Thursday Travel Inspiration - Out on the streets of China with Tumi Diseko

Thursday Travel Inspiration

Is all about inspiring YOU to travel more!  Each Thursday for the next few weeks, I will be posting up interviews with South African girls and boys who have been bitten by the travel bug.  They don’t just travel to other countries but they live in foreign countries like China, South Korea, Thailand and other interesting parts of the world.  Read what inspired them to leave the comforts of home and head off into the unknown.  To Kick off our Thursday Travel Inspiration we have Keitumetse Diseko aka Tumi  “My Bokkie” Diseko.  My Bokkie and I met in 2005 in Cape Town and even though we have gone our separate ways I’m always inspired by Tumi’s zest for life and the joy that she brings where ever she goes.  Read on and see how Tumi has taken on China my China.  

Tumi in the streets of Shanghai

  Who is Tumi Diseko?

I'm a Soweto-born, Jo’burg raised twenty-something woman with interests in development, education, youth, arts and culture. Everything I do is linked to these interests.

   What inspired you to go abroad?

At the time, I had lived in Johannesburg ALL MY LIFE, having only ever left for vacations etc. I felt like I had missed something in life. In retrospect, I was going through my quarter-life crisis and I had to take control of where my life (personal and professional) was going. My family is pretty well-travelled, with several members of my extended family having lived across the world for years, so the idea wasn't completely foreign to me. Growing up, I always knew that I would live elsewhere, I just didn't know when - and I certainly never imagined that it would be China! So yeah, living abroad was just the next step for me.

      Why did you choose China?

I know this sounds corny, but I think CHINA CHOSE ME! Hahahahaha!  I initially explored Europe as my next move - you know, go there for six or nine months, learn a new language and come back home refreshed. It increasingly became clear to me though, that going to Europe would be taking the easy way out; it isn't much different to certain parts of South Africa in terms of norms and culture. Why embark on "life-changing" travel in a place that is not much different to how I've grown up? That made no sense to me. 

And so, I decided that I would learn Chinese - at first I thought I would go to the Confucious Institute in Stellenbosch, but following a business trip to Asia, my brother persuaded me to move to China. I use the word "persuaded" very liberally, but I really didn't need much convincing, cos I was ready to be OUT! China also made sense to me, strategically, looking at the changing balances of global power; I knew I had to take a leap. 

What a lot of people haven't really grasped is that it hasn't been all about New York, London and Paris for a very long time. When we were younger, in primary school and high school, it was very en vogue to know how to speak the bigger European languages - even the schools that offered those languages were viewed as more superior, but all that has changed, it's a new world!

Tumi in her current Apex

 What other countries have you travelled to?

I've been to the Cape Town (hahahahahaha), Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, US, Vietnam, Thailand and the UK.

                  What about you, has changed since you started travelling?

I think travelling changes the way we view ourselves, we see that there is so much more to the world and to ourselves. But living abroad and travelling are two completely different things, and although I had travelled before leaving home, I think you change a lot when you move to a new country, and often, those changes are not very evident until you go back home for a visit. 

"It's a funny thing comin' home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You'll realise all what's changed is you" - Benjamin Button.

      How do you see the world since you left South Africa? 

 I think most Jo’burgers, grow up looking at ourselves and our city as the Apex and I think the SA economy encourages that,  - you know, most people feel they've "arrived" once they move to Jo’burg and get a good job. As South Africans, particularly Black South Africans, Apartheid conditioned us to have a superiority complex - particularly over our fellow Africans. We generally have little to no exposure to other African cultures, but that is changing slowly, as the media becomes more diverse, and the phenomenon of user created content - particularly on blogs. Personally, travelling has afforded me a chance to view myself in the global context. Johannesburg is not the Apex - its Shanghai now, but it could be Abuja, Nairobi or Seoul tomorrow - I'm open to anything.

Do you like the food, how are you finding the culture, did you transition easily or was it hard?

