This week travel blogger and digital creator, Liza Perold shares her Joburg with us. Originally from a coastal town in the Western Cape, she describes herself as "a small town girl with big dreams for the big city." When it comes to her relationship with Joburg – It's the energy and authenticity of the people that won her over. She is now on a mission to share her love for the city.
'Joburg is super efficient. Public service delivery may sometime hinder us. But Joburgers themselves know how to get things done.
You describe yourself on Instagram as a digital creator. What does that mean?
I create written, photographic and video content that tells stories and shares insights with my audience in the digital/social media space.
How did you get started?
The page started as a desperate attempt for me to reconnect with my creative side. A difficult period in my life where I was facing a lot of personal uncertainty. The only thing I was certain about was my passion for the city and and my determination to share it with others in a helpful way.
What was your earliest career plan?
Gosh, completely unrelated. Throughout university I thought I was going to become an economist. Sustainable economic development in SA is still a large influencing force behind my work today. But I’m grateful I had the courage and flexibility to pick a more unconventional career route. Blessings on blessings for our economists, they do such valuable work. But I’m relieved I ended up where I did.
Authenticity – what does the word mean to your work?
Coming from the heart, creating with honesty and integrity. There are enough content creators out there producing beautiful pictures of pretty and popular places. If I was going to create I wanted to cover the blind spots in our city. The people and places who sometimes go unnoticed but whose story I’m excited by and whose progress I’m invested in.
What's the most surprising travel experience you have ever had?
While on a food tour through the popular parts of Budapest in Hungary, we made friends with our tour guide. So much so, he invited us to visit him in his neighborhood the following weekend. We spend the evening exploring Oubuda, an older and lesser visited part of the city with our new friend and his girlfriend. We ate at some of the oldest restaurants, listened to live music and ended the night off with a visit to his elderly mother’s house who sent us off with a neatly packaged bundle of Hungarian biscuits. An example of the kind of memorable experience you can have in a city if you’re curious enough to explore and humble enough to genuinely connect with people.
What inspires you to do what you do?
My love for my country and its people. There’s so much in South Africa for us to be proud of and appreciate. I hope that my work can inspire others to have the same passion and gratitude.
Three things Joburgers should know about Cape Town
1. If you visit, pack your patience. The pace is slower. Ask for the card machine at the same time as the bill or you’ll wait 20 min just to pay, kind of slow.
2. Cape Town is lovely. It’s got beautiful attractions and interesting places to explore. But so does Joburg. We just need to support local businesses and creators the same way we fuss over content from the Cape.
3. The grass is not greener in Cape Town (or London or Melbourne). It’s greener where ever you make the effort to care for and connect with it.
What brought you to Joburg and what makes you come back here?
I came to Joburg for love. And I keep coming back for love. I moved up right after university to be with a long distance boyfriend who’d moved across from Edinburgh to be closer. We’ve since parted ways. But during that time Joburg wiggled her way so deeply into my heart that I’ve not been able to let go of her since. The upbeat energy draws you in and the genuine helpfulness of the people seals the deal, forever.
Home is...
Within yourself – a valuable lesson I hold onto when I spend a lot of time commuting and traveling between Johannesburg, Cape Town and abroad.
Your favourite Joburg suburb, and why you choose it?
Unfair question. Probably Dunkeld West/Craighall – for My beloved Dunkeld florist and grocer, Fournos chocolate croissants and tea at Delta Park Cafe. It was my home during so many important moments in my life and my heart is still there.
What three things should a visitor not leave Joburg without seeing or experiencing?
1. Victoria Yards, especially on First Sundays. A space that exemplifies my favourite Joburg qualities. Ambitious collaborative energy. Creative problem solving. Beauty in an unconventional way.
2. Watch the sunset over the bustling city while sipping on something delicious from a rooftop bar.
3. The Apartheid Museum. So well curated. Always poignant. An essential for visitors and locals alike!
What’s the one thing no one would expect to hear about Joburg?
Joburg is super efficient. Public service delivery may sometime hinder us. But Joburgers themselves know how to get things done.
The most underrated Joburg sight or experience?
Exploring the food scene of Fordsburg. Name a nation, there will be a small shop specializing in it’s goods and ingredients. A reflection of how diverse the migrant make up of this city is. We often speak flippantly about the diversity of our country. But suburbs like Fordsburg (and a few others in JHB) are of the few places where that characteristic feels really tangible.
Favourite restaurant or cafe, and why?
Unfair question! I’ll do top 3; Da Graziella in Edenvale. Down to earth. Authentic atmosphere. The food is just *chefs kiss*. Banchan in Sandton. Love the interactive Korean BBQ experience. Consistently fresh and delicious. Jamie and her team are so lovely! Proud Mary in Rosebank. Pretty and oh so versatile! Wether you’re doing a lazy breakfast post-shopping spree, a business lunch or a late night romantic date. It’s an effortless choice.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
Burgers at Living Room Jozi in Maboneng. The food is great. But the view is unforgettable. Sunset as the clouds dissipate after summer rain. Good music. A vibey atmosphere. Love this spot on a Saturday afternoon.
If you could buy one Joburg building which would it be?
The Delta Environmental Centre at Delta Park. Stunning architecture and the location is 10/10. Love what they’re doing at the moment with Theatre in the Park. If you haven’t yet, go check them out!
Favourite way to spend a weekend in Joburg?
Mornings spent out at a local market. Playground, Fourways Farmers, Prison Break, Bryanston or seasonal Linden markets are some of my fave. Evening spent doing dinner somewhere new. Doesn’t always need to be newly opened, there are some fabulous long-standing restaurants. I like to make a checklist and slowly tick off ones I’ve not visited. Slow Sunday out and about. Check out my guides to areas like Delta, Walter Sisulu and Riversands Farm where I outline how to keep yourself busy at these jam packed destinations.
Favourite Joburg brand, and why?
So many, but I’ll say Fournos. Only found in Gauteng. A down-to-earth, practical and consistent concept that I just associate with the simple joys of Joburg life.
We have a sneaky suspicion we know what your favourite season is in Joburg. Tell us...
Jacaranda season is a firm favourite! But actually I love every season.
On a weekend in Joburg you’ll find me …
Exploring a new suburb I’ve not yet visited. Too much to see, too little time.
What makes someone a Joburger?
The day you catch yourself saying Howzit. That’s deal done.
What do you love most about Joburg?
The energy and the people.
What do you least like about Joburg?
August. A windy, dry Joburg is not a good time.
Your number one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
Come with an open mind and willingness to explore.
Three words that describe this city
Misunderstood. Pacesetter. Addictive.
Check out our previous #MyJoburg interview with artist and designer, Masonwabe Ntloko for more insights into the city.
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