Tando’s Wedding, Oribi Gorge, and more Birthdays

Within the span of three days, I found myself toasting a speech at a South African/Congolese wedding, jumping off the edge of the world's highest gorge swing, and celebrating another friend's birthday at a very cool South African restaurant. The adventure continues …

Friday night, Melissa and I were personally driven to the flat where Tando’s post-wedding celebration took place. We walked into a room crowded with many (already drunken) people, most South African and the majority Congolese (the groom is a refugee from Congo); we sometimes joke with Tando that she met her husband as a client at our office. I was a bit paranoid when the attention shifted to the only two Southeast Asian people walking across the room, but I was pleased to see everyone smiling and waving with delight, excited that we were there. A few guys actually asked me if I could help them resettle to America, but I just smiled and chuckled awkwardly, as if they were joking. Don’t think they were though. I was even more surprised with Tando asked Melissa and I to present a speech on her behalf (her friend at the last minute became too scared and backed out). So there I was, front and center within 30 minutes of arriving, greeting the room in Zulu and telling everyone how Tando had played an influential part in making my experience at work so memorable. Melissa chimed in as well and throughout our speech, the room would erupt into clapping and shouting. The vibe was very fun, filled with so much joy and energy. I wanted to stay longer but my roommates and I had plans that night to road trip along the south coast for the weekend.

The three of us stayed at Mantis and Moon Backpackers, one of the most innovative hostels I have seen. Trees and plants covered the entire place, which made for a very cool tropical feel—I felt as if I was in the middle of a jungle. We even stayed in a tree house (with a tub in the corner of the room) on the second night! During the day, we walked to the beach for surf lessons. The waves were rough and the conditions not ideal for surfing, but it was fun — and still extremely challenging — nevertheless. By Monday, we packed our belongings and headed for Oribi Gorge where I launched myself off the edge of the Lehr’s Falls into the abyss of the world’s highest gorge swing. I wasn’t nervous leading up to the jump but my heart started pounding as I stood on the edge of the cliff, looking 120m below me. But I leapt from the edge (as if to fly) and experienced the ultimate rush. (I tried to attach the video but the file was too large.) Pete and Gabs, both of whom have bungee jumped in the past, were deathly afraid of heights and refused to do it. Later that afternoon, we hiked around the gorge and relaxed on the edge of the cliff, staring into the picturesque mountain ranges displayed before us. From the peak of the cliff, I can definitely see why Oribi Gorge is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most spectacular natural settings.



Preparing for the Gorge Swing.


Gabby, Me, and Pete standing on the waterfall on Lehr's Cliff.


Enjoying the trip back to the top of the cliff. It was amazing—from the moment of the jump to the time I was slowly lifted back to the top.



When Gabby and I returned to Durban that night, we went to Moyo to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The design of the restaurant was very innovative and unique, definitely one I have yet to experience. We sat next to the beach area where they provided blankets and cushions for comfortable sitting. We even got our faces painted as Zulu warriors, and toward the middle of the night were treated to an acapella version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The food, as always, was amazing; we ate an assortment of South Africa dishes—family style. By the end of the night, I was stuffed and exhausted and ready to collapse on my bed.