It took me about two or three weeks to actually start eating Chinese food in Shanghai. There was a cafe across from my dorm run by a nice Korean Mama, and she served some good ass burgers! So for my first couple of weeks, I ate burgers - one of my South African Chinese friends kept trying to push me to eat other things, but I had a bad food experience on my first night and didn't want to risk eating bad food for a while. I love food, but I really HATE eating bad food, After that though, it was pretty much smooth sailing! I LOVE Chinese food - I avoid eating it in South Africa because the taste is really, really not the same, so I end up being the annoying person at the table telling everyone what the food should taste like!

I find a lot of parallels between Chinese culture and our own cultures,  I think that has made me relaxed about some things that bug European and American expats. If you think Sis Poppie down the road is loud, you ain’t never been to China! hahahahaha! But yeah, we have similar values a lot of the time, respect for elders, family - and the Chinese even have cultural norm that I would liken to Lobola! I think this is the same for other Asian cultures too, so this has made me feel a certain level of comfort. With that said, I have my fair share of frustrations - be it everyone staring at me not only because I'm Black, but because I have dreadlocks, can be really annoying on a bad day. Usually I just remember that many Chinese people have never even seen a Black person before not even on TV before - Chinese are/were just as sheltered as we were during Apartheid.

Culture shock was really difficult to deal with - but I have a supportive boyfriend who completely gets it, and my family for the most part get it too. The transition to life here was easy on the surface, but in retrospect, I think I spent my first few months here in a bit of a daze, even when I thought I was fully immersed; there was a lot that I wasn't understanding or taking in. There is a LOT going on over here!

    What are the lessons have you learnt whilst abroad?

If you have an idea, go ahead and see it through - ideas are a dime a dozen, and someone will probably do it if you don't...and while they may not do it as well as you could have, they'll receive the credit, just because they DID it. Find what you love and get really, really good at it.  Read the literature, go through the experiences, just submerge yourself in it! And always have enough pages in your passport.

 Would you like to see more countries?  If so where to next and why?

Naturally! At home, I would really love to go to Zambia (visit family), Senegal, Mali (all that knowledge and good music? it's a no - brainer!), Morocco (beautiful people, good food, natural beauty) and Algeria (historical and cultural relevance. Also, I've never been to North Africa). In Asia I'd like to visit Korea (delicious food, cultural parallels and lifestyle), Japan and who doesn't want to do basically every part of South East Asia?? 

Bahrain and India are in my very near future though! I would love to do more of the Middle East, just because of the biblical history and relevance that the whole region has. And also, Middle Eastern food is amazing! (as you can see, I am a taste bud traveller LOL)

    Have you started any business whilst abroad?

Yes, actually! Two friends and I have started a company that aims to help young South Africans secure internships and get into language and training programs in Asia. It's important that young South Africans get international exposure, as it will take them back home with new ideas and skills, all contributing to a more productive South Africa. It also gives them a more competitive edge.

  What message do you want to share out there with other sister’s & brothers of colour?

Travel all you can - it doesn't have to be fancy; backpacking can be really fun! Even within South Africa, there is so much to see and to explore, don't stay in your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and open yourself up to new experiences. 

Loving her Life! Tumi is Happy

Follow Tumi Diseko  赛图弥 (that's her in Chinese)  on her blog tumifromjoburg.tumblr.com
 

Sunsational Durban - Teremok Marine a hidden Gem!

Mission: Discover Durban - What makes it worth the visit for local and international travellers?

Time: 14h00

Place:  uShaka International Airport

Mouth wide open, about to bite into my lunch, my phone rings, pausing that thought I put my food down and answer my phone.

“Good Afternoon Darling! How was your flight?”  Definitely not the voice of Charles Townsend the infamous Charlie’s Angel’s detective agency boss, but that of Briony from Bee Africa Travel; a passionate individual, who lives, breathes travel.  I listened as she informed me about my ETA and that our whole trip would be rather cryptic.  Logan our guide held all the details to our destinations, we would be notified prior about what we will need for each day but beyond that it would all be a surprise.

As long as I was not going to be placed in harmful situations, with minimal clothing on like a Charlie’s angel I was happy to go along with this cloak-and-dagger tour of KwaZulu Natal.  Some intrigue and espionage to keep me on my toes was definitely what I was looking for.

