On The Move…

1) For all its sophistication, Durban has yet to see fettucine catch on as *the* pasta.  And vermicelli is served virtually exclusively as a milky, Indian dessert.  Very strange.

2) Don’t talk about taking a “taxi” here in Durban, say “metered cab”.  Taxis, and even “cabs” refer to these 12-seater-turned-16-seater minivans that ply the roads taking passengers, kind of like private buses (and equally cheap).  Ever taken sharp bends going at 140km/hr (what is that in mi/hr?)?  While the driver counts out coins to give change?  Want to?  Well, get on a Durban taxi.  I have, and survived to tell the tale (being wedged soldily against other people is a great way to avoid being flung about).

3) The mega-malls here are awesome in scale (6-storey free-standing climbing walls, anyone?), and opulence (live concert pianists??), but the shopping is unfortunately lacklustre (unless you’re shopping for home furnishings, because that is another story altogether).