A Stroll Through Downtown Durban

It's a long time since this "whitey" took a stroll through Durban's city centre. With the growth of shopping malls, it's not really necessary to go to the city centre any more, however I had an appointment in downtown Durban recently and arrived unfashionably early.

Being too early, I decided to take a lesuirely walk around the City Hall and was pleasantly surprised with the friendliness of the locals.

The Museum

The jolly Indian gatekeeper outside the Museum asked me what I was doing and then tried to convince me to sample the dated delights of the Museum. Knowing that I would not have sufficient time, I declined and we politely chatted for a while as if this was normal city behaviour, which it most certainly is not in the city where I reside.

Pigeons at the City Hall

I rounded the corner to come across an aged woman merrily feeding a large flock of pigeons on the Museum lawn. She looked so content and the pigeons seemed to know her well and hustled to get to her first. I was watching the scene when a security guard came and stood with me and told me that she feeds the pigeons every day and that they have become quite tame. She looked as though she needed a bit of feeding herself, but the pigeons seemed to feed a deeper need in her.

Taxis in Downtown Durban

I continued round the next corner to see the antics of the taxi drivers and their helpers. Hooting continually with short sharp blasts the taxi drivers did not want to waste time stopping for too long to pick up passengers, so they had helpers who leapt out of the moving vehicles and shouted out their destinations to nearby pedestrians and everybody seemed to know exactly who was going where. People leapt in and out of the mini busses in ballet-like precision.

Colourful Flea Market

As I rounded the final corner I spied a flea market across the road. I crossed at the zebra crossing and strolled through the colourful gazebos browsing through their wares. Everything from clothing to matches could be found there and I wished that I had more cash on me.

Finally I looked up at the great clock and realized that it was time for my appointment, so feeling revitalised, I made my way to my destination.

We are generally so rushed as we go about our daily business that we miss the little delights in our routine excursions. I am going to look for the extraordinary in the mundane. I'm sure that will keep a smile on my lips.

Moses Mabhida Stadium Skycar ready for 2010 FIFA World Cup

I am a confirmed Moses Mabhida Stadium junkie. The stadium is a magnificent sight and as I have been in Durban on business for the last month, I have taken countless photos every time I have have driven past the iconic stadium. I was fortunate enough to have been at the opening a week ago and swore to myself that I would ride the skycar before I leave Durban.

Skycar at Moses Mabhida Stadium Open

Imagine my joy when I drove past the stadium again on Thursday last week and saw the skycar making its way up the arch. I promptly pulled in to the parking and bought myself a ticket for R50.

I took the 3 minute ride to the top of the arch, enjoying the view all the way up. I stepped out at the top, 106 m in the air, and admired Durban from every angle. The sea breeze blowing through my hair and a group of young teamsters in training for instructing the adventure walkers were my enthusiastic companions.

Adventure Walks to the Top of the Arch and Swing Jumps

The adventure walk on the other side of the arch takes about half an hour to 45 minutes depending on one's fitness levels. It is a slightly more exciting option which will cost R75. However, for the real excitement seekers, the soon to be opened swing jump will be available. As much as I strained, I could not see where the jump will take place from. Maybe just as well, as that is the next promise that I have made to myself. As soon as I possibly can, I will be doing that jump. Perhaps I can do it with a blast of my new blue vuvuzela, instead of a shrill scream!

World AIDS Day

It's a wet rainy day in Durban, almost as if the heavens are mourning the loss of so many lives to HIV AIDS in the last few decades. I have read that cures for new diseases take at least 40 years of research and development, so hopefully we will see some sunshine on the horizon in the not too distant future.

Glimmer of Hope

One glimmer of hope is being portrayed on the Umhlanga lighthouse this morning as a huge condom was pulled over the lighthouse in an awareness campaign causing one happy woman to win $10 000 and many people to stop and think with a smile brightening their faces .

HIV Positivity

Another ray of positivity would be the countless men and women worldwide who live with HIV positively. They are HIV positive and they are still positive about life, full of the joys of possibility. They live with gusto and they inspire many around them with their attitudes.

I personally know some of these courageous people and would like to make World Aids Day a day to honour them and the many others I have not met. I would also like to honour the many selfless volunteers throughout the cities, townships and rural areas who work with the disadvantaged AIDS sufferers and give them dignity, love and hope on a daily basis.

May today bring some sort of change to diverse lives all around the globe as we proudly display our red ribbons in support of them .