The Durban Coast

What an event. Trying to organize a trip of 18 international students is not an easy task, especially at the last minute. After spending an entire morning, trying to figure out transportation, we finally rented a comvee for the day to drive us the 60+ km to Durban.

The drive was beautiful. The landscape of KwaZulu Natal is lush and vibrant. There are rolling hills lined with enormous trees and entangled vines. The city of Durban is so imposing against the peaceful landscape. As South Africa's third largest city, it is home to more than 3 million inhabitants from a broad range of cultures. Situated on the Indian ocean, Durban has a large Indian population which is reflected in the architecuture and lifestyle of the city.

We drove through the city center which can best be described as loud and intrusive. There was traffic jams and people everywhere. At one point, we all laughed because there was a store called 'Chicago Deli'. The cityscape is a mix of modern industrialization and a trip into a past world. Open air markets line side streets while stores such as KFC and Virgin Mobile appear in high risers.

When we finally made our way to the coast, the beach culture of Durban is like that of Southern California. Beach patrol whistles, laughing children, and crashing waves become background music for the surfers and beach goers stretched out on the golden sand. People can be viewed from all walks of life including Muslim men carrying surfboards next to their strickly dressed wives and little children running around in diapers playing in the crashing waves. The Indian Ocean, whose current is brings water from the north, is warm and salty. It stings your eyes and lips as you dip your head into the pale blue water. The waves are big and the current strong, yet dozens of children and adults jump into on coming waves as they crash over their heads.

It's funny to think that 5 thousand miles away people are doing the same activities and act the same way that people do in California. The serenity of the beach is a universal joy felt by people everywhere around the world. Kids were burying their feet in the sand, building sand castles that were destroyed by the rising tide, and eating griddy sandwhiches with their sandy hands.

I couldn't help but smile and laugh as I walked along the shore and watched the people soaking up the hot summer sun. I'm in Africa. Over the next 5 months, I don't know how many times this realization will hit me but it amazes me. I'm so fortunate to be here and to experience this amazing country.

It was a beautiful scene; I documented the trip with my film camera and will not be able to show you the pictures for a while so bear with me.

Lots of love and miss you all!!