Once my partner for the trip Luna (a South Korean travel blogger) had arrived we took to the streets, en route to our first destination. I secretly hoped that we would be checking into the hotel first so that I could freshen up.  We drove along the highway in a northerly direction; I paid attention to every sign looking for clues as to where we were headed.  Soon we were on a back road heading to towards the Umhlanga Rocks area, a resort town well known for its golden beaches, pleasant ocean for year round swimming, beautiful sunsets and the rather fancy apartments and hotels that can be found along this stretch.   As we went along Logan shared some interesting facts about the areas and how they got their names from the Zulus.  Zulu’s used sight and sound to name things,  Umhlanga Rocks was named after the many reeds and rocks that can be found in the area.

As the car slowed down I realised we were near to our destination, Logan turned onto a simple driveway, nestled amongst some palm trees, with a Magenta sign indicating was were at Teremok Marine.  What we were soon to discover was that the driveway was the only ordinary thing at this 5-star boutique Lodge.

We were welcomed by Ninette who is really a Superhero because not only does she kick ass at what she does, she also truly saves the day and spares you all the injury; like when we had a wardrobe malfuntion she helped us avert some humiliation by coming up with a plan that blew her shoes off.  Ninette gave us a full tour of Teremok indulging us with the rich history of this lodge that shares not only the same street as the Oppenheimer’s Durban resident but the same architect.

 

I love spa's, the fact that they had one on site was a big plus for me. What they have created here is a small piece of heaven a feast for the senses, quaint with beautiful accessories.



The Trilogy Collection, designer clothing, handbags and old fashioned sweets all on offer.  



Nothing like Vervet monkeysto keep you busy; I loved these cute reminders on the doors.  Making sure you keep the door firmly shut behind you is the best way to keep these smart monkey’s out of trouble and the lodge in 1 piece.



When I see 5 stars at a boutique Lodge I immediately expect the Rolls Royce of service.  I was beyond impressed with Teremok and their stance on instant coffee.  They do not have standard archaic, plain tea trays that most hotels keep in the room.  Instead they have a fully kitted drinks station where you can have a freshly ground 3 bean (known as Trilogy Coffee) Americano, cappuccino or expresso.   



Staying in the Douglas room I experienced peace and tranquility from the moment I walked in. I was absolutely spoiled, the colours were soft and welcoming, the sound of latin music matched my room and made me feel at ease. Everything was primed and ready.  Little details like a magnifying mirror for applying make-up, insect repellant spray for those pesky mozzies, small but definitive touches of the thought process that goes into each room at Teremok.

Teremok Bath time is a special treat, with bath music and bubbles what more could I ask for?

I have to admit  that I loved the special care and detail that Teremok provided  in everything, nothing was too hard or impossible, for a girl who dislikes the words "no you/we can’t" I was in paradise.

A Sunsational Durban

en route to the airport for a sunsational holiday.

Seated at my dining room table I ran through the things I needed to make sure I had in my bag as this 6 day trip to Kwa Zulu Natal was going to be a whirlwind of adventure.  As I ran through my mental checklist, I realized that I was beginning to run out of time, my flight was at 12:05pm and at  9:30am  I was still trying to decide on whether I should take a laptop with me or not?  I resorted to no laptop, just a notebook and my phone, a mini technology detox after all I’m supposed to be going on Holiday!

Arriving at the Gautrain station I realized I had missed the 10:30am train, nothing like a bit of adrenalin to get the heart going. Reaching ORT I made a mad dash to my check-in counter breathing a sigh of relief as I arrived within minutes of boarding. Sweet Haleluyah! I certainly was not the only one running late a young family of 3 checked-in at the counter next to me also on their way to Durban.  As I waited for my boarding pass I saw this kid staring at me, eventually he couldn’t contain himself anymore and burst out much to his father’s embarrassment “Are you not scared of flying?”   I smiled at him reminiscing about my maiden flight to Cape Town at age of 9, with my mother and sister. “No I’m not scared” I smiled “I promise you it’s not that bad in fact it can be a lot of fun!”  I was excited for the kid! It’s so wonderful doing something for the first time and his parents were missing out on the moment by being so self-conscious of their child’s anticipation, when life offers you the opportunity to experience something for the first time through a child’s eyes share in the joy.  

