Easter Holiday: Durban

We just got back from 11 days of traveling across South Africa. Our first stop was Durban, a harbor city on the Indian Ocean.

While in Durban we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the ocean. The Indian Ocean is warm enough to actually go swimming compared to the Atlantic in Cape Town. I think we spend about an hour playing in the waves!

Also we were introduced to the large Indian population in Durban, as well as their Hindu religion. The Indian population in South Africa originates from white colonists bringing Indians over as forced labor. They were treated as second class citizens through out the apartheid regime as well. During our time in Durban, we experienced great hospitality from an Indian Hindu family. Our driver is an Indian Hindu and invited us all to his home for a great fest of Indian food! The picture above is of great Indian spices at the market.

Kirstenbosch Gardens

This past Sunday we went to Kirstenbosch Gardens to go to their summer concert series. It was a beautiful day at an incredible place. The concert was held in a grassy amphitheater where we listened to a variety of South African artist. The picture of the four is Katya, me, Julia, and Hailey in the gardens with the mountains behind us and the “tablecloth” of clouds sitting on top. The close up of the flower is a shout out for my dad (Mr. Botanical photographer).

the weekly hike

Once again I went hiking this Sunday with the same group of people, but we joined a larger group this time. I wouldn’t say we were exactly hiking it was more like rock climbing up a mountain. The one picture above shows the group preparing breakfast at the top, and they were not messing around when it came to food. Their backpacks were like Mary Poppins bags, with a never ending supply of food. For example when they took out an avocado, they also took out whole salt and pepper shakers and a lemon to dress the avocado. I was quite impressed with the feast we had.