Thursday Travel Inspiration: Out on the Ocean with Rynae Grewan

When we leave high school, we often wonder how our former classmates are doing.  What they are up to and if life is treating them kindly?  It was this curiosity and Facebook (thank you technologyJ ) that helped me track down Rynae Grewan, a former school mate to find out why he chose to venture into the open water instead of sticking to the rivers that we are all used to.   Read on as Rynae shares his story with us.

“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.” Napoleon Hill

Who is Rynae Grewan?

 I was born in Winterton, Kwa- Zulu Natal on the 12^th August 1985, a small farm town on the foot of the Drakensburg Mountain Range. I come from a Family of 6 members my dad Richard, mum Salome, and I am the second youngest of four siblings. Namely Serena, Raphael, Rynae and Symone. We later then moved to Newcastle, South Africa (which I call home)…. I attended Lennoxton Primary School then at the age of 13 attended Senior Primary School until it was time to move to Newcastle High School.

I matriculated at Newcastle High School in 2003.  I’ve always had a keen interest in business (got that from my dad), travelling, the great outdoors, health & fitness and sport. In a few descriptive words about myself I am adventurous, bold, daring, friendly, passionate, personable and spirited person.

What inspired you to work abroad and how did your family feel about this decision?

My intention was never to work abroad but just to visit and travel. I didn’t know how I was going to travel but I was going to do it.  Being a health and fitness enthusiast, I took classes in exercise science and sports massage therapy in Johannesburg. It was in one of those lectures I heard about working on cruise liners. So that the ignited the flame to work whilst travelling, killing two birds with one stone if you must.


Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

 When I first told my parents about working on a cruise line, It was like they did not believe me, they didn’t say anything about it. Later on I brought it up again and then they realized I was serious. As a close knit family, it was hard for them to allow me to work abroad for months at a time, but then they realized what a wonderful opportunity I had. It still hurts every time I leave home but they are so happy for me, especially after they hear about all my adventures.

Why did you choose the cruise ship line of work?

Although, I am in hospitality and entertainment now, at the time it was the easiest way to get to travel and it fell in line with my work experience. I had an opportunity to share my expertise with people from all over the world, whilst fulfilling my dreams to travel the world. It could have not worked out better. I am truly blessed.


Aloha  Honolulu -  Hawaii



Do you get to see a lot of the countries? If so which have been your favourite and what cool things have you experienced there?

Oh, yes! Since I started working for Holland America Line in May 2010. I have seen and been to 5 continents, I am looking forward to my 6^th in February next year.

Thus far, I have no favorite. Each country is beautiful in its own unique way.  You cannot compare one country to another. Well, that’s my opinion.

I look back fondly on hikes through the beautiful landscapes of Alaska, zip-lining over through the rainforests of Mexico, cliff diving and sky diving into and over the deep blue waters of Hawaii. I have jumped off waterfalls into lagoons in Fiji, snorkeled in the breathtaking crystal waters of the South Pacific Islands, successfully navigating the alleys of Marrakech and the horseback riding in New Zealand.


At the River Jordan


The opportunity to explore the history and architecture of Europe, discovering the historical Biblical places in Israel and standing in the river Jordan. Experiencing one of the seven wonders of the ancient world- the Great Pyramids in Egypt.  Just to mention a few. I can go on and on….




Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

  What about you has changed since you started travelling?

Traveling has changed me like little else can. I now understand that the world is both a big and small place. It has taught me compassion, to be humble and grateful for what and who I have in my life, to live adventure, I have developed skills that I did not know I had and it has broadened my mind and the way I think, patience, it has given me a sense of curiosity and wonder and how to adapt in different circumstances.

How do you see the world since you left South Africa? Did you transition easily or was it hard?

Hanging out with the kids in Senegal.

The world is made of all its countries and people. We are all flesh and blood just living in different countries and environments. It’s just the way we were brought up from birth that defines who we are, our different backgrounds and cultures. There is nothing that makes one country better than the other. There is not one nationality that is better than another. There is not one food that is tastier than another. It’s all about what you’ve been brought up with. I’ve eaten and tasted food from all over, but I still prefer food from my home, South Africa. The food that I’m used toJ. Everyone has to learn to work with one another in peace and harmony.

What are the lessons you have learnt whilst abroad?

-I have learnt that you cannot please everyone.

-Take risks and don’t let a fear of failure to hold you back.

