We completed Phase III in our original training village, Ha Koali, and many of us ventured off for our first visit outside of the country of Lesotho. I had not solidified plans since my mother was hospitalized and I really needed to make sure that I had cell service and at the last minute I decided to join some of my PCV colleagues and head to Durban.
Since I had not planned well, I was able to find a last minute deal in a very exclusive hotel right near the City Hall. It is not the safest part of town, but I took precautions and felt safe. The Royal Hotel has welcomed such dignitaries as Nelson Mandela and Presidents of surrounding nations, and now it has even welcomed me.
I ventured off for a day of beach walking and found quite a few interesting sights. I even took the funicular ride over the beach just to get a better view. Note that the weather was not what one might expect at the beach, but honestly, it was cool and refreshing. I was particularly intrigued by the sand art found interspersed along the beach.
Having noticed that I there was an Indian festivity in town, I ventured under the tents only to be treated to free vegetarian food, a tattoo (not permanent, thank goodness) just like all the other participants were getting and a show of bull-riding. I was tempted to purchase a number of books and beautiful Indian clothes, but I resisted and just enjoyed the meditative state of those surrounding me.
I had noticed that there were a number of people attending Good Friday services in the early morning, but I had anticipated attending services around 3 PM as I have been doing for so many years. As I walked by one of the oldest churches in Durban, St. Paul's Anglican, I noticed that people were just leaving. Although I missed services, I chatted for quite a while with the Priest about the rich history of the Church and how it had served as an infirmary during wartime. He invited me to the Church Hall to enjoy tea and hot cross buns (now I know why they call them hot cross buns!). Although I did not make it to Church service, I did attend the Durban Passion Play at the theatre very near to my hotel. It was a good day.
Easter Sunday was a day of highlight for a few of us. I had found a trail run along the beach and in the dunes and mentioned to a couple of friends who might be interested. We were up at 4:30 and ventured north by taxi (way out of my budget!) and I ran the 5K while they ran the 16K.
I showered and went looking for church services, but unfortunately, I could not find any after 10:30, which I found quite interesting. I did make an effort to get back into St. Paul's and said a few prayers of celebration.
We ventured back to site the next day and honestly, it was a bit difficult to settle in.
