Gabriel’s big move

I moved on New Year’s Eve, from a quiet Umhlanga neighbourhood to the heart beat of Durban hang outs….on Florida Road. I have always considered myself to be one of those forward thinking, “urban” guys, until the very first night I spent in the new place. 

You see in the north, if the wind is going to be a little rough on the tree leaves, it needs to ask for permission to do this, from the Wind and Breeze Association. Furthermore, it needs to notify you on how long it will be doing this for and which direction. Each colony of bees in the vicinity can then be notified in time that, it’s a flight risk to collect nectar during that time. A perfectly controlled environment for those seeking peace, from the outside in. 

In Florida though, it’s a free state. There’s no concept of “peace from the outside in” you must have peace inside your soul to live here. This place is alive and injects extra soul into the heart of Durban social spots. I’ll admit, it took a bit of getting used to. Like a prisoner switching from isolation to general population, not that I know anything about being in prison. 

Standing on the balcony at night, looking over the city and it’s symphony of lights from the streets and buildings, while the clouds illuminate the sky, with that dusty-orange colour, you can’t help but feel like you are part of something big.  

On the ground, the exhaust pipes give you a sneak listening session of how those horses under the bonnet are working, as they pull the M3 up the steep incline on Argyle Road. For those who prefer to Show and Shine, you are usually greeted by rattling body panels caused by the thumping two 15’ subwoofers in the boot, as it cruises pass like it was in a drive by scene, in an action movie. Or how about that loud laughter from a group of friends sitting at an outside table at one of Durban’s social spots. Right there, it’s all the reason I need to leave the balcony and head straight for the shower…and get ready to hit Florida Rd strip on any given night. The best thing of all, I don’t even have to drive. 

Do I have regrets about moving out of Umhlanga? Yes!  I should have done it sooner.  Perhaps I’m a bit young to fully appreciate what Umhlanga has to offer. But then again, I’m not a senior citizen! So Florida Road suits me perfectly. 

Cheers to…Florida Road.

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