FLIGHT HOME

      I'm on the plane heading back to Dubai to catch my second flight to New York City. I've been keeping myself busy by thinking about the next place I should travel to. Here are some of the places I thought of.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tokyo, Japan

Hong Kong, China

      The plane's about to land, so I'm going to have to put my device on airplane mode, but I'd really like to know what you think, so feel free to tell me.

DAY 6: Gifts on Sunday Bum Day

      Today's my last day in Durban. Right now, I'm looking at the gifts my friends gave me yesterday. I didn't want to open them a moment ago, because they were wrapped with much care. However, curiosity got the best of me, and now the gift wrap is everywhere. (Great, I just gave myself a sweeping job.)
      Saachi gave me a charm bracelet. It's adorned with things that mean something to her, and for that reason it means something to me now. Thank you, Saachi.
      Abani gave me a book signed by her. The book talked about historical figures King Dingane, Chief Cetshwayo, King Mpande, Nelson Mandela, and Noel Langley. The two historical figures I found interesting were Chief Cetshwayo, the Zulu King who succeeded his father, Mpande, in 1872, and King Dingane, a Zulu chief who became King of the Zulu Kingdom in 1828 after assassinating his half brother, Shaka. Thank you, Abani.
      Mosa gave me a wooden box filled with lots of  things. She told me to keep what's inside a secret,  but I can tell you that she wrote me a letter, which I reading on my flight home. Thank you, Mosa.
      Lastly, Baijanti gave me a bag she made with 5 pairs of high waisted shorts she also made. I tell you, this girl has talent (and I'm not saying that just to be nice). I'll definitely be showing off these shorts in New York City. Thank you, Baijanti.
      Best send off presents ever don't you think. I hope to see them very soon. Maybe, they can come see me in New York City this summer, which is right around the corner.
      Got to go pack up and get ready for bed, because I have an early morning flight to Dubai.

DAY 5: No School

      It's 82 degrees outside, today's Saturday, and there's no school. What a great combination for going out on a bike ride with my 4 friends, but that's later on today.
      I'm currently in my hotel room looking up news on Durban, and just a few minutes ago I came across an article about the new requirements for students entering college in Durban. The article explained that all students attending college, such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal, are required to study Zulu, the native language. As a result, a study has shown that students have experienced an increase in their intelligence and those who graduated were able to find jobs faster.
      I'm going to end it here, because I have a few things I need to do before getting ready to leave.

DAY 4: A Thing or Two Learnt

      My day at Durban Girls' High school started at 7:30 am and ended at 2:00 pm. When I arrived, Mrs Hayes-Hill, the principle, lead me to her office and walked me through my schedule for the day (not literally you silly). She handed me a white shirt and black skirt, and from there I went to my first three classes: History, French, and Visual Arts and Design.

      During my first three classes I meet four black girls (Mosa, Abani, Saachi, and  Baijanti) my age that had the same schedule as me.  At lunch, we sat at a round table outside, and to save them from waiting in the crowded lunch line, I offered some of my Jewel of India food. They loved the food and said it was 10 times better than PB and J, a small carton of dairy milk, and fruit salad (that's not even organic). Yuck!

       After lunch, we had Math and English. By the end of the school day, the four girls were piled with homework in History, Math, and English. Since they had so much work to do (and I didn't), I volunteered to help them. We all went to Mosa's house and finished the work in no time.

      Since history's my favorite subject, here's a recapitulation of what I learned about Durban. Today, Durban is the busiest container port in Africa and a popular tourist destination. The city is also a gateway to the national parks and historical sites of the Zulu Kingdom and the Drakensberg. As a result of colonization by the British, Durban has the largest Asian community on the African continent, the largest Indian population outside of India, and several successful trading businesses.

DAY 3: Jewel of India

     2 days ago I found a restaurant, Jewel of India, and I've been eating there ever since.  Jewel of India caters to all palates with options of halal, vegetarian, and seafood. Of course, I go for the halal and vegetarian food. Also, my plate is always crowded with deep fried tofu, yellow rice, plantains, and two bakes. I've become used to my bill adding up to R730 ($80.12). (I can't help it if the food wants to have a party with my taste buds).

     I'm glad I found this restaurant. The food is on point, the service is excellent, and it saves me from having to go to the nearest Fast food or Chinese restaurant (if there even are any).

      Anyways, tomorrow I'm traveling an hour to Gleenwood, Durban to visit Durban Girl's High school. For now, (after a full day of beach fun in the 85 degree weather) I'm going to catch some Z's.

DAY 2: Tour of Durban Beachfront

      Exploring Durban Beachfront on this 80 degree short sleeves and shorts weather day was amazing. The tour was lead by Ashoka, a young Indian guy. His youth, personality, and intelligence kept me on  my toes the whole time, even though I was sitting in a bus with 12 other people, but you know what I mean.

      Ashoka started the tour by greeting the group with "Sawubona". Then he lead us to a bus. Here's how the rest of the tour went.

 

              

      By the end of the tour, I learned a little bit of Zulu, Durban's main imports and exports, and some of Durban's statistics. Take a look for yourself below.

Main exports: manganese and other ores, coal, sugar, and corn

Main imports: cars and oil

Population: 3.468 million

53% Female 

47% Male

Life expectancy: 63 to 74 years

Average monthly salary: R26,570 ($2764.66)

Employment rate: 85.1%

High School graduation rate: 68.3%

College graduation rate: 86%

DAY 1: Tropicana Hotel

      Everything went as planned when the plane landed and I'm now at the Tropicana Hotel in Durban Beachfront. Take a look around.

    

 



 

      Tomorrow, I'll be going on a guided tour that I booked through discoverafrica.com. For right now, I'm going outside to enjoy the 82 degree weather. Who knows maybe I'll find a restaurant that I can eat at, being that I'm vegan.