It was a mild, warm day, one in which the soft breezes seemed to blow happiness on my face. If I closed my eyes, I could feel the sun actually kiss my cheek, and smell the ocean blow a refreshing spray of calm through my senses. This is one place that I can honestly say I never dreamed of going. And yet, I fear I will either dream of returning one day, or be content to live in the memory of being here.
We were the last couple to be dropped off in Durban, following 6 days of travel from Johannesburg to Durban. Our destinations to Pretoria, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pilgram's Rest, Kruger Park, Swaziland, and Lake St. Lucia were now in the past. This was the final stop to rest a day on a glorious coastline, then catch a flight to Cape Town, where we would spend a week before returning to the United States.
The Golden Mile stretches along Durban's beachfront. It is a major tourist attraction for visitors and locals. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa, following Johannesburg, then Cape Town. The city is known for its beaches, surfing, and the Indian community, which helped Durban gain prominence as the curry capital of South Africa. Durban is located on the east coast of Africa, and overlooks the Indian Ocean.
We walked along the Golden Mile beach, and continued to enjoy the Indian Ocean breeze. It was like nothing we have felt before. By contrast, our nearby Pacific Ocean breezes are often cold and damp.
We strolled past traditional market vendors and other hawkers with a selection of Zulu art and crafts. Many asked for us to take a look and perhaps purchase a souvenir. "Where are you from," was most often the initial conversation to grab our attention, and prevent us from just passing by.
As we walked the shores, just enjoying the crashing waves, and of course, the people-watching, a man in what we believe was dressed in Zulu attire approached us. We could not speak to one another's language, but the common request that seems to be understood in most languages is the camera gesture. The man proudly stepped closer to Derick and flashed a proud grin. Afterwards, we motioned a thank you with our hands while nodding our heads and smiling. I showed the man the photo on my digital camera screen and he motioned back. His motion was that he stuck his hand out, palm up, which can only be taken as a request for payment. We did not know the words or motion for "We only have credit cards, no South African Rand!
After a long walk, we went back to our hotel and decided to have an early dinner at Jewel of India, located on the ground floor of the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel. The food was delicious, some of the best Indian cuisine we had ever tasted, but what we most remember is the fabulous hot chai tea, because we drank three pots.
We had an early flight to Cape Town in the morning. Farewell, Indian Ocean. Farewell Durban.
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