In the lead-up to World Cheese & Wine Day on Saturday, 25 July, I’ve decided to try some local brands and places.

I moved back home (home, as in with my parents) two days before the nationwide lockdown. For someone who has been on her own since she was 15 years old, this was quite an adjustment.

Anywhoo, as the weeks and months went by, I found that I was rediscovering all these places and things that I had long forgotten: the quiet, almost-desolate beaches; raw, untapped, unblemished nature – seriously, you’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the Namaqua west coast.

I’ve made it a priority to take drives out as soon as I get a second (my day job keeps me quite busy).

Today, I ordered a cheese platter from a local restaurant and opened my last bottle of Chenin (stole it from my dad!) – I decided to make a day of it.

My brothers were such sports – playing photographer, styling the “shoot”, recommending poses and angles.

One of the best things about this lockdown has been spending time with them; discovering that I actually know so little about their lives, but enjoying every moment of getting to know them again.

I’ll post more local hangouts and hiddem gems soon – so keep an eye out.

Sending you lots of love and light.

Cheers!