Around 2012, Umhlanga became a Comrades marathon accommodation destination. It was before the gigantic Pearls complex was constructed and still had the small village like feel to it. With the new airport nearby Umdloti, Umhlanga was the ideal location but felt far from Durban. It soon became one of my favourite places. We seldom went north and never visited Durban, apart from running into Kingsmead stadium after 12 hours on the road on race day.
Today I drove my friend north to visit a lovely cafe, the Grand Exotic. It was my third visit on this extended stay of mine. We stopped in at the Ballito malls on route and I was very impressed by the unusual shops, eateries and feel of the place. Not the just the usual franchise venues but also unique displays of creativity and if we weren't going to the Exotic, I would have gladly spent more time there.
The Exotic, as usual, impressed my friend and as we were leaving (at closing time) we popped into the arty shop. Much to my delight, there were saris just waiting for me. I'd mentioned a couple of days ago that I was thinking how nice it would be to wear one. Today my friend gifted me one and as I tried to figure out how to wear it via YouTube videos (back home), I realised that it is a lot more complicated than I expected. I didn't take any selfies because I certainly didn't do the outfit justice, but I will keep you posted once I get professional assistance.
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