Fines, Birthday, and Finding Durban (eventually)

Because my International Family is perfect, they decided to put together a little awards ceremony called Fines. Every person was to be finned for their ridiculous actions/adventures over the course of the semester, and boy was it hilarious. I won’t go into detail but there were many crazy stories shared that night. Fines took place on the last wednesday of classes and I had finally decided to celebrate my birthday that Saturday.

So my 21st redo was shared with my friend John (he was kind enough to share his birthday with me) and it was a ton of fun! A group of internationals went out to dinner with me and of course because I’m 21 there were a few birthday drinks purchased for me. It was absolutely wonderful being able to finally be happy and excited for my birthday, and my amazing friends here have truly been spectacular for the past 2 months.

And now... DURBAN!

Ok so one thing that my friends and family will forever tease me about it my lack of a sense of direction. I get lost everywhere. And I’m notorious for getting other people lost (those brave souls that drive and let me navigate). Our trip to, around, and from Durban was the most lost I think I’ve ever been, but for the first time in my life, it wasn’t my fault! Ok, so it wasn’t anyones fault- South Africa doesn’t believe in road signs. But really. They had to install a bunch of road signs during the world cup and immediately afterward they were taken down because people hated them so much. So yes back to going to Durban.... So our original road trip plans were to meet up with some other friends going on a hiking trip up Coffee Bay and after getting lost on our way to our hostel and navigating down windy, pothole infested, dark roads for what seemed like an eternity we made it. After a brief trip to the beach the following morning the three of us: Mary, Ericka, and myself decided that hiking just wasn’t for us and so we left 2 days early for Durban!

So the navigation problems started right away- we made the wrong turn while exiting Coffee Bay which was an extra hour of unnecessary travel- and then continued later when we passed our exit towards Durban (not marked Durban, of course, because that would make too much sense) BUT WE DID FINALLY MAKE IT TO DURBAN! ... around midnight.

Wednesday we didn’t have any definite plans so we just decided to explore the city and find some cool things to do, we were also in desperate need of wifi so we could tell our families and friends we were alive. 

After an amazing lunch at Mug & Bean (think starbucks meets panera meets cheesecake factory) we drove to the Moses Mabhida Rugby Stadium and then to the biggest mall in Durban. I dont know if I’ve ever been to a mall that size in the States, they had everything, including froyo! I rarely get froyo at home because the closest place to WAC is in Annapolis and the closest place to my house is 45 minutes away, but its still something I always appreciate. We were all in need of a little pick me up from home and froyo was the perfect thing. 
When attempting to leave the mall we literally got stuck in a toll (we didn't realize that you paid inside) and caused a bit of a traffic jam, and then proceeded to miss the exit we needed on the high way 2-3 times. 

Needless to say, we are champions at getting lost. 

The rest of the trip went great! We only got lost a few more times and by that point we had just learned to laugh at everything. 

Im not sure of the order of things so agin we return to the bullets

• Took the SkyCar to the top of Moses Mabhida Stadium and got a 360 view of Durban which was stunning
• Had a tour of the city on the Ricksha Bus
• Stopped by Victoria Street Market
• WENT TO THE BEACH!
• Had 2 awesome nights of eating out and trying almost every cocktail on the famous Florida Street
• Relaxed for the first time since September
• Hung out with Mary and Ericka :)

This road trip was very necessary for me, not only as a quick breather before finals, but as a quick breather before I go home. I’ll be going home a very changed person, some of my friends and family may not even recognize. I’ve been through so much in the past 4 months that its difficult to summarize into words how everything impacted me, but I know it has. Going home and back to school will also be a challenge. Returning to the cold after 3 months of warm, returning to a school without one of my best friends, returning as a person who has faced so many new/different/challenging/wonderful experiences. Its a lot to take in, but I think I’m ready.

Cheers,

A stronger American