-When things are not looking up, pick up your head and roll with the punches.

-Don’t be afraid to ask for help and admit when you are wrong.

-How to talk to strangers.

-Surround yourself with positive people and people who will influence in a good way.

Waterfalls, Port Vila

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

Yes, definitely. Once you start travelling You Can’t Stop and why stop now? I just have two more continents to explore then would’ve done all seven. Those continents are Brazil and Asia. There’s still so much to see and venture. A country that I would love to still do is Antarctica. It’s like a different world out there.

Have you started any new hobbies, business whilst abroad?

No, that’s tough working on a cruise line. You never in one country long enough to start something. However you do meet people with great ideas and opportunities.

On Top of the World - AB Mountain- Skagway, Alaska

What message do you want to share out there with other guys and girls of colour?

 Learn to love yourself and others,  it will take you a long way. Do not be jealous of others. Be contents nothing comes easy, it takes hard work and

Perseverance

 If you get a chance, travel. I have given you enough reason to do so.

Thursday Travel Inspiration - Out on the streets of Thailand with Zizo Mda

This week on Thursday Travel Inspiration we interview the sassy Miss Zizo Mda.  I met Zizo in my 2^nd year at varsity,   Young, Bubbly, Vivacious and very good friend’s with her sister Onke Mda.   Never shy to speak her mind or willing to allow life to pass her by, a natural socialite who was always well put together, knew everyone and was consistently fashion forward.  Read on to find out what inspired her to move to Thailand.

Zizo Mda embracing her New life in Thailand as a teacher.

Who is Zizo Mda?

I always say its ‘effortless to be yourself’. You cannot be anyone better than you… That’s what I live by. That’s who Zizo Mda is, that simple but difficult in practice phrase.  That’s what molds me and it is actually a difficult phrase to live by because there you are in a society, environment etc that is structured in a certain way that allows you to only be that certain way. I always say ‘To be a certain way is an art on its own. To break away from that certain way is mastering the art’. This is what I call believing in yourself in other words finding God. So that’s who I am a child of God.

What inspired you to teach abroad?

To tell you the truth I’ve always wanted to live overseas, experience other cultures, see situations and my country in a different perspective. Also ‘the other’ has always intrigued me because I’m one of those Xhosa girls who are on some “I’m never dating a Xhosa guy again” when they get to Johannesburg but end up going back… blaaah. But yeah! I explored other cultures (in friendship too) from Muslim to Hindi and I think the last straw was the Chinese/Thai spa I used to go to in Midrand. I liked how they massaged my back without communicating a word because they don’t know English. Another inspiration was drawn from my former Indian colleagues I had a lift club with. For some reason their spirits lifted me. I asked myself how do these people come to stay and make a life in another country and I can’t? What am I scared of?

I can’t lie and say my previous job didn’t contribute to my reason to travel. I hate to bring out the race issue but it’s one of our countries pre occupations that is still sealed in its package and will wait for (the coming of) Jesus to open it. Well guess what he’s here… kidding.

Anyways I got tired of being mistreated and my black colleagues who were also in this white dominated firm we were working for (good news…Yes, we all resigned...hahaha). I’m still traumatized at how they promoted themselves and not anyone black. They didn’t contribute towards black people’s growth in fact they are making themselves richer along with the few black people that they’ll need to sign government regulatory papers.  Don’t get me wrong I’m not criticizing or am I bitter,  I’m just telling my story of what I experienced after working in the private sector in my own country. At some point I despised Mandela’s non racist policy as unrealistic and idealistic as it is almost impossible “practically” to live together as different cultures. I won’t go into detail with it but I guess that’s one of the reasons I traveled. I needed to appreciate my country as I’d lost some respect for it. I needed a break, new schools of thought, new friends, new boyfriends, new tastes in my mouth, disorientation, new challenge but most importantly to be independent in thinking that means no influence whatsoever in your decisions. It is how one gets to be themselves right?

Why did you choose teaching?

I never imagined myself doing teaching. But after years of applying and rejection (with the Z83 forms attached) from the Department of Foreign Affairs (like I said I’ve always wanted to travel) I said to myself there is more than one way to travel. Either I study hard for one year and apply for a scholarship or two the easiest I could teach English overseas.  I took English up to third level at Varsity so I stood a better chance. And what do you know I make a good teasherrrr after all.

