durban for a day

from the drakensberg mountains i escaped to durban for the day
for a little solo adventure! i’ve really wanted to see it and since i spent
so much time in south africa to end the year i made sure to make it there.
with only a short time to spend here, i took the
advice of some durban residents and headed
straight to the mabhida soccer stadium to rent
a bike and take it along the beach boardwalk.
i was so surprised that this area felt just like
southern california to me! (just more humid)
you can park in the stadium for free, then rent beach cruisers or
road bikes from STS sport and head straight down the beach!  

south africa has the coolest soccer stadium!
you have to love a place with signs to
remind you not to feed the monkeys!
the beach view leading up to the cityscape is really gorgeous.
i didn’t expect durban to feel so much like california/florida!
dipping my toes in the indian ocean for the first time!
the ocean was PACKED with people! 
i loved the african animal sand sculptures on the beach ^^
after biking i stopped into one of durban’s
best little eateries. the boiler room is in the old
lion match factory space, so it has the coolest feel.
the menu is simple but offers all different types of cuisine.
a spinoff of durban’s #1 restaurant 9th avenue bistro,
the boiler room is a fresh new creation for food lovers!
“red cappuccino” is my go-to order in south africa.
it’s steamed milk with rooibos, an herbal tea we love.
it’s even better with milk, honey, & a little sprinkled cinnamon.
pineapple basil smoothie for the win!
tastiest pear/pecan salad to begin ^^
and then we had to try the bunny chow.. as
it’s what durban is famous for! it’s a traditional dish
made up of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry.
it originated in the durban indian community so it’s a must-try here!
a fancy blondie for dessert ^^
and, a fancy little homemade doughnut in a dish ^^
we left downtown, passing a township on a hill on the way out:
durban was interesting and different than expected.
i’m so glad i made it down while in SA!
and back through the mountains to johannesburg.. ^^

xo