I bid the young man well and took my boarding pass making another mad dash to the boarding gate not wanting to be the last passenger in.  As I handed my proof of identification (ID) and ticket over I was told that my driver’s license  that I had taken with me as ID had expired and that I would not be allowed to board by this Amazonian woman,  who stood towering over me holding my fate in her hands.  This was after I had smiled and given her a happy hello, whilst everyone boarded the plane I stood watching the people file through.  I could not for the life of me understand why she would say I cannot use my expired license to board the plane, it’s not like I was the pilot flying us to Durban! Counting to 10, I finally said “look I didn’t know about these new rules and anyways if you look at the picture you will see that the only thing that is expired is the card, now can I please board the plane or will you give me my ticket fare back since your check-in people failed to pick up this mistake?” Well there was no arguing with that she promptly told me that next time they would not allow me to fly with them as she handed over my ticket and expired license with the fakest smile she could muster.

Once I was settled in my seat, I took in the sounds: there were friends laughing, a baby gurgling, I turned to the guy next to me as he greeted me, after a quick chat I knew that it would be a warm weekend and how long he was going to be in Durban for.  This type of Friendliness is what sets Durbanites apart from other South Africans; they are really warm, friendly people who will happily share half their life with you.  

Feeling somewhat dizzy as I stepped out of the plane.

Within 50 minutes we were landing in Durban, it was this landing that unsettled me a bit as I walked out I felt like I had been shaken like a martini! I was thankful for the moment at the conveyor belt to pull myself together.  Looking across I noticed the young family waiting for their bags as well, the parents looked even more stressed than when I first encountered them, the son reached out to grab his bag and instead landed up bumping into another passenger much to his father’s irritation. I silently hoped that they would not be driving themselves around as I could not see this man enjoying his holiday, let alone being a pleasure to be around for his family.  In cases where people are so high-strung it’s often best that they opt for someone a registered chauffeur/Tour guide to drive them around therefore allowing them to relax.   Holidays are meant to be fun, exciting and an opportunity to kick back and not worry about a thing! With my bag in hand I made my way to the exit looking for my name board ready to test if Durban is the warmest place to spend summer and If I would enjoy being chauffer driven as I particularly like being in control of my trip. 

Professionalism at its best! This man understands the meaning of the word Hospitality.  Once I was welcomed by Logan my bag was whisked away and it was no longer my problem.  A promising start!

From KwaZulu Natal to South Korea; Soul to Seoul

Whilst most of us have travelling partners that we chose and particularly enjoy travelling with for their great sense of humour or their ability to budget and handle sticky situations.  I had no such luck in choosing my partners, as they chose me.  I met my travelling partners in the eyes of a grade 8 boy who seemed mesmerized by something below my chin.  Initially I thought maybe I had a piece of lettuce that had made its way onto my uniform during lunch time, though as I followed his long, staring gaze I realized that it was the two bumps that were certainly larger than most girls that kept him hypnotized; entranced by the two sisters who had joined me over the summer holidays on my transition from primary school to high school.

These girls soon became the centre of all curiosity and attention whether they intended to or not at our athletics meet, they were waving at the spectators as I ran towards the finish line, coming in 3^rd I realized I had my own cheerleading squad…who needs a support group when you have your breasts as the audience que card for “clap now” After a few years travelling with the rowdy twins from the Kingdom of the Zulu’s I felt it only apt to give them names that reflected their character.

Thandizintho “one who likes things” Freedom fighter : was the rowdiest of the girls, forward and always ready to make an appearance at any given moment.  This was the girl who winked at the guys at my yoga teaching exam, tried to unbutton my shirt on my first date and often throws tantrums about being restrained.

Landelani “the one who follows”: is the one who follows reluctantly, a rather shy girl who is always being strung along by Thandizintho,  like the time when a young at a bar laid his head on the ladies and screamed if only some guys came with these…awkward. 

As if that was not enough some Brutus at a Human rights course in Cape Town decided to draw a rather unflattering cartoon image of the sisters as watermelons , this resulted in discontinuation of all polo-neck shirts from my wardrobe and a good thumping for him from Miss Maya Angelou’s Phenomanal woman, performed by yours truly and the sisters.  These ladies have never been quiet girls, at least depict them correctly if you are going to attempt being Peter Paul Rubens.