Smiles all round a testament to the great work Zizo is doing.

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”

Brad Henry

I guess I would still be waiting if I had not chosen this amazing, life changing experience. Lesson learnt don’t wait for things to happen! Make them happen.

How did you make going to Thailand possible?  Did you have to make any sacrifices to make it happen?

There’s a lot you have to consider when traveling, especially family, finances, friends and everything that matters to you but there’s a saying I can’t help but relate to ‘your non attachment to the mundane is your charm’. This applies more to teaching because it’s not considered an ideal career in SA compared to what I was doing. But you know what I will retire in it or maybe then lecturing but for now one must explore.

I had to sell my car, some of my furniture for me to enroll with the TEFL course I went for in Thailand, which allows me an opportunity to study further at Cambridge University. I’m grateful to God for that because I will always have that option; which beats having a car (to me). So yeah!

Zizo with her sisters at the Great Hall Step celebrating an achievement and a new beginning in her life.

“Often the right path is the one that may be hardest for you to follow. But the hard path is also the one that will make you grow as a human being.”  

― Karen Mueller Coombs,

What about you, has changed since you started travelling?

I know this is cheesy but I’m more open minded, I’m more independent, I’ve adopted more beliefs that I’ve mentioned above the most important being ‘not to do something that does not make you happy’ and positivity.

My relationship with God has gotten better and I’ve learnt to understand who and what He means to me.

I’ve learnt also to appreciate being by myself and to listen and be in touch with my feelings despite what others say. 

Open-minded, Independant and Free!



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

The world is yours. That’s how I see it. I used to be scared of it but now it feels just like home. It is where we belong right? I don’t see it as a big scary thing that you can’t be part of or be lonely in.  There’s always someone to relate to even if you are from different parts of the world. There’s always common ground. For instance who would’ve thought I’d make good friends with a person who can’t speak or understand a word I’m saying. Or I would be good friends with a gypsy from California, become almost like sisters with a kick boxer from New Zealand. We are from different parts of the world but the same in Gods eyes. The world is amazing like that but the art to it is never to lose yourself in it.

A night out with the girls.

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

I didn’t like the food at first,  my system was not used to it. I’ve had poisoning lots of times but you get used to it and now I love it,  of course not everything.

I was culture shocked at first I didn’t know if I was going or coming. I nearly went back home but I guess it takes time just like anything else.  Now I laugh at myself when I think of how whack that move would’ve been… hahahaha!

What are the lessons you have learnt whilst abroad?

I’ll mention the Top 5

            I’ve learnt to be humble and down to earth.

            I’ve learnt to understand and how to live with other people that are not of my kind.

            I’ve learnt independence.

            I’ve learnt to appreciate my country.

            Most importantly I’ve learnt to be just a happy person

            Oh! And no 6 I’ve learnt to let go!

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

Of course I plan to travel more. I’m planning on doing South Korea next year,  Costa Rica and the US. Not sure in what order though. But I keep looking at the clock and I think to myself ‘am I ever going to settle down, have a family with kids?’ Yeah! I will but I won’t wait for it to happen.

Honestly, I want to go to South Korea because I’d like to experience a more modern Asian culture. They also have a better education system than Thailand and Oh! My God! I never thought the day would come... but I actually Miss Winter!  I hear the culture there is care free and less staunch than the Thai and I’d like to experience that difference in comparison. Should be interesting, I’m intrigued.

Not just a great teacher, she is also business minded Fashionista! 

Have you started any business whilst abroad?

Yes! I started a clothing business. The fashion in Asia is crazy. Every time I go to the markets or shopping malls I come back with my head buzzing and pocket so shallow. It’s a shameL. I can’t help myself, it’s beautiful how they put their clothes together and their freedom of combining different items to form a Funky look. It’s not just fashion its creativity, art and thinking out of the box, it always comes out good just like their outfits. I send clothes to South Africa to introduce the kind of funky threads they wear here and people are loving it! I will carry on in South Korea and travel to China and Singapore too to see what other styles I could introduce to our fashion industry.

A Fashion shoot for Zizo's business, there is no stopping this lady!

I guess that’s part of my initiative in trying to open up minds J

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

EXPLORE! EXPLORE! EXPLORE! There’s more to life than what you know. Be curious it killed a cat never a person.

Always up for adveture, Zizo has taken to water sports.

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!