So how does a JHB girl who lives in Port Elizabeth regard Grahamstown as "going home?'.
I was blessed to be able to go to Rhodes University where I majored in English and Drama.
I did various ancillary subjects but my true passion at University was the campus radio station: Rhodes Music Radio. I auditioned in my first year and stayed on air for the duration of my studies at Rhodes, moving on to the management team in my second year.
It was lovely to be "going home" this week to take in the wonder of the National Arts Festival.
I've worked at the Festival in various roles: as a lighting technician's apprentice, as a barlady (that was err you can imagine) as a journalist filing stories for Algoa FM and also being a part of the pioneering team to create Festival FM - a radio station powered by a joint venture with 5FM and Rhodes Music Radio.
It was just amazing to pile in to the car with friends this week and head to the Festival armed with some cash for the famous fleamarkets, some spontaneity and a good vibe.
Thanks to the CEO for the National Arts Festival, Tony Lankester, we were recommended a stay at the fantastic four star Colonel Graham Guest House hosted by Sharika van Dyk at 2 Lansdowne Road, Grahamstown.
Many people have to stay out of town because accommodation during The Festival is often booked up almost a full year in advance. We were fortunate to be able to stay right in the heart of town. In fact - one night, we were between shows and rather than standing in the queue at the first venue - we simply dashed home, went to our gorgeous guest house, grabbed extra jackets to combat the freeezing cold and roared off to the next show. It was such fun.
We took in music, comedy, dance - fleamarkets, great food, gluwien, wine and beer - not necessarily in that order.
The National Arts Festival has grown into a globally significant showcasing for South African talent and it was wonderful to see the Standard Bank Young Artist award winner for music, Shane Cooper perform live at the Jazz Festival.
Photo Caption: Tové and friends at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown
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