Durban

I just got back from Durban a few days ago. It was probably the most amazing city I have been so far in my life (not saying much since ive only been to 3 countries). it was life-changing. I cant even begin to explain how much I needed South Africa in my life. but i will try.

Try to put yourself in my shoes: no electricity, running water, white people, English, street lights, roads, bathrooms, air conditioning, cold water, fresh water...etc etc for 5 months. and then just a half an hour taxi ride across the border and it's like i am in America again. and its been there the whole time and i had only a vague idea of where it was. it was like i was living in a cardboard box in the middle of the Ritz Carleton and i had no idea. i just had to pop my head up.

but now that i have been in country for 5 months i am allowed to travel. so we traveled to the largest sea port in africa and one of the largest cities. it was only 5 hours away. the trip was long as any trip in the 3rd world would be. but as soon as we got on the first highway i had seen if far too long i was hooked. i was like a tiny dog in the car. i couldnt keep my head in. i was panting. i was running around in circles saying "OMG STREET LIGHTS! OMG PAVEMENT! OMG GAS STATIONS! OMG STREET SIGNS!" we passed a watering hole with zebras and antelope. then we had to slow down so a baboon could cross the road. then we stopped half way to get petrol and it was like i had died and gone to heaven. they had iced coffee and AND the nutrition facts were in calories not kilojoules. they had clean bathrooms that came WITH toilet paper. they had bubble gum, string cheese, and candy bars. just like an american gas station. i was like okay we can go home now i am satisfied.

the next week was a blur of beaches, indians with saris and long gold chains and braclets, Muslims praying in the water wearing outfits ive never seen, zulus dancing in furs and beads, dutch africans wearing cowboy hats, women in full burkhas sunbathing on the sand, dancing to house music until the sun came up, drinking girly drinks on the beach, eating the best mexican food i have ever eaten, skinny-dipping in the indian ocean, and so on. and meeting other gay people. which is whats going to keep me from et-ing (early terminating) lesotho. yes gays and lesbians who read my blog. there are gays in south africa. hallelujah.

i really cant talk about it yet. its still too awesome.