Playing Saif: Week 5 - Rugby, Surfing and City Tours

A friend from home remarked, how it seems I am in South Africa to holiday and not for an internship. Well, seems like he will have the same opinion after today’s blog. On the work front, everything has been going great. Huaying and me, have been shuttling to and fro between the Head Office and the DC . Time has been flying, with a little over a month left, which includes breaks for a trip to Johannesburg and Nambhiti game reserve, we are arranging our findings for the final presentation.

Wednesday was American Independence Day. Unfortunately, I missed what was supposed to be my first 4^th of July in the US. However we decided to have a braai(BBQ) at our apartment and called in a few of our friends and their families from work. One of the perks of our apartment is that it has a fixed BBQ grill next to the pool for the residents. Good food, great music and awesome company made it a great evening.On Friday we witnessed another another rugby game - Sharks vs Bulls. I don’t intend to brag but I will, Mr Price is the official Sponsor of the Sharks and guess which team won. J If that smile is not a big hint I dont know what will be one. After the game we feasted on another Braai. Portia’s family owns a hut (well for three years atleast), right outside the stadium and we were invited to the dinner. Thanks a lot Portia.

The kebabs were awesome. Jenny was the chef. I just skewered.

4th of July - Paartyy time.

Yaa hoo... Sharks Won!!!!!

This Saturday we decided to take it easy and, pretty much do nothing. I am kidding! We drove down to Ushaka marine and took the “Ricksha Bus”. The Ricksha Bus is a 3 hour bus ride through the city during which, the participants get to see some of the city attractions and learn about the history of Durban. For just a 100 rand per person it was a bargain. We saw parts and places of Durban we had never seen or, even heard about. I loved the commentary that told us about when the buidlings where built, the recent changes and their signifiance.

The "Ricksha Bus"

The Moses Mahbida Stadium in the backdrop. P.S. The beer bottle is not mine.

Since the time we arrived in Durban, we had blocked the Sunday 8th July, for Mr Price Pro Ballito Surfing Competition Finals. Yaa, I know a official sponsor of a stadium, the Sharks( Rugby Team) and also the sponsors for a international surfing competion. Mr Price does it all. Ballito is a 40 minute drive from our apartment and the most enthralling ride through the hills. Like so many other experiences in Durban, the surfing competition was also a first time experience for me. I was surprised at how many people had gathered on the beach to cheer for their favorite surfers. The anticipation and excitement of watching a surfing event is just unexplainable. You wait for the one big wave which will give the surfers a chance to display the various maneuvers and thus lay their hands on the $40,000 award. It was a fantastic event and, I had a great time.