July 27

Durban- Hillcrest- the Hotchkiss'
I had another huge breakfast (I have got to lay off the carbs), although the hotel staff is plentiful and overattentive. After checking out I ran into the waterfront to use cheaper internet than what is at the hotel, from there I got picked up by an airport shuttle. The man who drove me was very nice and I hope to hire him to drive Sydnee and I around for a day to see the remoter areas of the Cape. He also made an interesting statement that he would be worried about the blacks in hostels, in America he would be considered black, but here he is considered coloured, which are appropriate terms to use for people from the aparthied times.
The flight to Durban (via Port Elizabeth) was through an airline called Kulula Air. They were very entertaining- comedy in their pre-flight instructions. When I arrived at the airport Mrs. Hotchkiss greeted me with a huge hug and then Mr. Hotchkiss arrived from Jo'burg (well timed arrivals). We then drove roughly 30 minutes to their home in a growing town called Hillcrest. It was dark coming in so I didn't see much. Her son Tim and his girlfriend Jade (20) are home on holiday from Varsity (college). They attend the University of Cape Town (convenient). The family is so nice and I really enjoyed talking with Tim and Jade. Mrs. Hotchkiss made sweet tea, which was such a treat for me! Tim drank some and said- what is this? and I told them it is a delicacy where I am from. Their house is very nice and spacious. I have my own room. Once again, I can't believe I am here, spending the next three weeks in this home on the other side of the world from my home. The family is very nice about wanting me to feel at home.