Durban Images

Thought it would be fun to show you all some of the unique things that I have seen in Durban.  One of my new friends, Annelize, keeps asking me, "What's the strangest thing you've seen in South Africa so far?"  Funny enough, I think the answer is her!  Annelize plays underwater hockey at the national level.  She is a very talented player.  I am just amazed that hockey can be played underwater.  Very bizarre to this Canadian!

So here is a small collection of unusual, strange, wonderful and interesting sights I have seen here so far.  I am sure there will be many more to come.

The Durban Underwater Hockey Club ladie's elite team.  Not much to see
on the surface as a spectator; lots going on underneath.
The elite team won top standing in this tournament.
Way to go, Annelize!

Annelize giving a pep talk to the ladies' B team... they went on to win title
of "Most Improved Team".

Road name changes in progress in Durban.  The new signs are placed under the old
and the old names are crossed out.  This is supposed to help locals learn the new names
and helps drivers match their GPS coordinates to the new names if they have an older GPS  system.
The whole name changing procedure has been very controversial here.  At times, disgruntled
Durbanites will use black spray paint to paint over the new name and the city then needs to
start all over again with new signage. 

Momma monkeys carrying babies... we saw a troop of 12 females
carrying their young together. Momma after momma
all in a row crossing the road in front of us.
  Summer must be baby making season in Africa.

Massive shongololo caterpillar at Umdloti.  These creepy crawlies are especially
creepy and crawly.  This one was at least six inches long and still moving, despite
having had its rear end ripped off.  Very disgusting.

Sign of changing times in South Africa... brother and
sister strolling along Umhlanga boardwalk. 

A skateboarding dog sighted at Ushaka Beach.

Sunny Days

I am laying outside, enjoying an unexpectedly clear blue sky and lounging in our new hammock.  I am determined to get outside as much as possible when the sun shines. Durban has been too much like Vancouver these past few days.  As I lay here, I am reflecting back on the past six weeks and marvelling.  Derek arrived safely home from Nigeria on Saturday morning.  We immediately jumped into the car and made a trip out to a nearby suburb called Hillcrest, about 30 minutes drive from our place in an area known as "1000 Hills".  Overlooking a lush valley, we discovered a tea house in a roadside market.   "Hillbillies" is part tea house, part nursery and part petting zoo.  Families of ducks, rabbits and pigs provided us with some entertainment.  We then had tea while watching the local monkey population frolicking in the children's play area.  The monkeys are sure the play area was developed for their exclusive enjoyment, the trampoline and hammock being their favourite hang outs.  They also believe that the bags of feed humans have to pay for to feed the petting zoo critters are free for monkey thieves.  The bravest monkey is sent on a mission to grab a bag, escape the angry humans, then dash up one of the many pathways and rip open the bag for his gang to devour.  One young monkey was having a veritable feast of tasty pellets while we humans feasted on tea and crumpets, covered with mint crisp, caramel sauce and whipped cream.  If that monkey only knew what he was missing out on just a few feet away!  As fate would have it, one of the market stores was having a sale on hammocks.  Inspired by the fun our little primate friends were having, we bought one to take home, a wedding gift from Teresa and Marc Varty.   Along with the hammock, we have also purchased a clock for our dining room and a hand blown glass plate... memorabilia of our time in Africa.  Thanks, guys!  We've put your gift of SA Rand to good use.

"1000 Hills" - African artefact shopping

Young monkey enjoying his feast of stolen pellets.

Petting zoo piggies

Crumpets.
Oh. My. Goodness.

Enjoying our first swing on the hammock.

Our unique clock... made out of an old record.
What a creative way to recycle!