30 June 2011

{Guest Post} Mrs Rosie Posie

I was so pleasantly surprised when Caley from Mrs Rosie Posie let me know that she would be willing to wrap up my series of guest posts on Durban for me while I was away.  Caley is the first South African blogger I was lucky enough to meet and since then she’s quickly become one of my bloggy besties.  She and I often offer each other words of support and encouragement since we are both still studying (bleh).  Like Taryn and Thobeka, Caley is a born and bred Durbanite, so today she’s recommending some of her favorite sights and restaurants in the city.  Thanks Caley!

*****

Hi everyone, I’m Caley from Mrs Rosie Posie.

Words cannot describe how happy and excited I am, but most of all, how honoured I am to be guest posting for Jen today.

Jen is away at the moment, visiting my incredible province, Kwa-Zulu Natal and whilst she is in the Drakensberg/Durban, I would recommend the following sights and bites to her and all new visitors...

My Favourites:

Sights to see:


Our latest tourist attraction to be built is... Moses Mabhida Stadium.  The stadium was built in time and for the sole purpose of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.  All Durbanites will agree that our stadium is the most beautiful of all the WC stadiums – it has the most incredible arch across the top and the lights at night are breathtaking! The stadium has calmed down after the World Cup storm, but now boasts some great adventure – catch the cable car to the top to take in the amazing 360’ view of our city or jump from a platform at the top and swing across the stadium.


The Durban Beachfront Promenade is another must do and see in Durbs. Even in winter, (our warm and sunny days are currently sitting at 22’C), our promenades are busy with girls running, guys cycling, kids playing and families enjoying the fresh air and sea views.  Who not hire a bicycle and take a leisurely ride down the promenade enjoying the sun, sand, sea and eye candy?


Markets to visit:

Markets – we have plenty of them!

A few of my favourites include:

The Shongweni Farmer's Market – this is situated up on the hill and can be quite chilly in the early morning, but worth it.  The market is open each Saturday from 6.30am – 10am, and offers a variety of crafts and foods.

Essenwood Flea Market – this is situated in the heart of the Berea, in Essenwood Road park and is always buzzing! The market is open each Saturday from 9am – 2pm and it offers some yummy goodies to eat, different hobbies, crafts and clothing.

The Food Market is situated in Umgeni Park and is a hall of the tastiest foods and sweets ever (but plenty of kgs too!)  The market is open on the last Saturday of each month from 8am – 1pm and it is just FOOD, FOOD and MORE YUMMY FOOD!

I Heart Market – this is situated in central Durban at the DLI Hall and is the local hangout for Durban bloggers.  Why not pay them a visit on the first Saturday of each month from 9am – 12pm and shop to your hearts content – clothes, antiques, tasty treats, jewellery and home decor.

Places to eat:


Breakfast – Sage
This little outdoor cafe, that is child friendly and a mini shopping warehouse serves the yummiest muesli and french toast, as well as a rainbow of sweeties (not just for kiddies!)

High Tea – Macaroon Cafe
Treat yourself to the tastiest macaroons in town at this cute little cafe in the busiest strip in Durbs, Florida Road. Stop for a cuppa, a cappuccino or some breakfast but DO NOT leave without tasting all the macaroon flavours available that day – too die for!


Lunch – House of Curries
Kill two birds with one stone and visit Macaroon Cafe and House of Curries at the same time – they are neighbours and owned by couple duo – Mark and Kirst. House of Curries (or more commonly known as HOC) it is THE place to be any night of the week. As the name says – it’s the best curry house in Durbs – and you may need tissues and milk once you have licked your plate clean, or do as the locals do and take a seat at the bar and enjoy their numerous drink specials.


Sundowners – The Lighthouse Bar
This trendy bar is situated at the top of the Oyster Box hotel on Umhlanga beach. With a view of the Durban coastline and trademark lighthouse, sit back and enjoy the signature Umhlanga slinger cocktail, nibble on their roasted corn or caramel popcorn, suck on a flavoured cigar and listen to the sounds of the local jazz player or one man band.


Dinner – Spiga d’Oro
Back to the trendy strip in central Durbs, Florida Road to enjoy the tastiest Italian dishes in town – the pizzas and pastas are incredible with a good bottle of wine to accompany, and the mood is set with fairy lights when eating at this typical Italian pavement bistro. Their secret – no other non-fast-food-restaurant is open until 2am!!

As you can tell, I <3 Durban and I would be happy to show you around if you come visit.
x

3 comments:

  1. The food alone sounds amazing! Would be sooo fun to visit! xoxo

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  2. I can't get over the food. Great post!

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  3. Looks like some great places to eat! There's a Macaron Cafe here in NY & it's fabulous!

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Thanks for the love!