Blueberry Hill

How to get there: N3 to JHB. Take Notties Rd turn-off. Right turn into Nottingham Rd. Shortly you'll see signs for Blueberry Hill on your left. Take Netherwood Farm turn, on your left, and voilà!

Nestled in the Midlands, lies this treasure known as Blueberry Hill. High up on the hill, overlooking the splendour below, this hot-spot is a favourite amongst bikers and tourists alike, stopping by for a quite coffee, or a morning of tea and cheesecake. The coffee shop, offering a wide variety of smoothies, coffees, muffins and lunch options at reasonable prices also stocks scrumptious goodies such as jams and berries. The cheesecake, a must, was the highlight of my trip!

The shop is decorated with an African feel, displaying art works which are available to buy. The use of mismatching chairs, large wooden tables and earthy tones gives the shop a heart-warming feel. The staff are very friendly, service was quick and efficient, and the lively atmosphere made it well worth the trip.

For more info, check out : http://www.bbhill.co.za/

Until next time!

Jetsetter Xx

Durban Music School

How to get there: Le Plaza Rd, and a left turn into Esplanade Ave.

Currently a member of the KZN Youth Wind Band, I've only good things to say about the Durban Music School. Every Saturday, a bunch of us from Pmb, trek to the music school for rehearsals. Often we had concerts, in and around Durban, and sometimes we also get the opportunity to go overseas. Last year, the Band won the International Competition in Vienna. Thus, the musical talent in the Band is flowing in abundance.

Our conductor Werner Dannewitz, one of South Africa's most experienced and devoted music teachers established the Durban Music School, with the aims of developing musical talent in the KZN area. Offering lessons in a variety of genres, students learn how to read music and are empowered with the technical skills in order to play an instrument properly.

If anyone would like to enroll with the Durban Music School, you can either visit their premises or call them on 031 304 1001

KwaMashu

Had it not been for a Wind Band concert, I would probably, no, never have entered KwaMashu. This township, twenty miles north of Durban, South Africa is known for it's very high levels of poverty and crime.

The township was formed by the apartheid state to house the mass resettlement of Africans that were living in Cato Manor during 1958-65. It is the largest of 3 townships in the area (Inanda and Ntuzuma are more rural with a lower population density).

Our first trip into the township was with the Wind Band buses, and we were brought directly into the schools, unpacked, and played a delightful concert for teachers and students during the public sector strikes. We gave a semi-educational performance, where various members of the Wind Band got up, and spoke abit about their instruments. The heartwarming appreciation and thanks we received made the concert even more worthwhile. So no worries on our second trip then hey?

This time, we met up at the EKhaya Multi Arts Centre, for a performance with the Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra. Upon finishing early, I left with a few band mates in my own car, and the GPS to guide us out of there. When the GPS got unnerved and we took a wrong turn, things went from bad to worse, and we entered a cul-de-sac to which a crowd of men approached my car and one man made a jump out in front of us. Never before have I been as scared. Jumping on the accelerator, we speed out of there only to find the ADT guards who directed us out of the township. Coming from Johannesburg, I already have "fear" built into me, and this was just like one of those scenes you hear about and the bodies are found the next morning. This was 11am!

However, on a more positive note, KwaMashu is notable for its lively performance arts scene. Although the people of KwaMashu have to cope with issues of high rates of sexual abuse, violence, crime and high rates of HIV, within the township, a lively performing arts scene thrives including Maskandi, hip hop, pansula dancing, dance, drama. Through performance the young people of KwaMashu are raising the cultural profile of KwaMashu, aided significantly by the skills, resources and direction of Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre for Arts and Performance.

Nestled in the heart of the township is this lively initiative, to where students can find a bit of security and safety from the turmoils in their lives, creating employment and opportunities to the members of the community.

For more info: http://www.ekhayaartcentre.co.za/

There are Day Tours through the KwaMashu community, and I would suggest these, to get a bit of insight into this township where the likes of Jeff Radebe and Henry Cele come from. Just don't go alone, and have a tour guide, or someone who is familiar with the area.

Jetsetter Xx

The KEG

How to get there: Whilst in PMB, hit Townbush Rd towards Montrose and voilà, the KEG shall appear on your lefthand side.

Moving provinces, and packing up my life to start over has taught me a few things! No matter where you are, it's the people who make it. Friends, acquaintances, and family. Regardless of whether you count yourself as a people person, or not, having company makes things seem a little easier, and lightens the load. I've come to appreciate the little moments shared with the friends I've made in pmb. Not so often, but when we do get out, for a bit night or a small one, it's always put a smile on my face, and helped me get through the tough times.

I was never really a club person, or a bar person in Cape Town, and in PMB, the places to go are, well, limited, so I've come to adapt to my surroundings. The KEG was never my scene, always assumed as the bar for "older folk" and I've previously ventured in there once before, not of my own choice. But now, having made regular trips to the KEG, to watch the footie, or to have a drink, I've warmed up to it. I like the fact that it's not crowded, you can easily get a table to sit down at, and have a meal, and the music isn't so loud that it blares over conversation.

The food may be a tad pricey for a student, but the extra moola is worth it for the chilled vibe, good food and homey atmosphere. Definitely worth the stop-in, if you're passing by!

Ixopo

How to get there: Take the R56 (Richmond Rd) out of PMB.

Roughly 80km outside of Pietermaritzburg, one finds themselves in the quaint little town of Ixopo. Situated alongside the tributary of the Mkhomazi River in the midlands this town plays an important role in the sugar and forestry industry. Known as "Clover Country" as it is home to Clover Dairy and several big names in the foresting industry, the small town also plays host to two schools. The centre of many armed clashes between the ANC and the IFP throughout the 90s, Ixopo is well known for the Buddhish Retreat situated on the outskirts of the area. Interestingly enough, it's name is derived from the isiZulu onomatopoeic word, eXobo, describing the sound made as cattle sqelch through the mud.

My reasons for heading out to Ixopo? Apart of curiousity, and wanting to trek far and wide throughout Natal, I was taking part in the Lynford Classic. A yearly event, taking place over a weekend, involves numerous sporting activites and leisurely items on the roster, all based at the Lynford School grounds. Sunday saw me partaking in the 20km Intermediate MTB ride. What a bundu bash! A great way to see the town. The 5km mark saw us portage at the dairy, and have a 10min water break. The most insane single track I've come across, and wow, it challenged me. With temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 degrees, it was lekker warm as they say, and come 21km mark, I was glad to be heading back through the gates of the school. The last obstacle of the race, a massive wooden bridge that we were required to come down. Tired, and weak, I very nearly bailed head first over the front of my handbars on the way down!

Well worth the drive out there, and a chance to see another part of Natal. Given another time when I wasn't so battered and bruised, I would have taken a drive around the town, and got explore some of the town life and see more of the scenary. Nog a dag!

For more info: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/ixopo.php

Jetsetter.