WHAT’S HAPPENING

2020 What’s happening.

“Not much”, is the answer. That’s right, lockdown might already feel like a distant memory, but we’re still social distancing – restricting our movement a little while longer, just until we’re all in the clear. As we take this time to adjust, may we suggest just one last Netflix binge and banana bread baking? For good measure! Because as we’ve come to realise, everything is pretty unpredictable. And the time to live your best life (at home) is now.

Netflix Recommendations

Tiger King: This limited docuseries is a rollercoaster of emotion. And has skyrocketed to everyone’s watch lists, let alone Instagram captions. Expect tigers, lions and a certain Carrol Baskin among various other questionable characters. It’s educational and insightful about the dodgy exotic big cats trade in the US, but most of all it’s feel-good. That’s if, like me, redneck reality programs make you feel a lot better about yourself.

What else makes you feel good? You’re absolutely right – young Brad Pitt. In Legends of the Fall we see him periodically for 2 hours and 12 minutes, with shoulder-length golden locks, on horseback. It’s magical. But also very, very sad. When Colonel Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) boycotts his ranking to raise his three sons in Montana’s countryside, they collectively navigate betrayal, history, love, nature and war.

This is not a drill! Lord of the Rings – in all it’s three-part, 9.5 hour glory – is on Netflix. And regardless of whether you’ve seen it before or not, watching it is definitely a good idea. It is outlandishly iconic, with great reason. Vicariously reliving the thrilling adventures, cinematography and Orlando Bloom is probably just what you need.

Feel-Good Instagram Accounts To Follow

@dudewithsign

@dudewithsign – Seth speaks for the people with his matter-of-fact cardboard signs that have got us all nodding and reposting.

@nathanwpylestrangeplanet – endless comics of tiny blue “beings” exposing the strange quirks that make us human.

This couple @howfarfromhome got married in Namibia earlier this year. And they’re still posting pictures from their fairytale trip. We’re not complaining! Endless inspiration for your next journey.

@howfarfromhome

The Best COVID-19 Themed Songs

Despite the dark times, humour has brought us all together over the past months. The southern African music scene rolled out some of the best impromptu collaborations and creations, making us all feel a little closer and more understood, or simply making us laugh. Here are a couple of our favourites, available on IGTV:

Radioraps & Francois van Coke - Hey!!! Jy moet by jou huis bly!!

Gerard van Rooyen @gymnastgerard - Bye Bye, Mein Herr.

Various artists @karen_zoid - Friends Don’t Let Friends Panic Buy!