Arriving at Durban airport – King Shaka International –   once my bagage was cleared it was time to get a taxi – I had been given so much conflicting advice about catching taxis in Durban and how unsafe Durban was so I was a little bit cautious to say the least.
I went to an information counter and the African man was very helpful he suggested the Hotel Shuttle Buss only cosing R50.00 or a taxi at R250.00 and gave me lots of tips to keep safe in Durban – manily don’t travel at night alone, dont flash your camera around (point noted), make sure your bag is closed and close to you, dont let strangers get to close to you….and dont get in the white van taxi’s – so outward and onward I went. The Airport bus transport was perfect – a mini bus; several other people took the same bus – I was the first drop-off at Umhlanga Sands Resort – a perfect spot – well done Mr C ( I complained at the time it was 2omins out of Durban – but now how grateful I am at this decision).

The resort is just wonderful – everything in one spot; pool, restaurants, entertainment and miles of beaches – just devine only missing is my lovely hubby.

 Umhlanga is approx 15km north of Durban, it was initially inhabited by the San people, in later years it was inhabited by the Zulu pople who lived off the abundance of fish and the wild game in the area.

 There are close to 300 days of sunshine a year and the water is warm – the beaches are protected by shark nets and lifeguards. There is a promenade  that runs along all the beaches, and is dotted with restaurants, takeways, and ice cream sellers.

Today I have walked from my hotel end of the promenade to the other end (South) which is about 5 kms – i did note some lovely eye candy jogging along past me…..to my surprise when I got to the other side, I could see Durban City and the Moses Mabhida Stadium – it is just such a perfect day – not a cloud in the sky, temp is about 34 degrees. I decided to sit on the beach and watch the waves, they are so majestic, I tried to caputure them with the camera but it just does it no justice – the sound and beauty is just magnificent – a moment worth cherrishing.

The afternoons get a bit windy – it is now lunchtime for me getting hungry and its 2pm so have decided to stop at La Spiaggia trattoria and have a steak roll with chips and a carafe of white dry wine…. oh such is life….pure bliss.   Ian Skyped me on my way back to the hotel – so I managed to show him some of the sights, it was lovely to chat. Whilst I was talking to him a little African child came to keep me company – watch for the photo in the next blog…. he was very cute but sadly learning how to beg…. poverty is a big issue, the disparity between the rich and poor is quite evident – listening to the news and reading the papers, the politics of it all is very interesting. Currently one of the biggest issue is the university students striking and demonstrating stating they should not have to pay for education it should be free – one radio station was saying that politicans need to reduce there salary and that money should go to the students so they can have free enducaiton…. very intersting ideas going around.

In the evenings I am watching movies or reading – tonight I will go to the lounge in the Resort as there is a show on tonight…. so am going to have a look see. 

Well thats it for this one….. next will be my trips to Durban Central….and that is a tale.

I am yet to walk to the to Umhlanga’s Natural lagoon Nature Reserve… maybe tomorrow.