Durban Diaries: Drumming, Dust, and Dodging Pigeons (Seriously)

okay, so. durban. i’m still kinda buzzing, honestly. landed a few days ago, and it’s…a lot. in the best way, mostly. i’m here subbing for the regular drummer in this band called ‘Coastal Rhythms’ - they play at this beach bar, The Shed, every weekend. It’s a gig, yeah, but the vibe is insane. Think reggae, a little bit of kwaito, and a whole lotta sunshine.

I just checked and the air feels like a warm hug right now, a bit sticky, but not unbearable. Apparently, the locals call it ‘damp heat’ - charming, right? I’m not complaining, though. Beats the drizzle back home.

My room’s in this little guesthouse in *Greyville. It’s…rustic. Let’s go with rustic. The owner, Mrs. Pillay, is a sweetheart, though. She keeps trying to feed me bunny chow. Apparently, it’s a thing here. I’m still hesitant. It’s like…curry in a bread bowl? Sounds intense. I did see a review on TripAdvisor - someone said it’s “life-changing.” I’ll report back if I actually try it. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g326238-Durban_KwaZulu_Natal.html

Speaking of things, pigeons. Seriously. They’re everywhere. Like, a biblical plague of pigeons. I swear one tried to steal my sandwich yesterday. I’m starting to think they’re organized. Someone told me that the city council has a pigeon problem, but they’re too busy arguing about something else to actually do anything. Classic.

Gear-wise, I’m traveling light, as always. Gotta be able to move quickly when a pigeon attacks.

*Drumsticks: Vic Firth 5A - can’t go wrong.
*In-ear monitors: Gotta hear myself over the chaos.
*Portable charger: Because my phone is my lifeline.
*Sunscreen: Seriously, the sun is relentless.
*A very large bag of birdseed: Just kidding… mostly.

If you get bored, Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle are just a short drive away. I’m thinking of taking a day trip to see some waterfalls. Apparently, there’s a really nice one called Howick Falls. I found a few recommendations on Yelp. https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=waterfalls&find_loc=Durban%2C+KwaZulu-Natal

I overheard some gossip at The Shed last night. Apparently, there’s this underground music scene happening in Umhlanga Rocks*. Something about secret gigs and DJs playing deep house until sunrise. I’m definitely investigating that. I’m also trying to find some decent coffee. I’m a bit of a snob, I admit. I need my caffeine fix. I saw a listing on a local board for a place called ‘Bean There, Done That.’ Sounds promising. https://www.durban.co.za/local-boards/

I heard that the beachfront is amazing at sunset, but watch out for the hawkers. Apparently, they can be a bit…persistent. Also, someone warned me about pickpockets near the Golden Mile. Keep your valuables close, folks.

Honestly, Durban is throwing a lot at me. It’s chaotic, it’s vibrant, it’s…pigeon-infested. But I’m digging it. I’ll keep you posted. Maybe I’ll even try that bunny chow. Wish me luck.

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