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Romance on the cheap for Jan slump

bowling alley Picture: free stock image
bowling alley Picture: free stock image

Let's face it: January is a long, tough month for many people.

Yes, most of us overspent over the festive season.

Yes, most of us forgot to save for this long never-ending month, and yes, most of us are feeling the January crunch right about now.

But as we manoeuvre through this penniless month, what implications does this have for our romantic relationships?

Does the romance go out of the window because we cannot afford candle-lit dinners at fine dining establishments?

Not necessarily.

We searched around to bring you some fun and possibly romantic activities that you and your partner could enjoy despite being cash-strapped.

This is because every activity we found can be enjoyed for R200 or less!

With this in mind, there really is no excuse for why you and your partner should be in under house arrest.

Tenpin bowling

Cost: About R50 per person

Bowling is fun, and can be even more fun with your partner. This is why we recommend doing it at The Ridge Casino that provides a beautiful, romantic backdrop.

The staff at the bowling alley are extremely friendly, and right next to the bowling alley is a store where you and your partner can indulge in some popcorn and soft drinks.

We found the gesture of adding your names to the screen above a very nice and possibly romantic touch, and for those couples with a competitive spirit, this could be the perfect chance to determine who gets to wear the pants in the relationship!

A very fun activity, and does not burn a hole through your pocket.

Paintball

Cost: About R80 per person

While one may not think of shooting paint at each other as necessarily the most romantic thing in the world, we reckon that it could be fun.

Not every activity a couple does has to include hand-holding and gazing into each other's eyes, and paintball can be an aggressive way to play around with your partner.

 

A-maize-ing mazes in Honeydew, Johannesburg

Cost: About R100 per person

This is where your knight in shining armour could come and rescue you! If the idea of getting lost in a maze tickles your fancy, why don't you try it with your partner?

Imagine the exhilaration of finally being able to get through the maze and falling into your partner's arms again. Pure romance. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a snack while watching the sun go down afterwards.

Ice skating

Cost: R40 a session, and R50 to rent the skates

Anyone who has ever watched professional skating couples on ice will agree that skating can be a very romantic sport.

While you and your partner may not be professionals, and a lot of falling will be involved, what better feeling can there be than you partner picking you up after the fall? This can be very symbolic for a couple, and downright fun.

Go-kart racing

Cost: R50 per person for 10 laps

This is another activity for adventurous couples. What better way to get the adrenalin pumping than the fast-paced action that comes with go-karting?

What you do with the leftover adrenalin afterwards is completely up to both of you ...

Know your origins - Wits Origins Centre, Braamfontein, Joburg

Cost: About R75 per adult

Now if you and your partner are in the mood to take a fascinating journey in time, Wits Origins can provide you with exactly that.

This world-renowned museum not only provides a fascinating look into the history of humankind with breathtaking artefacts, you can even have your DNA traced to find out where you really come from.

Outdoor adventures - The Orlando Towers, Soweto

Cost: R30 per person

If you and your partner love a bit of outdoor adventure, what could be better than climbing Orlando Towers? Not only would it be great to have your partner cheering you on, but Chaf Pozi within the vicinity can also be a great place to unwind and have a few cold ones after all the climbing.

Be on top of the world - Carlton Centre, Johannesburg CBD

Cost: R15 per adult

If you and your partner are not afraid of heights, this can be a very romantic setting. The Carlton Centre is considered one of the tallest buildings in Africa, so you can imagine the beautiful scenery that comes with overlooking Johannesburg, and the beautiful pictures you two could take. Just make sure not to look down!

Have a pint! The World of Beer, Johannesburg

Cost: R65 per adult

If you and you partner love beer, this would be the perfect setting for you. What better way to know how your favourite beverage is made than a tour as well as a history lesson on the beverage that has been brewed by SAB since the 1800s.

Finish off the tour with some cold ones in their Tap Room and toast to surviving the horrible month that is January!

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