Durban's Sticky Secrets: A Drummer's Drift
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. 235039 and 1800812511… honestly, those numbers just sort of… landed. i was supposed to be in Lisbon, you know? chasing sunsets and pastel de nata. but then, a flight deal popped up, and bam - Durban. south africa. and let me tell you, it’s… a thing.
seriously, the humidity is clinging to everything. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 19.68 degrees, feels like 19.66, temp min 19.68, temp max 19.68, pressure 1011, humidity 75, sea level 1011, ground level 881. it’s like stepping into a warm, wet blanket. not unpleasant, just… persistent.
i spent the last three days wandering around the *Golden Mile, mostly just trying to avoid getting sunburned. it’s a stretch of beach, obviously, but it’s got this weird, almost industrial vibe. there are these massive concrete structures jutting out into the ocean, like forgotten bunkers. i found a little shack selling boerewors - seriously, the best sausage i’ve had in ages. it’s greasy, it’s spicy, it’s everything.
found a great little spot for a beer at the Uptown Market. it’s a bit of a chaotic scene, but the music’s good, the food’s decent, and the people-watching is top-tier. someone told me that the best way to experience Durban is to just get lost - wander down side streets, talk to locals, and don’t be afraid to try anything. i’m taking that to heart.
Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Pietermaritzburg is just a short drive away. they’re a pretty laid-back bunch, mostly just obsessed with rugby and braais (barbecues). i overheard a group of guys arguing about the offside rule - it was intense.
I stumbled across this amazing street art scene near Grey Street. it’s not polished, it’s not perfect, but it’s raw and full of energy. i even tried my hand at a little stencil work - let’s just say it wasn’t my finest moment.
Here’s the lowdown on what I’ve been up to:
*Gear: My trusty Roland TD-50 (obviously), a battered Nikon D7000, a sketchbook, a ridiculous amount of sunscreen, and a portable charger that’s seen better days.
*Food: Boerewors, bunny chow (a giant curry sandwich - you have to try it), and way too much samoosas.
*Music: Afrobeat, kwaito, and a surprising amount of classic rock.
*Accommodation: A slightly questionable Airbnb in Musgrave - the walls are thin, but the location is great.
I heard that the Victoria Street Market* is a must-see, but also a bit overwhelming. someone warned me about the aggressive vendors, but also the incredible deals. i’m leaning towards going, but maybe with a bodyguard.
And, you know, the usual travel blogger stuff. getting lost, taking terrible photos, and questioning all my life choices.
Check out TripAdvisor for some decent restaurant recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298671-Durban_KwaZulu_Natal_Province.html
For more local events, head over to https://www.durbanevents.co.za/.
And if you're looking for some cool street art, this board has some great finds: https://www.streetartmap.com/city/durban
Seriously, Durban is weird. It’s sticky. It’s loud. It’s… good. Don’t expect perfection. Just expect an adventure.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/venice-where-the-canals-whisper-secrets-and-the-weathers-a-mood-swinger
- https://votoris.com/post/umraniye-wages-can-you-thrift-here-without-crying-into-your-ay
- https://votoris.com/post/afterschool-hustle-detroits-real-deal-youth-activities-sports
- https://votoris.com/post/monsoon-moods-and-muddy-memories-in-ipoh
- https://votoris.com/post/konyas-housing-market-renting-vs-buying-is-like-choosing-between-a-leaky-balcony-or-a-cursed-apartment