This weekend our seaside village had a “Winter carnival.” Many people travelled down to our bit of coast, as on Saturday was the “Durban July” horse race at the Greyville racetrack in Durban. This is an annual event, and the main attraction for the Press, if not the punters, are the ladies who go all out to be noticed in their OTT outfits, and especially the hats.
The other event was a rugby match played on Friday night at the Kings Park Stadium, between two of the country’s top teams, ‘The Sharks’ and ‘The Blue Bulls’. Of course our local team, the Sharks won. π
Many holiday makers were here for one or both events, and there was a jazz festival advertised in our local newspaper, for Friday evening.
Hubby and I decided to go up about 9pm, to check out the jazz, but were quite disappointed to see that it was just one group playing in the street near to the car park. ‘Beat-Route’ is described as a “traditional funky swing jazz combo, but we weren’t terribly impressed, and the only way to hear them, was to stand in the street, not more than a few yards away.
We thought we would be able to sit and have a drink at one of the bars or cafes whilst soaking up the jazz, but each establishment was so noisy, with its own canned music blaring out, that we gave up, and just took a few night photos for this weeks travel challenge.
Umhlanga’s favourite tapas and wine bar, “The George,”Β was full to overflowing with very merry customers.
The lovely aromas were very tempting as we passed the ‘Bangkok Wok’, and ‘Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta’ looked so inviting inside, with candles flickering on the tables. Unfortunately for them, we’d already eaten dinner at home, so couldn’t be tempted.
The ‘Ponta D’Ouro’ Portuguese/Mozambican restaurant is another great place to eat, and above this, is a new Cuban restaurant, which I think we’ll try out whilst our son is here next month. ‘Little Havana’ has already got a great reputation for its wonderful cuisine.
Right next door is ‘Angelo’s Trattoria’, which boasts “the wickedest dessert menu in Umhlanga.” That really does sound like my kind of eating place. Why do I cook at home, with all these interesting restaurants on our doorstep? Probably because hubby always says that he enjoys my cooking the best. π
So, after listening to the jazz, and inhaling the delicious food aromas, we decided that it was past our bedtime, and went home. It had been great to be part of the night vibe in our lovely village for a while.
Fun and lively!
Lovely shots of your village carnival. Your description of the restaurants made me drool π
Thanks, Madhu. As you can see, there is no shortage of eateries. π
It seems you survived another very difficult day. You definitely are one tough lady!!!
FYI: I believe a South African choir won a gold metal at the World Choir Games held in my area. Stellenbosch University Choir in the Sacred Music competition. Cheers!
PS: And I actually thought of the several South Africans that visit my little corner when I heard the news. π
That’s great news, Frank. I missed that one. π
I would love to go to the Durban July one day just for the vibe. And I’m really glad that you only posted pics of the restaurants and not the food that they serve! π
Well, as I didn’t have any food, you didn’t get the photos. π
Umhlanga is looking very cosmopolitan.
No, my Dad wasn’t English. I must have heard it on the radio, or maybe we sang it at primary school. I’m good at remembering songs from way back. π
Reminds me of an Afrikaans song ‘ waar kry jy daardie hoed?
There’s an old English Music Hall song from 1888 by the same name. The chorus goes:
“Where did you get that hat? Where did you get that tile?
Isn’t it a nobby one, and just the proper style?
I should like to have one Just the same as that!”
Where’er I go, they shout “Hello! Where did you get that hat?” π
You and I know many of the same old songs. My dad taught me. Did your dad teach you π
I completely forgot about the Durban July. Great photos, really present a holiday vibe π
Well now you’ve missed it, Ruth, You’ll have to wait until next year to wear your hat.;)
I am such a hat freak! I try them on everywhere I go, and have a few myself that I wear on a daily basis. My daughter takes a few steps away from me when I start with the trying on though, very embarrassed by her mother she is
The name of the band made me laugh, and the wickedest dessert menu in Umhlanga sounds like my kind of place too! π
Yes, me too, Ailsa. I’ll have to try out those desserts one day, and report back. π
Bring your camera. π
Naturally. π
Wow, AD, your description and pics of the evening is so vivid, it feels like I have been there myself!
Thanks, ppd. It was nice to have you along with me. π
feel as though i was there wandering along the streets with you ad!
Thanks, Christine. Glad you enjoyed the tour. π
A nice evening stroll and cool photos π
Thanks, Gilly. Yes it was a lovely evening out.
Sport, Jazz, food… what a fun event!
Exactly. Something for everyone. π
I love community carnivals – looks like lots of fun:)
Me too. I had go see what was going on. π
Fun night post – sounds like you had a great time!
Yes it was a fun evening, just mingling in with everyone having a good time. π
WOW! What a beautiful day… The lady’s hat hit me too π Thank you dear AD, it was a wonderful post, I can almost feel the ambience of these moments… Love, nia
Thanks, nia. That hat is very elegant, isn’t it. I wouldn’t wear it myself though. π
Looks really exciting!
Yes, there was a great vibe, and everyone was having a good time. π
Something to be said for living by the seaside π
Yes it does have it’s good side, except when it gets too busy with tourists, but we’re not here at Christmas, which is the worst time.;)
I got married in Umhlanga (at Breakers) and we had our pre wedding get together in the george so thank you for bringing back some great memories.
I am still a huge Sharks fan and was overjoyed by Fridays result.
Thanks for the comment, Mr BC. Where are you living now? Did you hear my sister screaming for the Sharks? π
been living in London for the last 14 years, we try and get back to Africa as often as we can although with two small kids that’s not often enough.
Yes, my son in New York has 3 small kids, so doesn’t get here much. He’s coming next month with just his 6-year-old daughter. It will be a rare treat for him to travel with no baby paraphernalia. π
I can’t wait for that day
I’m sure. π
Just love the name of that jazz band π
Yes, quite clever I thought too, Chris. π
My little village is as dead as a dodo at night. All the eateries are in the mall and our tourism people only arrange beach activities when necessary.
All the action is north of Durbs π
I’m quite envious.
The Umhlanga Improvement Project people have done wonders here. It’s definitely the place to come.
Oh how I long for summer, when outside is the place to be again. You down on that warm coast have so few days when you can’t be outside *sniff*
We are very lucky with our weather, sidey. You need a trip down south. π
I think I do
Fabulous photo’s and love your take on topic. especially the band, they look really interesting… π
Thanks, Gerry. Actually the band was quite good, except for the trumpet which was a bit off at times. π