On to Durban

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Trip Start Jan 20, 2008 Previous
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  Durban, South Africa
Wednesday, March 5, 2008

We left Harrismith after a wonderful stay at a B&B.  We were the only guests, and sat with the owners in the evening for a good visit.  In the morning following their directions we went on to view the Drakensburg mountains.  This is not to be missed.  There are terrific self catering chalets in beautiful garden settings at reasonable prices.  This is where the next adventure began.  The driver's window became stuck in the open position.  We called the car rental, and they told us we had to go on to Pietermarietsburg to change cars.  We couldn't stay in the mountains, as there were rain showers, and we felt that it was prudent to change the car.  We drove down, and eventually changed vehicles.  Onwards we went to Durban and took a left to Uhmlange Rocks ( not sure of all these spellings).  This is the Miami Beach of South Africa.  Not for us.  The light was fading, and we turned south, heading back to Durban and beyond.  This is when it happened.  Suddenly, in front of us 2 cars were stopped in the middle of the N2, and traffic was fast and thick.  We managed to stop, with our flashers on, but the driver behind us wasn't paying attention.  I saw him the rear view with his brakes smoking, and I knew we were going to be hit.  BAM!!  His car was smashed in, and our trunk was demolished.  The emergency tow truck showed up in minutes, and got us cleared off.  In the meantime, the 2 cars in front of us disappeared down the road.  Did we want to scream and curse?  You betcha.

Once we got the details sorted, and felt that a trip to the hospital was not necessary...whiplash and bruises there were, but thank G-d no blood,  we headed to Durban airport for another car change.  They were the most non sympathetic people you would ever want to encounter.  I would never rent again from a Sixt car rental.  Eventually we had the car replaced and headed for the police station.  You must have a report within 24 hours.  Of course the car rental was only too happy to inform us that they did not care if we were hit from behind, as they had our credit card, and would charge us for the car, or the repair.  The police did not care who was at fault either.  They said that was between insurance companies.  What fun.

Finally, we headed south in the dark looking for a refuge for the night.  We have never been down to this area, and had no clue what we would find.  It must have been close to 11PM when we drove into Scottberg, and found a B&B with a lit sign and phone number.  We called, they answered and rest is history.  Again terrific hosts, who took care of us, and fussed over us as they realized we were somewhat in shock from the accident.  Fortune was with us.  We had a 2 story self catered unit overlooking the pool and garden, full kitchen, 3 bedrooms for a great price.  Immediately, we knew that this was for us until our return to Jo'burg to catch the plane.

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