Reaching There

As I enter the premises I get a first view of the grandeur of the majestic mansion build out of white marble. If not for the sheer size of the building, the blinding light of the sea of whiteness overwhelm my senses. A thought comes to my mind - is this the house of someone of great importance? I take a walk along the stony pathway surrounded by luscious gardens and beautiful statues adorning them. A series of steps lead me to the courtyard surrounding the house. It takes a few gasps of breath to imbibe the majestic view of the house from here. The main building is still a good fifty steps away. I can see throngs of people scattered around the courtyard. A family sitting on the ground raise their heads to sky to see the yellow flag fluttering in the strong wind a hundred feet above the ground. A couple of school kids are busy taking pictures from their mobile phones. An old man with a stick to support his fragile frame, makes a strenuous effort to straighten his back, aston...

I came to South Africa not knowing what to expect. But, surprisingly all my unknown expectations were fulfilled beyond my imagination! I managed to taste and enjoy most of the colors of the Rainbow Nation. Although just a three week visit and riveted around Durban, I managed to get a feel of Suid-Afrika. Durban   Airport   and the Indian Girl King Shaka Airport, Durban, SA I landed in   Durban   on a bright sunny evening in mid-November. Just near the immigration counters was a big poster of a smiling Nelson Mandela; welcoming us with a big smile and the 2010 football world cup trophy clutched tightly in his big hands. I knew I was in   South Africa,  a country I would never had thought of visiting if not for my job. The diversity was quite evident from the people at the counters. I had an African guy, a white guy and a girl of Indian origin wearily looking at the long line of people that had just landed from a flight from   Dubai . I ended up wi...