Durban, South Africa
As one of the few natural harbors on Africa's east coast, Durban developed as a port city after the first European settlers landed in 1824 with the intention of establishing a trading post. It's the busiest port in South Africa as it exports large volumes of sugar, and is home to the country's largest import and export facility for the motor industry, and now it's become a busy cruise port. It's also a place steeped in history and culture. Gandhi lived and practiced law here, and Winston Churchill visited as a young man. It's home to the largest number of Indians outside India. It's province, KwaZulu-Natal, is now defined as the Kingdom of the Zulu, and the local Zulu population (about 2.2 million) is characterized by warm hospitality and friendly smiles. The Indian population - orginally brought here by the British in the late 1860's as indentured laborers to cut sugarcane - has also made an indelible mark and now represents about 1 million od Durban's total population of 3.5 million.
I took this from Deck 7 looking down the stairwell
We overnighted here as well. Helli got some time off and we took the shuttle to the drop off at a Marine World/outdoor mall/beach area called UShaka. The drive there was interesting - so much poverty near the port...and only a little better by the marine World area.
We had a great day walking around. we had hoped to go into the UShaka Marine World and see the animals and ride the waterslides, but most everything was closed in the park, so we decided to take a short stroll on the beach (very reminencent of California - right down to the cold water), and then up to the pier to have a drink and snack overlooking the beach. The day was gorgeous and so peaceful :)
After, we went to a restaurant that has a floor to ceiling tank with a few sharks and several fish swimming in it to watch while you dine. I tell you - it was so fascinating - better than TV! Though I did feel bad for the sharks as the tank wasn't big enough for them to live in 24/7. It was neat to see them up close though.
****There are more pictures, but they are on Helmut's phone - so as soon as I can get them off, I will post them ;)
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