Farewell, Durban: A Reflection on Nine Memorable Years
Recently, I bid farewell to the city I've called home for the past nine years—Durban, South Africa. It feels like just yesterday when I first set foot in this vibrant city in June 2011; it was love at first sight. The scenic beauty, the warm people, and the rich cultural heritage captivated me instantly. So, when the opportunity arose in 2013 to move to Durban from Dubai for work, I didn't think twice. During my initial month in Durban, I encountered a few instances that served as eye-opening cultural shocks. As I navigated the streets, I often asked locals for directions, as Google Maps had yet to become well known. To my surprise, they would describe certain junctions using the term "robots." Initially, I was bewildered, envisioning actual robots controlling traffic in this country. However, I soon realized that they were referring to traffic lights. It was a charming quirk that became a fond memory. The second culture shock came when I discovered that gas stations