Journey to South Africa - City Life

Wednesday & Thursday, March 11 - 12

Driving toward Pietermaritzburg, we see a sign by a construction site on the highway that makes us laugh. It simply states, “Please Don't Kill Us!” We have to admire the direct request. No beating around the bush here!

We are in Pietermaritzburg because Mendy is working with colleagues at The University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Since her work is demanding her attention, we are on our own today. Our hour long drive to Durban to visit the Victoria Street Market gives Greg his first opportunity to drive in South Africa. He does a great job and gets us there safely.

I find it difficult to write about Durban and I only have two photos from our time there. (had to take one of a store that sells Mississippi seafood!) Durban is like other big cities around the world--Busy people bustling from here to there, bumper to bumper traffic, tall buildings, hotels, taxis, shopping, businesses and a continuous low level buzz that accompanies frenetic energy. Just goes to show the vast variety of settings that South Africa has to offer!

We find a parking space on the 14^th floor in the garage parking lot at The Royal Hotel and begin our short walk to the indoor market. Vendors are monitoring their individual booths and attempting to entice us to purchase their goods. Most of the items for sale reflect African culture and I am fascinated to see everything they have to offer. We walk around the whole area before making a few purchases. Next we return to the The Royal Hotel to enjoy a nice lunch. After lunch, we have to deal with an unexpected problem—The kind of problem that makes a trip a little more memorable! 

Our rented vehicle is leaking diesel fuel. That's right. We left a trail of diesel fuel on the parking lot floor of the hotel all the way up to the 14^th floor. As we leave Durban, we take a detour and go to Avis car rental so we can get a new vehicle. This takes up most of our afternoon and with the vehicle upgrade that we receive for free, I think this little ordeal is actually a blessing in disguise.

The next day, we have the honor of attending a presentation that Mendy is giving at the university entitled “From Genes to Eco-Systems: Ecological Implications of Social Change.” As I watch my sister-in-law give her informational presentation to a full lecture hall, I am so proud of her for all she has achieved and accomplished as a professor, scholar, researcher and scientist. She is a phenomenal woman and a prime example of someone who continuously Embraces Her Gifts and Soars!

Friday will leave at dark:thirty and start a long drive to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve where will be keeping our eyes peeled for wild animals. After that side trip, we are spending the night at Cape Vidol. I am eager to return to the tranquility that nature offers and I can not wait to watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean! Please come back and see the photos tomorrow! Beautiful!

(PS: Since I don't have photos of the city, I'm posting a few Zebra photos that Greg took at the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.)

 

Thanks for reading!

Beverly
 

Comments

[Barbara]

such a good picture of Mendy...those zebra's...must have been true love...Greg is " the man" with that camera...my favorite word...awesome!!!

[Beverly Keaton Smith]

Thanks Mom! Just wait until you see our photos of the LIONS! They turned out great!

[stacy]

continuing to be enthralled with your adventure! and the pics - kudos to greg! i can't wait for the next installment!