it sure is going. And while Cape Town is lovely and has a very specific lure right now, I am committed to staying here. Very committed. Ambition has found me late in life, and I want to make my vision real. Interesting. Well, clearly to me anyway!