2010 Worldcup: Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban)

Thanks to Yogita for sending this
(Pic by Hugan)

Durban (14) Westwood Mall

On Sunday, August 9 2009 just a few hours before leaving Durban, we met Uncle Kriben & his family. He & my dad have been friends since school and I think it's pretty neat that we've maintained the relationship over the years. We went to Westwood Mall in Westville and had lunch at "My Diners" - hands down the BEST food I have had in ages. And it ven scored points over Jewel of India.

The *best* Bombay Crush

With Siddharthiya & my bro

Uncle Kriben & my dad

Mobile charger (saw a gadget charger-something similar at Changi Airport, Singapore)

Durban (13) Sunday Flea Market

On Sunday morning, we were up bright & early to wander 'round the flea market across the street from our hotel. Flea markets are all the same, really but I was hoping to pick up some African curios to take back to Korea for my colleagues.

Wow - this brought back a whole lotta memories!

Durban (12) Surprise from dad!

After uShaka my mum, brother & I went back to the hotel to take a short rest before heading out somewhere else again. Dad called (from "East London") to find out what we were up to. I had a feeling that he was going to surprise us and pitch up at the hotel as he has done so many times before. He called my mu and while they were talking on the phone, someone knocked on the door. Of course - dad was outside :)

That night we had dinner again at The Jewel of India

My bro bit into this mother of a chillie !!!

Durban (11) Phantom Ship

We went on the Phantom Ship... not very impressive. Bad service and in my opinion, food wasn't that good either. The only real attraction for me was the tank with a shark & fish swimming around near us :)

Durban (10) Ushaka

On Saturday, August 8 2009 we spent the morning & afternoon at uShaka Marine World

Durban (9) Shopping for snacks

We went hunting down this sandwich at Kara Nichha's - OMG! Cheese/onion/chips and a "special sauce" for just 5 bucks. It's one of those things you just HAVE to have to understand what I'm talkin' bout!

Durban (8) Sand Sculptures

On Friday night, we took a walk on North Beach and found these *amazing* sand sculptures. Here is one of Michael Jackson with the young man who created it. Brilliant!

Durban (7) Suncoast Casino

We spent Friday evening at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.

Durban (6) Gateway

Since I don't enjoy shopping, I also don't care much for malls. But on Friday, August 7 2009 we spent most of the day at Gateway - daayum, that place is HUGE! We did quite a bit of shopping - more than expected, actually. I was very excited 'bout the new books I bought :)

An interesting character I met at the mall :)

With mum while we were taking a breather from all the walking!

Still a kid at heart :)

Durban (5) Musgrave Center

After dinner, we went to Musgrave Center in Berea. Mum & I were window shopping while my brother met a friend for coffee. Check out this bling!

Durban (4) Dinner at Jewel of India

On Thursday evening, we had dinner at the Jewel of India - a restaurant downstairs at our hotel. Deeeelicious!

Durban (3) Makeover!

Mum & I went for a makeup makeover with professional makeup artist, Khadija. We felt like beauty queens after and she made us realize that brown-skin needn't always opt for dark lipstick colours. Have fun and play with colour!

NOTE: This ain't a place to take your boyfriend/husband/brother unless he's into all this as well. We learnt this the hard way - poor brother was bored to the extreme :-(

Mum with Khadija

With colours I never thought to try before!

Durban (2) Arriving

We were picked up by our taxi driver, Dan who's been driving my family around Durbs for about 10 years now! As always, we stayed at the Elang

Durban (1) Take off!

On Thursday, August 6 2009 my mum, brother and I left for Durban. I had an absolute BLAST with my brother on the flight. He totally killed me with laughter and the flight seemed a whole lot shorter than it was.

We flew SA Express - Not great, but hey ... it gets you to your destination. The flight attendants aren't too friendly, but we were lucky-ish to get a friendly attendant (she was eyeing my bling ring!)

These are the snacks (Blackberry not included waahaahaa)

The view from our window was anything, but comforting - as you can see!

Good Morning, South Africa!

We arrived early at OR Tambo...around 06:35am. As I mentioned before, the flight felt really long. I was really impressed by the speed / service at Immigration. Construction is still underway at the airport, but hopefully it will be worth the wait :-) and in time for 2010.

After freshening up, I waited a few mins where family friend, Dilipkaka was going to meet me and walk over to Domestic Departures.

The chill in the air was biting.

Also... the girl I'd sat next to from Korea to Hong Kong passed by me while waiting for my luggage at the carousel. On the flight and in Hong Kong, we said we'd exchange numbers and meet up when we're both back in Korea. But like most empty promises, it never happened.

Oh ... I forgot to mention: One thing that really pinched my nerve. When I was walking out of customs, I greeted the staff, "Good Morning!" They asked if I had anything to declare. Obviously I didn't because I was walking through the GREEN. I said, "No, I don't"

"Are you returning home?" one asked.
"Yes, I am!" I said
"Where are you from?...Durban?" a lady asked.
I. Could. Have. Screamed.
"NO!" I said ...visibly annoyed.

For non-South Africans: Durban is a South African city largely populated by Indians. It grates my nerves when people assume (JUST because I'm Indian) that I'm from Durban.