A couple of days at the Indian Ocean in Durban

Durban is the second most populous city in South Africa (according to statistic of 2001 Durban has a population of about 3.2 million). Durban is a real rainbow city where various cultures come together. Here East meets West, First World meets Third and Zulu, English and Indian cultures rub shoulders. Besides,it is famous as the busiest port in Africa. It is also a major centre of tourism due to the city's warm subtropical climate and beaches.


On the 12th of September, very early in the morning (3:50 am) I got on a bus down to Durban. After 5 hours on the bus I arrived in Durban and was welcomed by some friends. During my time in Durban I went to a couple of beaches, went for a swim in the ocean (that was lekker :-) -> Lekker is the Afrikaans word for nice, it is used quiet often here). Besides, I was cycling along the main beaches near downtown where many hotels and restaurants are located. It is a great place for tourists, you can either spend a wonderful day at the beachfront or enjoy yourself in a different way, there is a lot of stuff to do. Last but not least, I have watched an exciting cricketmatch of the current worldcup (SA against India). The wheater in Durban was generally terrific even though it was sometimes a bit windy.


at the beach/ city of Durban in the background


at a local beach (of a district in Durban)


main beachfront in Durban


Cricket: SA - India

Pretoria

I have encircled Pretoria on the map above
Brief Info about Pretoria:Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's two capital cities, serving as the executive (administrative) and official de facto capital.

Well, since one of my friends is living in Pretoria, he offered me to come visit him for a week. I did not hesitate long, packed my bag and headed for Pretoria with a friend from the Reitz (where my hostfamily is living). During my stay in Pretoria, I have discovered a few nice spots of its city, went shopping in one of the biggest malls' in South Africa called "Menlyn"(you can easily lose orientation because it is very big and plenty of shops look quiet similar) ,partied in Headfield (a district in Pretoria with plenty of clubs and pubs) - that was awesome by the way!
The Highlight was hands down the flying excursion with my friend Shaun. He is busy studying in order to become a pilot and he took me along on one of his practical exercises.

Shaun & Me went bowling

Posing on the plane

in the plane

Shaun & Me have spent one evening with some friends