As I said earlier, being at the place where Gandhi started his second part of life which was a life devoted to freedom, I was enthused. With myself energized, I moved towards Durban on 30th of August. I must say; a little of the energy I stored from Pietermaritzburg got wasted. It happened when I took a wrong turn and travelled 15 Km ahead on the national highway. I had to return back the same distance.The right way was through marathon road where comrade marathon is run annually.

Zero-Zero (0,0) was the point where I thought to take a little rest. The place is called so because it lies just at the middle of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. I was tired and hungry so I bought some fish and chips. Though I was tired, the fascinating view around made me forget about everything for some moments. That terrific view was of Valley of 1000 hills. Valley of 1000 hills is the place with dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is a majestic valley created by Mngeni river and one of the prime tourist destination in South Africa.

After sometime, puzzled, as to where to stay, I asked the owner of the store about the place I could stay. Both of us tried to locate one suitable place on map but failed. It was the owner’s last day at the shop because he had sold it, yet he offered me to stay at his home where I had a very nice time. We had a lot of talk regarding issues like peace, environment protection, places around the world etc. I was happy to know his concern to save environment and his enthusiasm to establish a cow farm.

On a discussion upon his prospective new business a proposal arose to start with a petrol pump as there were no petrol pumps around for a long distance. I was surprised to know that petrol pump was not allowed at that place on the ground that it deteriorates the environment around the valley of 1000 hills. For a messenger of environment protection, it was a good feeling to hear that.
19 Km before Durban, I had parked my bicycle on the roadside to check weather the I direction I was taking was right. All of a sudden, a microbus hit my bicycle. I rushed to it, thankfully nothing serious had happened to my bicycle. Also I didn’t’ get a chance to get rude with the driver as a concerned gentleman came with his license and bill book to apologize. I was happy with his attitude and recently forgave him.

It was 12-30 and a scorcher on reaching Durban. Started at Dispatched Daily, after some photoshoot for news, I ended the day of 31st August at Dr. Ang Tshiring Sherpa’s home.The month of september started with the melodious “ om mani padme hum” and unlike previous day Durban was pretty cool. Leaving my bicycle at Dr. Sherpa’s clinic, I went to the Dolphin show. The wind was playing with my hairs while I was waiting alone the show. It was a little awkward when the television screen covered me with my dancing hair for around a minute. It was unusual when I a got a huge appalause for my hair and everyone searched me to see the original man on the TV. After the dolphin show, I met some very nice people and hung out for some time before I went back to Dr. Sherpa’s home.

I visited the kids exhibition on sunday. My stay at Durban was pleasant. I spent most of the time at Dr. Ang Tshiring Sherpa’s home. The stay was the most important part that made the whole time at Durban pleasant. Dr. Sherpa was the one who added flavour of dolphins and the exhibition during the stay. I am also grateful to Dr. Bhatta for the vaccination against Rabies. I would like express my gratitude to Mr Pramod Nath Gongal for his reference to Dr. Bhatta. Dr. Sherpa was with me in ICC building where Dr. Bhatta’s clinic was and it was a cheerful moment when old times friends (Dr. Sherpa and Dr. Bhatta) had met after a considerably long period. Both of them promised to meet more often in future.

On tuesday, 4th of September, I took my bicycle and headed to mayor’s office before I left Durban to add numbers to my 90,538 Km journey. It was a short and precious time with Mr. James Nxamulo- the mayor of Durban City. I shall be heading to Lesotho through East London. I miss everyone in Durban. I shall be updating on “attack to my bicycle” before Mthatha on my next update. Thank you for reading.

Peace and Harmony
Furtemba Sherpa