MY PERFECT SUNDAY
Louis Viljoen makes a little space for wine
I’m ideally suited for a Sunday because it’s quiet and there are fewer people around to bother me. I begin with as much coffee as I can handle without having a stroke and I spend most of that time writing (which I do most mornings) and lounging on my balcony listening to podcasts and freaking my neighbours out with my obscene tanning habits.
If I’m anticipating a lunch with my friends, I usually save my appetite for that. I do occasionally indulge myself with a croissant from my local bakery, which is what I call Checkers. I’ve recently moved to Sea Point, so I take the obligatory walk on the promenade. I believe that’s mandated by law if you live in Sea Point.
I return home having worked up an embarrassing amount of sweat. Before I head off to meet my friends I’ll put on a movie, usually something old and comforting like a Sam Peckinpah Western or a 1950s film-noir.
Having adorned myself with my finest Sunday garb (read ill-fitting trousers and a shirt that wasn’t even fashionable when I bought it all those years ago), I’ll venture out to meet a few like-minded people for lunch and copious amounts of wine.
My friends and I typically opt for Marika’s in Oranjezicht, where we start with a few Bloody Marys each, eat the finest Greek food Cape Town has to offer, drink every drop of house wine and argue about the merits (or lack thereof) of the latest piece of theatre we have watched. This is if we can afford it, however. Which, frankly, isn’t often. But this is my Perfect Sunday after all, so allow me to dream a bit, will you?
When we’ve become weary of each other’s company or if the wine has run out, we part ways and I head back to my flat. If it’s early enough I’ll start to prepare a small meal that can slow-cook while I watch a movie or a series. And yes, if wine is available, then I’ll imbibe. I can feel your judgment right now and I won’t say you’re wrong, but you’re not right either, are you?
My choice of movie for a Sunday night is preferably something I haven’t seen and that can either cause the day to end spectacularly well or disappointingly dull. Before I know it, I’ll be in bed with a sleazy crime novel and a disconcerting smile on my face because I got to spend the day doing what I love: writing, walking, watching movies, cooking, eating and drinking with friends. It’s a simple dream, but it’s my favourite one.
Louis Viljoen’s The Demon Bride runs at the Fugard Studio Theatre until June 2.