Even though they have faced adversity they have a lot of fans, from Newcastle, Durban, Swaziland, Lesotho, Kenya (where they negotiated many cab prices down in Mombasa) and in South Korea they were the main feature at a Sauna.  I was given two tiny towels and told that I would not be allowed to wear a swimming costume into the sauna area! Plan A: I first tried negotiating 2 more towels that didn’t work out. Plan B: pretended I was invisible and enter the sauna as quick as possible without anyone noticing me. Well that bombed out too as I walked in gingerly, trying to be nondescript the whole sauna turned to look at my creation of art. Silence fell over the place as conversations dropped mid-sentence. The girls had arrived. I retreated to the nearest plunge pool, some camouflage was required, as I got comfortable in the rather icy water I noticed from the side a woman edging in towards me, her little hand leading the way towards my breast.  I wondered what she was attempting besides trying to cop a feel, maybe she wanted to disclaim the saying “more than a handful is a waste.”   She stared at me unsure about how to proceed, her hand unwavering so I took it to my breast allowing her to feel because then maybe it would kill the curiosity.  Not only did it kill the oddity it created  my number one fan who kept on saying you are perfect as you are when one of the ladies suggested I have my breasts reduced ...Really breast reduction all in a hour’s conversation in the sauna!?! luckily I like mulling over such drastic decisions these girls are not on a Idols competition to be voted out, they own this stage.

They have fans who open doors for them, comfort them and embrace them.  Join the fan club by following NomadicMichelle as she journey’s the world with Thandizintho and Landelani the ultimate travel partners.

What is Your mission in Life?

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life. Everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl

2 Free Things to do in Port Elizabeth

I found 2 priceless things to enjoy in Port Elizabeth, that I would love to share with you.

1. Experience  the most amazing Sunrise:  At 6:30am it proved to be the perfect time to take a walk along the beach, it’s peaceful, with very few people on the beach.  I was able to fit in a bit of yoga and also managed to lose my phone in the ocean.  

2. Long, leisurely walks on Sardinia Beach:  a secluded, dune-filled beach  which lies between Schoenmakerskop and Seaview. This piece of paradise frequented by kite-surfers who have a whale of a time playing around with the perfect toy for a city renowned for its wind.  If you prefer keeping you feet on the ground you can try, dune surfing which is done on a piece of cardboard or boogie board, you literally surf the dunes sitting, its fun, inexpensive and lots of laughter. Though if you are looking for some silence  then make your way along the shore, for a beautiful breath-taking walk.

 

KwaZulu Natal: The Kingdom of the Big 5 and the warmest ocean...even in winter

I want to see the Big 5 and swim in the ocean" he said, Big 5 and the Ocean ?  Where was I going to find this piece of paradise ? At first I thought what about the Kruger National Park and Mozambique, after a bit of research,  I realised for a long weekend this was going to be far too complicated.  Then I had a brainwave,  I distinctly remembered my dad saying that Hluhluwe Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, was not only the oldest Game reserve in South Africa but it was also home to the Beeeeeeg 5.  At that point though, every flight to Durban had been booked (long weekends clearly require prior planning) and we were left with no choice but to take the bus to Durban.  We drove through the night and arrived in time to catch the fishermen head out to the pier at 5am.


Durban North Beach Front -5am to dip to baptise the feet after a long bus ride.



   Once the sun had come out to play we made our way to Hluhluwe, 2 hours later we arrived to a warm welcome and the possibility that we might not see much of the Big 5.  We drove and drove and drove ...then we had a lucky break! We came across a Lion, chewing away on some buck,  not wanting to interupt this Simba's snacking hour we stayed in the car watching from afar.  After we left,  the drought started all over again, we decided we needed some luck so we stopped and took a few leaps of faith hoping to see more of the wild life.

Hluhluwe Game Reserve - 06/13



Hoping to spot the Big 5 at Hluhluwe Game Reserve a Jump for luck whilst we wait.



The Jump must have a good one because shortly after we spotted a elephant

Then to Top it off a Rhino and it's calf.

Wish #2 fulfilled, as he is about the enter the ocean for a swim at Durban North Beach.