10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Jozi

Canadian photographer Kristian Holmes fell in love with a South African…and ultimately with her country, or more specifically with the city she was born and raised in – Johannesburg. Kristian and AJ (who is now his wife, also a photographer), have put together a wonderful list of why they love Jozi. And we love it! With their kind permission, here is their list…

10 Reasons Why We Love Jozi – by Kristian Holmes (and AJ)

Often people hear my accent and ask me where I’m from. When I say Canada, most of the time their response is “Soooo…what on earth are you doing in Joburg?”

The truth is, we weren’t planning on staying in Johannesburg when we arrived.

AJ was born and raised here, did the UCT thing and then travelled through Asia where we met. She had no desire to return to Joburg in the years she was away. Towards the end of our time in Hong Kong, something in her changed and this desire sprung up in both of us to spend a bit of time in Johannesburg on the way to Canada. At the time, we were filling in AJ’s immigration papers and the process was well under way. In our minds, Joburg was a pit stop on the way to Toronto.

Three and a half years later we find ourselves asking the question, “What happened?” Well… Jozi happened. That’s probably the best way of explaining it. We got caught up in its madness and its magic.

Here are ten (of the many) reasons why we love living here:

1. The People

We don’t have the mountain or the beach but boy do we have beautiful people! These smiles are in a league of their own. The diversity of people, the different stories (both good and bad), the faces, all have such depth to them. Joburgers are some of the friendliest people we have ever come across, never afraid to chat to strangers and share a laugh. Here people have many fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. We see the face of God in all the colours, cultures and vibrant expressions.

In the other cities, the plethora of outdoor activities seem to make it harder to connect with people. We have outdoor activities in Joburg, but it seems people want to do these things together. Jozi feels like a big family! Here, so much activity revolves around family, friends, drinks and the preparing and sharing of food around a table.

2. The Creativity

Johannesburg’s creativity is attracting the world’s attention. Creative people are flocking and finding limitless possibilities here.

The street art, the exhibitions, the photography, the music, the designers, the architects and other makers are producing world-class work.

There are creative people everywhere, but when a city acknowledges them and gives them space to express themselves in the public eye, something magical happens.

People take ownership of their city because they have been given an opportunity to leave their mark on it. They have participated in making it the beautiful and unique place that it is.

One look at a Johannesburg events calendar and you realize that there is always something on here!

3. Urban Renewal

We were in New York City a few months ago and my uncle shared the city’s history with me. He talked about how in the 70’s, people cleared out of the city in order to live the American dream – a free standing home, more land and a white picket fence.

Ultimately parts of the city were left vacant and as a result, vagrants moved into empty buildings, drug use became a major problem and most of the inner city became unsafe. Some years later, people started moving back into the city, despite the danger, because real estate was so cheap and they saw its possibilities. Over time, New York was restored from a run down, dangerous place into a city that attracts millions from all around the world.

As he told me the story I was bubbling with enthusiasm, knowing that here in Johannesburg we are in the midst of our own story in the making. We are in the space New York was in 30 years ago!

What’s happening in Braamfontein, Maboneng, Kramerville and other areas is incredible. The borders of these precincts are ever expanding into spaces where people don’t feel afraid anymore.

As fear disintegrates, and we realize we are all one, barriers in our minds and walls of division start to fall down. These are places full of young people with a beautiful vision for the city. People who don’t believe in the word “impossible”.

I love how an app like Instagram has gotten so many people walking through the city, capturing the beauty that has always been there.

4. The Possibilities

Johannesburg is a place of infinite possibilities. People come here from all over Africa (and other countries) because they hear the rumour that Joburg is a land of opportunity.

I experienced this feeling as soon as I landed in Joburg. You just feel like anything is possible. You feel like you can succeed and make a difference here. There is so much creative energy, which stirs people to dream big. With this feeling in the atmosphere, good stuff happens. Lives are being transformed, babies are being rescued, good NGO’s are starting, small businesses are taking off and people have hope.

I get the feeling like people are on a journey together. There is a sense of “I can help you and you can help me, so let’s work together.”

5. The Food & Coffee

Like I stated earlier, so much revolves around food and relationships here. It helps that we have amazing coffee, incredible restaurants and new places opening up all the time.

The urban food halls and markets allow us to taste street food and other treats from around the globe, and they make you feel like you are partaking in a big family dinner. We have set a goal this year to try a new restaurant every week! I think it’s doable, considering all the new places that keep popping up.

6. The Sunsets

There is nothing like the African sky. As photographers we find ourselves quite active during the golden hour, so we get to see our fair share of sunsets and they always take our breath away.

We love the way everything takes on new life as the sun is in its final visible moments. The sunsets here are like living paintings that are ever changing. If you look away, you’ll miss another unique blend of colour and light.

7. The Storms

Is there anything like the extremity of a full-fledged Gauteng thunderstorm? It’s always a rush to unplug all the electronics and close the windows and doors when a storm suddenly hits.

8. The Skyline/Buildings

Joburg has such a variety of buildings. Old and new. Abandoned and restored. We love them all. It’s a great adventure to find new vantage points from which to view the city! There are lots of rooftops with amazing views that you can access right in the middle of town too.

The buildings all have stories behind them. We wonder who lived in them before they became rundown and what they were like in their day.

We wonder how many people live in them now and what their stories are. The buildings reveal the history and the unfolding story of this amazing city.

9. The Parks and Tree-Lined Streets

There’s something magical about these old trees lining the streets, especially when the Jacarandas turn purple and the leaves blanket the roads. It is like an imaginary world that we really are a part of. Getting up high and seeing this enormous man-made forest leaves you awestruck.

10. T.I.A. (This is Africa)

Joburg has a way of constantly reminding you that “This Is Africa.” Its smorgasbord of cultures and situations throw predictability out the window. From load shedding to mattresses strapped to roofs of small cars, there is always enough to keep you shaking your head with wonder or having a fat chuckle.

People get irritated with these situations but always remind yourself that T.I.A. and you will end up having a good laugh. I find myself frequently asking questions like, “How did they get so many people in that car?” Or “How is that door still attached to that taxi?”

If you have a sense of humour you will end up kind of appreciating these situations. They remind you of how unique Joburg’s people really are.

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To see the original article and view even more gorgeous photos of Joburg (or to get in touch with Kristian and AJ), visit www.pageandholmes.com