A South African Murmur

South Africa

My place of birth, my country, my home. 

Two little words that conjure up so many mixed emotions.

It is a country with a turbulent past.

An electric present.

An unknown future. 

On a daily basis, I can swing from being wildly positive to despairingly cynical. 

Yet something keeps me here. Something keeps many people here. 

Plodding along the daily grind. 

Are we hopeful?

Or are we just keeping our heads down?

Is belief enough?

A trip down a Durban memory lane...

Ahhh Durbs....

During our December trip to KZN, Byron and I found ourselves with a free day to fill. Hence we decided to take a drive from Hillcrest to Durban as we hadn't really spent much time there for about 7 years. With our wedding day just around the corner, it was a day filled with that lovely little word...nostalgia. 

It all began for us in Durbs, 9.5 years ago (22 Oct 2003 to be exact). Both students, we hung out on the cheap, at places like Jack Rabbit's in Glenwood, the Botanical gardens, Papa Joe's and that restaurant on Musgrave Road with the tree growing in the middle of it (cannot for the life of me remember what it was called but I have a feeling it was News Cafe - although it has changed now).

One of the hottest days in December, we literally melted from place to place. Nonetheless I enjoyed revisiting some of our spots and I was able to appreciate just how far we have come as a couple and as individuals since those carefree days in Durbs. I was also surprised at how dodgy some of those places have become...or they may have always been that way! Just goes to show how your standards change once you start earning your own cash!

Entrance to the Botanical Gardens:
Many Sundays with Pizza
were spent underneath these trees. 

Some views of Durbs

This used to be a lovely little pizza joint with
funky tables outside....
Don't think I'd eat there anymore!

Ah! Good old Jack Rabbits, the tiny pub on the
corner. The offical hook-up joint for us!

The table where it all began....

Enjoying a much needed COLD drink...

...with the beloved!

We had lunch at 'the restaurant with the tree
growing in the middle' which is now
Bertoua
(capital of Camaroon; meaning 'Life is Good')

Add caption

The tree of which I speak ;)

Some more much needed, and very delicious COLD drinks!

It was awesome being in Durbs again. I have so many great memories of young, fun days (and nights) spent there. It's also good to look back and appreciate the journey from there to here and I'm so happy & grateful that I still have the same amazing man I met there, all those years ago!

So much of gushiness! I promise I'll stop now!

Adios

xxx

Words

Borrowed From

Cherry on Top

Listen to the birds underneath the branches of this huge Jacaranda Tree

Oh wow. Cherry on Top is my new favorite place!

This little gem has been hiding away from me in Krugersdorp, Johannesburg for who knows how long! An old home revamped into a coffee shop/function venue makes for the most ideal place to unwind over a light meal or a cup of coffee with a friend. The gardens are immaculately manicured and the service is friendly. As soon as you drive through the gates you will feel the stresses of city living lift off your shoulders. 

We only enjoyed a cappuccino, but their food looks delicious, see for yourself, click here

Jenna from A Home Away from Home on the left and me, of course, on the right!

Everything has an elegant, quaint touch - even the bill comes in this beautiful box.

Guest Post

I am guest posting on Jenna's blog today, so hop on over to A Home Away From Home to see what I have to say about Amazing Mozambique! Whilst you're there, check out some of Jenna's awesome travel moments!

See you there!

xxx