Thursday 7th April 2022 I woke up a bit late but seeing that I only got to sleep after midnight due to my concert last night, I allowed myself to just let the day start without me. (The rest of the concert was fabulous and I needed to let my brain buzz calm down before going to sleep.)
The morning air was very chilly when I stepped out, with my GPS set to a coffee shop to start exploring Boksburg city. Parking next to a classic car, I knew that I was going to have a great day. I had the most charming waiter, who set the tone for what turned out to be a most surprising experience in this often-mocked town.
I asked on Facebook for residents' advice, on what to see when in Boksburg. I was particularly keen on watching airplanes fly overhead. I started my GPS on Church Street and drove along some rather sad looking roads, but to some excellent places. A building which is now government- run (for the youth) and the Anglican church. One building was welcome to my prying eyes and of course, the other not.
My surprise at discovering the Herbert Baker designed, St Michael and All Angel's Church, was made even better by seeing the open doors. It was built in 1911 and is still beautifully maintained. It was one of Sir Herbert's last designs before he left South Africa in 1913.
I love stained glass windows and stone buildings. After showing the curious minister my folding phone, I made my way to find the dam.
Sadly the dam isn't a highlight like it might once have been, so I drove around the surprisingly interesting streets and found another coffee shop. I then realised that I might be driving from meal to meal, so I opted for a drink in the beautifully decorated Arum Symphony restaurant. When I parked up, the loud pigeons cooing, transported me back to my childhood. The autumn leaves are popping out and beginning to carpet the streets and I remembered the sharp angle of the winter sun while dodging potholes hidden in the shade.
My last stop for the day was the exciting Hi-Flyerz Aviation Bar. I don't usually 'do' bars but this is a 'must see' place. (As I write this, I'm watching Amazing Homes on Netflix and now they are visiting a repurposed Jumbo Jet into a home!)
The bar has a cockpit inside and after being prompted by my sister via text, I got permission to film inside it! To say I was excited is an understatement. After doing my videos, I sat hunting airplanes on my window view, but sadly they were using a different runway so turned into specks on my camera lens. (They are very busy flying overhead now though, lol.) I caught myself smiling again like I had done while on the open road just a few short weeks ago.
I'm so glad I decided to stay another night in this unusual side of town. Being a tourist in my home city has given me so many delights.
Always look for the good!
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