The Journey Inward

Third grade camp ended with an early release on Friday, and I went home to unpack and repack for my week of holiday!

Durban lies on the eastern coast of South Africa, along the Indian Ocean. It is warm and humid and the ocean water is also quite warm.

Durban has the highest concentration of Indian South Africans. According to http://www.SouthAfrica.co.za, the British brought thousands of indentured labourers from British India to work in the sugarcane fields in 1860. Along with the indentured workforce came free Indian businessmen who set up their businesses in the area.

My friend Bex picked me up at 5:30 a.m. and took me to the Johannesburg airport. I always like to be there nice and early so I don’t stress, plus the people watching is always excellent and I love to get a cup of tea.I also got breakfast, which was a small, light omelette with delicious fresh ingredients.

When I got the email reminder to check in, the airline said I could buy one or both seats in my row to block them. That way I could lay down or stretch out. Being that it was a 45 minute flight, that seemed quite unnecessary. I would’ve loved it on my 16 hour flight back to New Jersey! Anyway, I like talking to strangers on airplanes.

However, this was a first. My seat mate was utterly drunk for an 8:30 flight. She kept re-introducing herself and telling me her story. By the end, she was stroking my hair! It was funny, but I was grateful that it was a short flight.

I took an Uber from the airport in Durban up to Umhlanga. I couldn’t check in until two, so I went and got a dirty chai latte and an affogato while overlooking the ocean.

I then strolled the promenade in both directions, carting my luggage along with me. I logged many miles, which I felt should be doubled because of the added weight! By the time I could walk the mile to get my keys, I was very sweaty! Then I had to walk the mile back.

My apartment is lovely, with my living area opening onto a balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For dinner that night, I ordered the bunny chow that everybody recommended. I got a lamb in a quarter loaf of bread. It was delicious, but I did not eat much of the bread. I also ordered Soji for dessert, which was very good. I saved half of it for the next day and warmed it up with some fresh blueberries on top.

I absolutely loved seeing the little vervet monkeys and couldn’t get enough of them whenever they showed up somewhere!

I walked again in the evening as the sunset and sat for a while on the rocks as the waves rushed up to them. It was so peaceful, yet powerful.

The next morning, I went to African Roots Café for a dirty chai and delicious North African shakshuka. I loved the aesthetics of the shop.

From there, I walked up the promenade to the nature, reserve and began my hike. I was immediately surrounded by little monkeys. They are such characters!

The path took me through some woods, then down to the river, surrounded by reeds, which is where this place got its name. I crossed over and then climbed up into the woods, being able to hear the ocean below. Eventually, the path lead to an opening, and I went down on the beach to explore.

Along the way, I met a South African man who had recently moved to the area. Which Denise conversation about the area, other places to travel in South Africa and then onto politics and history. We continued walking together for a little while.

Afterwards, I walked back along the promenade and stopped to have a drink at an Oceanside Café. I had a bottle of water and a mimosa and ice cream. Don’t judge! I’m a grown ass woman!

I explored a bit more north of the lighthouse, walking through neighborhoods while talking on the phone to MJ. I saw so many baby monkeys!