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Writer's pictureCathie Rooyen

Power less

Wednesday 20th April 2022 A bumpy night with dogs wanting out, dreams of faulty phones and missing airplane flights, and sister getting up early to beat the 6am loadshedding all set the tone for my busy day.

After an unexpected chat with my Australian friend I set out to do a venue recce for my trial tour at the Constitutional Hill complex. And complex it is indeed. It has a stunning view of the city and the air was so clear that I could see the Magaliesberg mountains in the distance.  Walking through the old jails, fort and displays is harrowing and intense and I found myself wanting to run far away from all the emotions being stirred. It's a fascinating place though but after almost two hours, I headed for the nearer Melville hills to visit my hairdresser.

I'm loving soup season again and this Carrot and Chickpea at the Reserved Cafe in 27 Boxes, was a delicious meal mid loadshedding.  The hair salon was also without power and I am amazed that somehow small businesses are managing to hang in there and keep their business going. I think today, I've had more time without power than with, and although a nuisance I am mighty glad to not be facing rush hour traffic in this chaos every day. My sister's loadshedding was finished by the time I got back but after an hour of voltage, it tripped again.  5 hours later, there's talk of it only returning (possibly) tomorrow so we had dinner in a mall that had some electricity.  On our return, the neighbouring suburb was plunged into darkness and the stars in the sky popped out.

My sister has a 63km trail race in the Drakensberg this weekend so she's busy trying to pack her bags under the DC lights. Looking at all her requirements I am mighty glad to not be doing this crazy run. I'm sure she's got more stuff than I will be taking overseas lol.

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