Sunday, 4th.August 2019 On the Sunday, Jane had suggested a trip to pHe Zulu, a Game Reserve and African Cultural Centre about 35 mins. from Durban. Now I always have severe reservations about 'Cultural Experiences'; very often they are nothing more than a shameless opportunity to fleece money from hapless tourists which goes into the pocket of whoever is running the place, the indigenous peoples not getting a fair reward for putting themselves on show. Call me a cynic but I went there with this idea in mind - but changed my tune when I left. 'Tourist Performance' of the dancers at the 'Cultural Centre'. An informative insight into the customs and traditions of the Zulu Nation or a cheap attempt at taking tourist dollars? You decide... It is immediately apparent that by simply driving down the motorway and seeing the townships on either side of the carriageway that the indigenous peoples are at a severe economic and social disadvantage. ...

Saturday, 3rd.August 2019 The Stag and Hen Parties! I make no mention of the Hen Party as I wasn't there. The Stag however I was, and it was an opportunity to meet Dan’s South African friends followed by Go-Karting, and then a meal at a restaurant. Now that I could handle! The Stag was organised by Matt Bolton, aided(?) and abetted by Dan's brother Ben. In attendance were Dan's friends, most of whom were South African but one or two had made the journey from the UK for the event. They were a great bunch of lads, and although I had never met any of them before I found them extremely friendly and engaging. Matt had laid on beers for those sitting out the racing which was a 'round-robin' affair, everyone getting a number of chances to qualify for the 'Final'. Fastest lap wins. Stewart getting ready for the 'Green Flag'. Although I was urged to have a go I sat things out, preferring to record events on camera. Ben (n...

Friday, 2nd.August 2019 Umhlanga, (pronounced "Oomshlanger") Durban, South Africa Arrived at the crack of dawn at King Shaka Airport after a restless flight from the UK... I hate flying. It's only a means to an end. Sat with my knees up under my chin, a numbness permeating the bum-cheeks, and the person in front's chair-back up against my nose, I wondered when this Hell-in-the-Air was going to end! A blanket is supposed to help you sleep for part of the eleven hours you are in the air - sleep! You must be joking! Anyone who sleeps on an aeroplane must be suffering from terminal narcolepsy! To even grab forty winks demands a state of medical unconsciousness! But here we are, alive and in reasonably good shape, and ready for the wedding (and other stuff). Jane and Chris have sorted out a really good apartment for our stay overlooking the beach from which we have fantastic views. All mod cons, a balcony from which we watched the dolphins playing in the...

(This is my personal account of our trip to South Africa and my impressions of the country as I found it. All opinions and views are solely my own.) - Andrew Spreadbury It's the event of the year! As soon as Dan and Candice announced they were getting married in South Africa and Chris and I were invited to the wedding our excitement grew and grew! Here was an opportunity to not only see them 'tie the knot' but to see a little of the country too - a place we had never visited. Immediately, Jane and Chris set about creating an itinerary around the nuptials… South Africa here we come!… Dan and Candice Jane and Stewart Ben and Merle Alfie Chris and Andy Go to Day 1