THE JOHANNESBURG DIARIES - PRISON BREAK MARKET - #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023

 

Johannesburg has several public holidays which ensure that some of the weekends are long ones. Last Monday, we decided to do something fun and made our way to the popular Prison Break Market located at Glenferness AH, Midrand, a place that had been well recommended. There we were – two sets of grandparents, along with their children and grandchildren, all set to enjoy the ambience and have a culinary treat as well.

It is said that the name came from one of the oldest prisons in the world where a large number of musicians and artists came together to entertain the prisoners through their performances.

What is fascinating about this market is that there are seven sheds where farmers and vendors display their wares and are able to sell them creating an atmosphere of artisanal excellence.

While we were not able to go to all the sheds, here is a lowdown on the ones we were able to savour.

Shed 1 – Star Foods – This was a cornucopia of breads and baked food. As we walked in, the tantalizing aroma of fresh products hit us and there we were, already salivating.

The shops looked amazing, with their cakes, pastries, baked desserts, waffles and beverages of all kinds including lemonade and ginger ale, nestling along with teas and coffees that smelt delicious. The prices were a bit daunting, for when we went to get coconut water, we were expected to shell out 70 rands with or without alcohol. For a person from Kerala, that was nothing short of daylight robbery – paying a whopping sum of Rs. 420 for one glass.

However, we did pick up some Boba tea for the children which was a kind of flavoured tea with bubbles at its bottom which reminded me of the much loved Keats’ quote…

“O for a beaker full of the warm South,/ Full of the true, the blushful Hippocrene,/

With beaded bubbles winking at the brim,/ And purple stain’d mouth;/

That I might drink, and leave the world unseen,/ And with thee fade away into the forest dim.”

Shed 2 – The Yard Eatery – This was a long space with a wooded deck, surfeit with eateries – from momos and dumplings, bao buns (buns stuffed with chicken), wood-fired pizzas and chicken tikkas to artisanal ice cream, beer and various other beverages, we were quite spoilt for choice. We sat down to enjoy the variety, gorging on dumplings (which again were rather highly priced) and looked as bland as they tasted. The bao buns were delicious.

I think the real thrill was in sauntering around, taking in all the spectacular sights and generally having the time of our lives.

 

 Shed 3 – Crafters Shed – This was an experience in itself as various artistes showcased their talents like glass making, weaving and jewellery making. There were exquisite examples of stained glass, artwork and craft, most of which took our breath away, the ideal venue to support artistes and their art.

There was also a whole section of paintings that were eye-catching and we could actually watch some of them at work, as they created their masterpieces.

Shed 4 – Clay Café Lone Hill – This was a fascinating exercise where interested folks could go, pick their ceramic pieces, and let their imagination run riot by painting on them. There was a plethora of paints and art supplies and we watched as attractive items came to light. Once the painting was done, the ceramic pieces were baked in an oven to make the colours set. The final products were beautiful and the artists were allowed to take them home as keepsakes. What a brilliant experience! Since there was not enough to do everything, we made a promise to ourselves that we would go again another day.

The image below is what our daughter, P, did the last time she was there. As you can see, there is enough to keep the creative juices flowing! 😊

The three other sheds that we did not explore were Dreambox, a creative pop up experience where folks can do extensive photo shoots, with Instagram pics and selfies, San Quentin Events where various events and performances are held, and finally, The Pour House which is an exciting place replete with boutique wine, quality beer and gin and delicious foodstuff. Food for thought when we decide on our next trip to the Prison Break Market! 😊

For me, apart from the food and the excitement, what made this an indelible experience was coming across a singer who sang as though his song had no ending. Obviously, he has an incredible social presence, as he performed live, taking a break to update his large number of fans after almost every song. We sat and we listened, and our hearts were filled with content and languor.

And as Wordsworth put it so poignantly,

The music in my heart I bore/ Long after it was heard no more.”

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z2023.

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