Packing Up Memories
go! - South Africa|May 2020
It’s an inevitable part of life’s journey: When death forces you to bid farewell to a parent. But as Sophia van Taak discovered after her father passed away, you can find comfort while sorting through their things.
Nicolene Louw
Packing Up Memories

My father had 34 friends on Facebook, almost half of which were family members. He never posted a photo, never mind a selfie. The only page he followed was of Corné Krige – not because Corné once captained the Springboks, but because he’d been a pupil in my dad’s science class back in 1987.

Dad was seldom seen on Facebook, and just over a year ago, he would never be seen again. Now the house is sold and my mom and I have the impossible task of filtering through his possessions. What to toss out, what to keep?

The more we try to sort through his things, the more we get stuck: “Hey, check this!” “Do you remember these?” “I could have sworn we threw that out years ago!” And, frequently: “Why on earth did Dad decide to keep this?”

Like the jumble of 14 cellphone chargers – and their corresponding phones – I come across in his study…

I’m sitting cross-legged on the carpet in front of the corner cupboard, unpacking its contents – a mix of marvellous items that I’ve found fascinating since childhood. My dad’s things, all shrouded in the unmistakable scent of gun oil.

I arrange the phones from absolutely ancient to just plain old: Siemens S1, Nokia 3100, Nokia X2, BlackBerry Torch 9800. Dad complained that its buttons were too small for his thumbs and subsequently switched to a Samsung.

Bu hikaye go! - South Africa dergisinin May 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye go! - South Africa dergisinin May 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

GO! - SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Rolling out the big guns
go! - South Africa

Rolling out the big guns

If you're still scanning the horizon for a Chinese automotive invasion you're looking the wrong way. It's already happening, and the new GWM Tank is the off-road spearhead into the highly lucrative and hotly contested lifestyle market.

time-read
2 dak  |
June/July 2024
TAKE A HIKE
go! - South Africa

TAKE A HIKE

The beautiful agony of Tienuurkop

time-read
3 dak  |
June/July 2024
Time out in Dullies
go! - South Africa

Time out in Dullies

A long weekend in Dullstroom is just long enough to make you realise you need to spend several more weekends here! There's food, drink, art and action in abundance. Here's your guide.

time-read
4 dak  |
June/July 2024
Gallivanting in the Galápagos!
go! - South Africa

Gallivanting in the Galápagos!

The Galápagos Islands are on many a traveller's wish list. They were on Hanlie and Vivian Gericke's too, even though the price of visiting made their eyes water. Was it worth it? Read on...

time-read
9 dak  |
June/July 2024
BURCHELL AND THE COUNTRY OF THE BUSHMEN
go! - South Africa

BURCHELL AND THE COUNTRY OF THE BUSHMEN

How many times have you driven through a landscape and wished you could have seen it centuries ago? In 1811, the English artist and explorer, William John Burchell, travelled through South Africa. Join us as we follow in his footsteps.

time-read
10+ dak  |
June/July 2024
Long live the Hibiscus Coast
go! - South Africa

Long live the Hibiscus Coast

The KZN South Coast is a national treasure. It's still the place to go if you want a classic seaside holiday complete with warm waves, cold beer, soft serve and good vibes. Here's your guide.

time-read
8 dak  |
June/July 2024
The island at the end of the earth
go! - South Africa

The island at the end of the earth

Imagine adlace-with the cleanest air arid:the clearest seawater, where_no human.oranimabwants to:harm you: A placewhere the climates balmy. year-round:-with a sekrhistory ahd wwild scenery. A place like this:exist8” and it’s called St Helena.

time-read
10+ dak  |
June/July 2024
A day on the road
go! - South Africa

A day on the road

You never know what the road will bring. Toast Coetzer heads south on the N1 and discovers South Africa.

time-read
5 dak  |
June/July 2024
The wilder shore
go! - South Africa

The wilder shore

The final leg of a 30-day trek across East Africa sees lan Tyrer and the Africa - Wild & Untamed crew explore both shores of Lake Malawi. Get ready for an overloaded ferry, a croc attack and being surrounded by elephants...

time-read
10+ dak  |
February/March 2024
A river runs through it
go! - South Africa

A river runs through it

Sabie is onthe Drakensberg escaromentialongMpumalanga’s famous Panorama Route. Want a weekend away surrounded by forests and waterfalls? Here's wnat you need to know.

time-read
10 dak  |
February/March 2024