Hey American Guy, Are You From the UK?

This was asked by a very intoxicated, college girl. Everyone went quiet and I didn't quite know what to say. Then it was an eruption of laughter and me saying very nicely that no, I'm not from the UK. Her friends and she were very embarrassed after that.

This past weekend I went to Durban with Neville. Friday was a holiday so around 1:30 pm we hit the road. Now by hit the road, I don't mean hopping in a car or a taxi. I got my first taste of hitch hiking in South Africa. Before you get all worried and calling me stupid, understand that it is very different here. It is an extremely common thing to do and rather safe. A car with a couple picked us up and drove us all the way to Durban. We gave them R50 each and that was it. Neville's friend picked us up and we went to his flat in Pinetown, a suburb of Durban. Since this was a long holiday weekend, a lot of other friends were also in town. A few from Joburb had come in as well. The night consisted of drinking, getting to know these new friends and hanging out. It is in the middle of this group that this girl asked her question and we all had a good time with it. This question was a re-occurring joke through out the weekend.

After about three hours of sleeping, the morning began with McDonalds, grocery and liquor run and a beer in hand by 9:45 am. I did also get to try beef liver. Though it didn't taste too bad, I've decided that livers aren't for me. Yet, all the guys were impressed with my willingness to dig in and how quickly I fit in. The highlight of the weekend was finally going to the cinema. Neville dropped me off at very nice mall and I finally go to see The Hunger Games. Let's just say, I can't wait for the next film to come out! I got picked up after the film and we went back to the house to get ready for the night. The night found us going to a township where a friend was dj'ing. Apparently the township was a pretty dangerous one but we were with other people listening to music, drinking and dancing. It was a fun time and we ended up coming back later in the night to hang out.

Sunday we were supposed to head back home. We decided to save money and get a ride with Lwazi on Monday. It was a gorgeous day out so we were able to hit up the pool in the afternoon and chill out there. Neville told me that we would hit up a club at night, as I've been wanting to do. Yet we hung out at the apartment all night and people were falling asleep. It was a bit disappointing as I was really looking forward to experiencing night life in the city of Durban.

Monday we met up with Lwazi around 2 pm. Lwazi had a surprise for me. We drove to a store. He told us to get some food while he picked up something. There was an indian shop so we stopped for some quick curry and bunny chows. I then saw Lwazi load up the car with what he bought. He had bought a projector and screen for Child Care for us to use in our presentations! There'd been talk about getting a projector since I'd gotten here so I was glad to see the purchase.

Enjoy some photos from the weekend!

The four "white" guys

Drinking outside

Getting ready to go out

The tent where the dj'ing was happening and we were hanging out

At the pool. Action shot of some cannon balls

Neville enjoying his milk. The 2 year old enjoying his beer...wait a minute

ICC building in Durban