eThekwini ... or otherwise known as Durban

Photo by Suze

The site of Durban was visited in 1497 by Vasco da Gama, who named it Rio de Natal. Natal means “Christmas” in Portuguese

Durban Harbour is the 9th largest Harbour in the world

The Gateway shopping center is the largest shopping mall in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere

Ushaka Marine World is the world’s 5th largest aquarium

The spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Ghandi began his political journey in Durban

Excellent signage at the beaches provides maps and names of the different beaches, although it’s really one stretch of sand with different names

Keep an eye out for the incredible sand sculptures done by locals, depicting anything from mermaids to lions.

The uShaka Beach has activities from surfing lessons to kayaking.

Warning: The surf and currents at Durban’s beaches can be dangerous. Always swim in patrolled areas; these are indicated by flags.

These are the facts you'll find according to The Lonely Planet or Google but what they don't tell you is this:

Photo by Suze

When you go for a run or walk or ride along the promenade (yes, the one we've been warned not to go to) you'll see people from all walks of life. I heard English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Spanish, French and a couple other languages I couldn't quite catch. There are people in traditional outfits, sari's, socks and slops, no shoes, burqa's, bikinis, beaded leg warmers and the occasional speedo.

Then you'll see people braaing, fishing, tanning and then runners, walkers, skateboarders, soccer players, strollers, rickshaws, cyclists, surfers, swimmers and a few monkeys here and there. I could not wipe the smile off my face as I ran along, taking in every sound, sight and smell (although, some not so great smells, choose your area to take those really deep breaths).

Photo by Suze

Something else Lonely Planet says:

Durbanites are proud of their state-of-the-art stadium, The Moses Mabhida Stadium, constructed for the 2010 World Cup. Resembling a giant basket, it seats over 56,000 people, and its arch was inspired by the ‘Y’ in the country’s flag. Visitors can head up to the arch in a SkyCar, puff up on foot (550 steps) on an Adventure Walk or plunge off the 106m arch on the giant Big Swing. Plus, you can hire a bike or walk to the beachfront on a newly constructed walkway.

Photo by Suze

It is indeed spectacular. But what they fail to mention is that if you are a visitor and find you only there on a weekday, you can't do the adventure walk. It's weekends only. And if you come during the festive season, you can wait for an hour and a half or more for the SkyCar. Then if you are like us and waiting is not an option, and you decide to hire a bike instead, make sure you have your drivers license on you and cash. Which we didn't. Fail.

There's old and new buildings, malls and beaches, restaurants and bars and even though working doesn't seem to be too much of a priority, you'll find such honest wonderful people here (One iPhone 6 plus and a pair of Marc Jacobs glasses returned to us, on two separate occasions). I could go on for hours, but the main point I had to get across here was that unbelievable feeling as I ran along that Promenade and felt truly happy to be South African. If you've been thinking about a holiday in Durban, or even if you haven't, make a plan. It's worth it.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy new year and thank you for the incredible support. x

Rule No.33 - Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day

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Chasing Noodles

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