Busy in Durban…. Monday, 02/12/2024

It has been a busy period, seeing many different people. Several lunches, as well as evening meetups. There has been a very jolly atmosphere here at John and Jane’s, thanks in part to John’s old schoolfriend Chris coming up from Cape Town for several days. A man best described by the old term “a hail fellow well met” – hearty, friendly and congenial. Needless to say, I’ve been eating more than I’ve been used to. It’s fair to say that South Africans eat a lot! I’ve avoided cakes, but have had a lot of meat and desserts, alongside large quantities of salad and fruit. So it’s probably true to say I’m still a growing boy…

One serious thing I have done in the past week was to give a talk to the World Ship Society, Durban branch, which took place at the Royal Natal Yacht Club. It was arranged by my old friend and colleague Trevor Jones, who after retiring as head of the economics department at the university set up a department of Maritime Studies within the law department. Coming from the very small end of ships, it was felt that I would have something very different to say compared with representatives of the shipping industry!

I talked for perhaps 45 to 50 minutes and then had questions for another 25 minutes or so. It’s always hard to know if what you have said has come over well, but everyone seemed very happy afterwards so it seems to have been a success. For me it was certainly something different – of course I have spoken at length to many people about my world voyage, but giving a formal presentation forced me to sit down and consider how to present things in a coherent way. Naturally, given that I’ve sailed alone on a small boat, much of my story relates to psychological rather than technical matters – something which most people recognise: I’m often asked questions on the theme of “how do you cope?”.

My presentation was videoed by a professional photographer, so I will get a full record. Whether I can bring myself to watch it is another matter – it’s not easy, watching and listening to yourself. 

The weather here has been very changeable. One day was 33 centigrade; two days later it was only 22. There’s been rain and at times strong wind. But a lot of sunshine too. Everything is very green and many plants and trees are flowering – I’m sitting in my room at John and Jane’s and the flamboyant tree outside is full of its characteristic deep orange blossoms. This area, Westville, is very heavily treed – very much like staying in a forest. 

I shall be wandering around a bit over the next week. On Thursday I’m going up the coast a way for two nights. Over the last couple of decades, as Durban’s old central business district has declined, businesses and many people have moved northwards, so the city’s focus has really shifted (much as happened with many American cities from the 1960s onwards). I want to see how things are developing up around Ballito, which is about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north. That area is also good for swimming, with some nice sea pools – the beaches are not polluted, as is the case in Durban, where e coli readings are at times at dangerous levels.

And then early next week I will drive up to Johannesburg to see my old friend Bruce. It will be interesting to see what life is like up there too.