Weekend in Durban

Lill and I went to Durban this weekend and had a marvelous time. Rather than go through the expense and hassle of driving again, this time we took the bus. There are a few busses that go around South Africa, the SA Roadlink, the nicest but most dangerous of the lines (they kill people on occasion), the SA version of Greyhound, the fabled Baz Bus, which is the backpacker's line but is also maaaad expensive, and the Translux City to City. We took the Translux because it was the first office we went into at the bus station. We got a pretty decent deal on the tickets, R396 which is about $55, much less expensive than the gas we spent on the first trip. Unfortunately, the bus ride is also about 9 1/2 hours. :-/ Oh well, we charged up our laptops and iPods, threw on some comfy clothes and loaded up for a looong ride and fabulous weekend.

Last time we went to Durban we didn't really get to see the city because we went straight to the safari. So, this time we took five days (although two were spent traveling) and gave ourselves time to see a little more. On Friday, while everyone was working, we went to Africare, a fabulous salon, where Lill got her hair done for the first time since I've known her! It was like seeing a unicorn, I had to take pictures so people would believe me. Sadly, I can't upload those or any others because I've been trying for two hours and they won't load! Sorry folks. I'll put up a slide show when I get home.

Then we walked (bad idea) through some mad sketchy parts of town until we got to West Street, one of the main downtown streets where they have a lot of shopping and such, and which is also near the workplaces of the Durban crew. West Street is crowded and dirty and nothing like Fifth Ave or Oxford Street but it is an amazing place to people watch. We sat in McDonald's for a while looking out of the windows at the variety of folks walking by in big wigs, loud clothes, and uniforms of various description. Durban is so interesting compared to East London because it is incredibly diverse and cosmopolitan. All weekend I realized that I was actually surprised to see so many Indians and Coloureds as well as a very large Muslim population. East London is pretty much black/white but KwaZulu-Natal (the province) and especially Durban have always been home to a very large Indian population. Ghandi lived in Durban so there you go. It was really nice to be in such a diverse setting again after getting used to the segregation of EL. It was also nice to have INDIAN FOOD again!!! I missed it so much!

On Saturday there is an awesome flea market a couple of blocks from my friend's apartment. The day was gorgeous so we made the most of it and walked around looking at the artwork, the beaded jewelry, the handmade clothing and everything else that was on display. This was actually the first time that I had seen the handmade African-type goods one comes to expect when touring since I've been in the country and I was glad to see that there is a place where I can get souvenirs! More importantly, however, was the delicious food for sale. I had the most delicious samoosas and Greek doughnuty things that were basically fried dough and honey. Yum. Later on we went to the beach and made a big pasta dinner for everyone. And by we I mean Rob, who is an amazing chef. After dinner we headed out to a club and then a lounge and basically made a night of it. By the time we came in we all just crashed.

Sunday was rainy which was perfect for us as all we wanted to do was chill. We went to Oscar's, a fabulous cafe/video rental store across the street from the apartment. They have an amazing Greek lamb salad and really yummy French toast. Then we pretty much stayed in and watched movies and slept for most of the day. Eventually we roused ourselves and headed out for Indian food for dinner and then went to see Inglorious Basterds. Blood and gore aside, Tarantino is a master storyteller and this was a phenomenal movie. He is the king of dragging out suspense until you can't take it anymore and then taking it a few extra miles, then adding the terrifying music to such a degree that when the moment finally comes, you're so terrified nothing even has to happen and you want to pee in your pants. It was painful to watch but absolutely genius. Plus, Brad Pitt was in it so I was automatically a fan.

After our great weekend, we were sad to leave. We were even sadder to leave at 6am, but that's when the bus was heading out. :-( So, we said our goodbyes and hopped on the Translux for another day of rainy traveling. By the time we got home a typhoon (not really) had headed in and all night the house was beat upon by massive winds and rain. They say summer is supposed to be here soon but I don't believe it.

I'm not slowly making it to the end of my term. I have two weeks until I get to spend a week in Cape Town (yaay!!!) and then two or three weeks until we're done. I'm sad but I'm definitely looking forward to getting back to America. However, luckily after work ends I still have a few weeks of hanging out to do. Everyone is staying later so we'll get to see more of Durban and Cape Town, I have to make it to Joburg before I leave, and, depending on money and time (mostly money), I may even leave the country a bit. We shall see.

For now though, back to work!

ciao,
kat