This year was a little different. We had a party to go to, but as Halloween hasn't really taken hold in South Africa, I didn't feel the pressure that normally accompanies Oct. 31. I also decided that my costume could be a little more low key this year, being a lowly intern and all. So, by Saturday afternoon, Ellie and I had decided we were not spending any money on our costumes. We would take our extra bed shets and do what you do with extra bedsheets (other than cutting two eye holes and becoming a ghost) - make togas. It's funny in with all my years of university, I only once remember having to make a toga out of a bed sheet and I wasn't even in university at the time. It was six years ago when I worked at Valhalla Pure in Victoria. And there I had the expert advice of Elisa - the queen of amazing costumes. So, in not entirely knowing how to best make a toga, we turned where you turn for these things - youtube. You would not believe how many "How to make a toga out of a bedsheet" videos there are. We watched two, tried those methods, decided to turn off youtube and figure it out ourselves. After much winding, un-winding, re-winding, a few safety pins here and there, and a few glasses of wine, we had togas. I have to say, I think we didn't do too badly. We then had a discussion of whether togas are Greek or Roman. 
Catherine (a fellow LRC intern) and her man (GP) picked us up. They were not dressed up. Catherine is American and had no excuse. GP is South Africa, but dating an American, therefore no excuse in my mind. Once we arrived at Dave and Willene's Catherine found a wig. Slightly better effort. 
Dave and Willene were amazing hosts, as always. Willene really had gone all out on food and decorating (and Jell-o shooters). We had a great evening. Dave decided we were the Cleopatra sisters (we had not thought to include Egyptian as a possible option). 
We left their place with lots of candy and I have to say, it was definitely one of my more stress-free Halloweens. 
Sunday - after seven weeks in Durban, we finally went on the Rickshaw Bus, a city tour bus starts its tour right across the street from us. It probably would have been a good idea to do this about 6 weeks ago, ah well. So, here's a little pictorial of some of the sights and such of Durban. Many we pass everyday on the way to or from work, but I don't ever have my camera with me, so this was a good opportunity to get some photos.
Catherine (a fellow LRC intern) and her man (GP) picked us up. They were not dressed up. Catherine is American and had no excuse. GP is South Africa, but dating an American, therefore no excuse in my mind. Once we arrived at Dave and Willene's Catherine found a wig. Slightly better effort. Dave and Willene were amazing hosts, as always. Willene really had gone all out on food and decorating (and Jell-o shooters). We had a great evening. Dave decided we were the Cleopatra sisters (we had not thought to include Egyptian as a possible option). 
We left their place with lots of candy and I have to say, it was definitely one of my more stress-free Halloweens. 
Sunday - after seven weeks in Durban, we finally went on the Rickshaw Bus, a city tour bus starts its tour right across the street from us. It probably would have been a good idea to do this about 6 weeks ago, ah well. So, here's a little pictorial of some of the sights and such of Durban. Many we pass everyday on the way to or from work, but I don't ever have my camera with me, so this was a good opportunity to get some photos. Ellie and I live in an area of Durban called the Golden Mile. We live right accross the street from the beach and get to watch the surfers pretty much every morning. Between us and the beach is a stretch of sidewalk where you can pick up any curio you can imagine...
The beaches are an interesting places. Under apartied, most of the beaches were whites-only. People in my office were telling me about memories of when the beaches became open to all and what a different atmosphere it was. The reality is now, the beaches are still, in many ways segregated, but now on an economic level. Certain beaches you can pay to get a spot, these are guarded by security and offer access to beach chairs and umbrellas. The other, more public beaches are generally jammed with people, particularly where the yellow and red flags connote a swimming area, complete with life guards. 
Durban still has many signals to its colonial past. Unfortunately many of these old buildings, which have been deemed historic sites have fallen into significant disrepair and just sit there. This is the origianal Addington hospital. 
This says something about Durban...people are logical and hoping to appeal to robbers more logical sides. 
In Durban, there is an area around Pointe Road (also known as Mahatma Ghandi Road). It is one of the extremely poor urban areas in Durban. But, at the end of Pointe Road, this is what you come to...It is an area of contradictions. The very wealthy and the very poor living within blocks of each other. 
Durban is a port city. It was originally 'discovered' by Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day 1497, giving it the name of Natal. The port is now the busiest container port in Africa. 
Sometimes you see interesting things when you are riding in a bus. Like people sitting with their groceries and eating their lunch in the back of a bakkie. 
This is one of the enterances to Warwick junction that I wrote about a while ago. I will get more photos when we go back with MK. 
This is the Juma Majid Mosque. The largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. I don't really understand, because it really doesn't look that big to me. 
These are taxis. They are generally considered to be very dangerous, whether you are in on or driving a car next to one. But they are the primary means of transportation in Durban. 
That, accross the road, that is th central taxi stand in the Central Business District. Lots of people trying to get places. 
This is Florida Road. I wrote about it a long time ago when Kathleen, Sean, Ellie and I went out for dinner. It makes me think of New Orleans. 
That is Moses Madhiba stadium. There are people standing at the top. 
I took this picture not for the church, but for the jacaranda trees on the left side of the photo. About two weeks ago, these were out in full force, just beautiful purple trees. 
On the left is Moses Madhiba, ahead is Kings Park - very useful having two stadiums right beside each other. 
So that's a little glimpse around Durban. Hope you enjoyed the Rickshaw bus.
The beaches are an interesting places. Under apartied, most of the beaches were whites-only. People in my office were telling me about memories of when the beaches became open to all and what a different atmosphere it was. The reality is now, the beaches are still, in many ways segregated, but now on an economic level. Certain beaches you can pay to get a spot, these are guarded by security and offer access to beach chairs and umbrellas. The other, more public beaches are generally jammed with people, particularly where the yellow and red flags connote a swimming area, complete with life guards. 
Durban still has many signals to its colonial past. Unfortunately many of these old buildings, which have been deemed historic sites have fallen into significant disrepair and just sit there. This is the origianal Addington hospital. 
This says something about Durban...people are logical and hoping to appeal to robbers more logical sides. 
In Durban, there is an area around Pointe Road (also known as Mahatma Ghandi Road). It is one of the extremely poor urban areas in Durban. But, at the end of Pointe Road, this is what you come to...It is an area of contradictions. The very wealthy and the very poor living within blocks of each other. Durban is a port city. It was originally 'discovered' by Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day 1497, giving it the name of Natal. The port is now the busiest container port in Africa. 
Sometimes you see interesting things when you are riding in a bus. Like people sitting with their groceries and eating their lunch in the back of a bakkie. 
This is one of the enterances to Warwick junction that I wrote about a while ago. I will get more photos when we go back with MK. 
This is the Juma Majid Mosque. The largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. I don't really understand, because it really doesn't look that big to me. 
These are taxis. They are generally considered to be very dangerous, whether you are in on or driving a car next to one. But they are the primary means of transportation in Durban. 
That, accross the road, that is th central taxi stand in the Central Business District. Lots of people trying to get places. 
This is Florida Road. I wrote about it a long time ago when Kathleen, Sean, Ellie and I went out for dinner. It makes me think of New Orleans. 
That is Moses Madhiba stadium. There are people standing at the top. 
I took this picture not for the church, but for the jacaranda trees on the left side of the photo. About two weeks ago, these were out in full force, just beautiful purple trees. 
On the left is Moses Madhiba, ahead is Kings Park - very useful having two stadiums right beside each other. 
So that's a little glimpse around Durban. Hope you enjoyed the Rickshaw bus. 
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