We woke with heavy heart and tired eyes. Today is our last day so we planned to go to Victoria Market in Durban and then come back for the shuttle to the airport.
As people were packing up
the last of their things it was sad to think we won't be here tomorrow.
The lure of the market and the promise of buying souvenirs and bargains
to take home for loved ones was enough to keep everyone on target, but
it was impossible to ignore that we were all feeling a little sad.
Sme
of the group walked to the market whereas some of us hung back and took
taxis up the Main Street and toward the market. After some initial
confusion over whether we wanted to go to the local fish market or not
we finally joined with the rest of the group.
Throughout
my whole time here I have been mostly affected by the sounds in every
part of South Africa which has been beautiful, inspiring, annoying and
overwhelming in equal measure. It's impossible to explain completely
what it's like but the people here live through sound and music and it
is so ingrained in their culture and their identity.
This
was no different in the small market street we congregated in. Amongst
the fake football shirts and the mobile phone sims there were lots of TV
screens playing a variety of gangster films, Kung fu films, videos of
traditional music and dancing. All of the screens, around 40 in total
were hooked up huge speakers which were 'turned up to 11' (for any
spinal tap fans out there) but all playing continuously at the same
time. In this tiny zinc shelter the sound bounced around the space and
groups of people stood transfixed by the images. It was fascinating to
see and was clearly a main part of the market.
Once
together we moved to the slightly more civilised indoor section which
sold souvenirs, jewellery and clothes perfect for obvious tourists such
as ourselves. Occasionally I would pass students haggling for their
bargains.
Personally I loved the music shop - a
veritable trove of CD's and cassettes you don't see back at home.
Helpfully in the store they would play any cd you'd like to hear.
Helpful seeing as I didn't know over 90% of the artists I saw. They
tried to give me the Soweto Gospel Choir and Ladysmith Black Mambazo,
both brilliant but I was hoping for something a little more unique to
reflect what I have heard since being here. I left with a CD of
traditional SA music and a Jazz CD that may earn me some brownie points
when I get home.
Matt and I wandered around
and picked up a few presents for friends and family but I was enjoying
more just the set up of the market, the Indian influence again really
prevalent.
After the market most of the group
went back to the Happy Hippo by taxi to continue their shopping or grab
food. Matt, Katy, Holly me and Chris (our new found companion) walked
back. Again there was a real assault on the senses of smell, sound and
sights. On every street corner women and men willing to braid your
hair.
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