I have been meaning to introduce my hometown for a while now, but it always seems to fall to the bottom of the things I want to write about. This doesn't mean it's not an interesting place (it's awesome), it just means that my stories are all super interesting - wink wink! So, viewers, it's time! Say HELLO to DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA!

While I have only been living here for just under 9 years now, it has come to be my home in every sense of the word - I fit in. It is where I married my husband, where together we built our business and where we started our family. While Durban itself is a city, I live in the outer West Suburbs, about 30 minutes from the beach. For me it is a perfect setting because I get to enjoy the country life, but I can pop into the city whenever I feel the urge to do so.

Durban boasts a beautiful ocean, host to whales, dolphins and other amazing sea creatures, all of which can be seen from the shores during peak season. The land is rich with green shrubbery and thickets, lagoons and sandy beaches that welcome line the oceans shore.

While I have lived in many places in South Africa, as well as traveled to a few, I can honestly say that in my opinion, the Durban people are by far they most pleasant. They are a very relaxed bunch of humans who radiate "chilled" vibes, they are friendly, energetic and usually get a long with anyone - it's been easy to make friends here!

Right now I would like to share a list of my favorite things about Durban, places, activities etc. Here goes:

Favorite outing/s: Definitely the beach (it's so nice to watch my son giggle in the waves) and Ushaka Marine World (a number one spot to go if you are touring the city).

Favorite pit-stop for a drink: Wahooz along the main beach front, they make the best cocktails! On a Sunday afternoon bands perform live reggae music here, given the atmosphere a true holiday-like vibe!

Favorite restaurant/s: Spigadora - a quaint Italian restaurant. In case you don't know, Durban is also home to the most divine curries, the most popular being the "bunny chow". Oh, and I can't leave out Afro's Chicken - we get takeout from them often (best chicken in town)!

Favorite local shops: Ooooh, well it's not really a "shop", but Durban has a HUGE farmers market that sells amazing food and local handmade goods, I go there as often as I can on my limited budget!

Durban has become quite the popular tourist destination and since hosting the soccer world cup in 2010, it has managed to keep its beaches clean, safe and exciting. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the city center - it's not too pretty and I don't have any photos of my own to show you, since I'm way too scared to pull out my phone/camera in fear that it might be pinched from my hands! The city center is a reminder that South Africa is still a poverty stricken land and a third world country. So while it is a beautiful part of the world, it does have its downfalls - like many other countries.

But please do come over and visit my hometown if you are ever nearby? Stick to the beaches and outer suburbs and you will be well looked after. We are a divers country with many cultures and religions, all of which can be viewed and experienced here, in Durban. Popping by anytime soon?