The ‘students' came from all over and for three days we had tons of fun: expert talks, a photo shoot, cover discussions, a visit to a breathtaking home and an inspiring fabric designer. I think it was due to the fact that all of us were so hungry for the ‘old normal' that this get-together in Cape Town was so awesome, even though we all had to wear masks, fill out forms every day and have our temperatures taken when we arrived.
With Covid-19 restrictions still strictly enforced, we weren't able to hold the event in Media24's boardroom because the building was still off limits to visitors. So we made another plan: we rented a gorgeous old Victorian house on Airbnb and hosted the entire event there - from the talks and photo sessions to food editor Johan 's delicious breakfasts and lunches.
It was a blessing in disguise; in retrospect, I realise that a d cor school in a boardroom would never have been as successful as the one we held in that fabulous old house. Covid-19 is no joke and this pandemic has forced us all to rethink how we approach things and make plans.
At a recent webinar presented by SA Pork, I began my talk with this statement: 2020 has been a year of ‘reimagining'. Renting that house was but one example from my own field of reference. There are many other examples the world over: airlines that offered ‘flights to nowhere' just for the sheer pleasure of flying; hotels that converted rooms into offices for people who were tired of being disturbed by barking dogs and noisy kids at home… Then there were those (honest) ‘Covid entrepreneurs' who saw an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands - like the company that stood in the queue for me at the car licensing department for a fee of R299. Worth every cent so that I didn't have to endure the line for seven hours (so the story goes).
As we always do at this time of year, we're focusing on stoeps in this issue. This year, unwinding and entertaining on your stoep will take on a whole new meaning, and those we've featured speak to that sense of peace and tranquillity. And togetherness, and laughter. And sitting back and relaxing after the ordeal that was 2020.
Take heart, friends, summer is here and Christmas is on its way. And if need be, simply make a new plan (yet again!).
