My husband and I recently got invited to join a culture club by our dear friend, my gal pal from school, godmother to our child, and patron saint of wildlife conservation, Louise. The name, 'Pinotage Culture Club' is far more pretentious than the actual events and the crowd is a super fun mix of 20- something Pretoria East kids. Conversation can range from anything between meaningful and ditzy with a good few bottles of wine thrown into the mix and a lot of laughing. It's a winner!
Saturday's 'Tapas and Wine' night was the first of the few nights so far that we were able to attend.
Previously there have been Cinema Nouveau nights, poetry and art exhibitions, and book launches.
In any city, it's always a great idea to discover what's happening in your area by having a couple of people scout where to go next. This couldn't be any truer when you live in Pretoria.
For the most part, Pretoria is a nice little city to live in, although it can seem to be a little isolated at times. When you think of Pretoria, you won't think busy cosmopolitan city in the hustle and bustle of city-scapes and nightlife. There just aren't as many places to eat at, go to, or things to do as there may be in other cities.
City planners in Pretoria seem to be hell-bent on erecting new malls and car dealerships around every corner and a little slower on developing entertainment and tourist spots.
Which is unusual considering Pretoria is our fair countries capital city.
That being said, there has been some considerable growth in that department and there are a couple of PTA's well known social scene-sters who are waking the city up with exciting new bars, restaurants and art movements. There are more and more hip hang outs opening up and the city and its social life seem to be growing.
That's why it helps to have a few friends who are looking out for something new and different to do.
For the longest time, I've been going out in the SA music scene thanks to my hubby's occupation. It's a fun scene and you're out every weekend possibly even experiencing the nightlife or festival scene in different cities in South Africa so I really have no complaints.
However, it did start to feel like we were going out with the same people all the time, the same supporters, in the same venues.
Generally now in my late 20's I find that meeting new people is not the easiest thing to do. Most of the friends we have (which is a small group of people whom we love dearly) are friends who have been around for years now and many of them are scattered all around the world.
Broadening that circle hasn't been easy.
However, it did start to feel like we were going out with the same people all the time, the same supporters, in the same venues.
Generally now in my late 20's I find that meeting new people is not the easiest thing to do. Most of the friends we have (which is a small group of people whom we love dearly) are friends who have been around for years now and many of them are scattered all around the world.
Broadening that circle hasn't been easy.
Saturday's culture night was the first time in a long while that I've met new people where it wasn't at a meaningful but short lived encounter at a wedding or show.
My new culture club might just be what I've been looking for to mix things up a bit!
To culture, clubs, wine, and Pretoria!
M
x
