Yasin Ansari

Essenwood Flea Market in Durban

// July 28th, 2009 // 7 Comments » // Travel

I am not one for shopping but by far one of my favorite hang outs has to be the Essenwood Flea market. It’s one of those places that make the weekend so much better. I was fortunate to first stumble upon this gem when I lived in Durban, only then it was much smaller. Today the Essenwood Flea Market has become the place to hang out with easily about a hundred stalls, food market, kids area and ample shopping in the outdoors.

Open from about 8 to 2 every Saturday morning the market is filled with stalls that offer you something different from the retail outlets we are used to in South Africa. Set in one of the local Durban municipality run parks, the market offers the discerning shopper a selection of creativity in so many forms. From gifts, to to clothes, music, incense, candles, palm reading, fresh flowers, art from local lads, massage and scented oils, picture frames  and the list goes on and on… what stands out is the uniqueness of each stalls offering.

The food area has grown to now offer alot of snacks and nibbles perfect for a mid morning snack seated in the park under the shade of trees that have been there for decades. Parking is a bit of a hassle as the park is in a residential area and you have to find parking between the streets surrounding the park. Tip get there before 930 and make a morning out of it.

What I love the most is the ambience. Between the musicians gently doing their thing, to the occasional sway of the trees, chirps of birds and the kids in the background having a blast in the kids area … its an absolutely intoxicating feeling.  So next time you in Durban, make sure you check it out – carry cash, you don’t want to have to swipe your card, its a mission.

Pictures from the market

Directions to the Essenwood Flea Market

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Some of my favorite coffee shops

// July 14th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Travel

Not sure whether its the Kenyan in me or just an appreciation for great coffee but for me a cup of cappuccino is more than just a frothy warm coffee drink. Its an experience. from the time the waiter says hello, to the way the coffee has been made to the ambiance as I sit and enjoy my 10 mins of heaven. So here goes it, some of my finds:

Recommended Coffee Shops in Durban – South Africa

Antique – opposite Windermere Centre on Churchhill Rd.

The place is actually an Antique shop with some stunning stuff but its the coffee shop that I go there for. They use Buondi Coffee which from my experience is one of the better coffee brands around. From the road, its rather deceiving as it looks like a small shop and the security gate outside only lends to the deceit but once you are in, welcome to a whole new world. There is a garden at the back that has most of the seating. Not a place you will find kids running around in or music blaring. Infact as I blog this (being winter) all I can here is the wind in the trees and the group of Afrikaans ladies sitting on another table after a bit of wine and brunch.

My Rating: Cappuccino – 7/10 | Ambiance – 8/10 |  Service – 6/10

Cafe Al Bacio – Florida Road.

Be warned this is going to be biast for no reason other than I know the owner and he is a fantastic guy. Claudio took over this coffee shop a few years ago after a few failed attempts from previous owners. Some people have it in them to run a restaurant well, and between Claudio, his wife and sister they have done a fantastic job. Consistent, friendly and a passion for food. If its great Italian food, a spot to hang out in and absorb Durban over some great food and conversation or a quick bite then I would highly recommend Cafe Al Bacio. The coffee shop also serves The Florida Park Hotel.

My Rating: Cappuccino – 9/10 | Ambiance – 9/10 |  Service – 9/10

A week off work in Durban

// July 11th, 2009 // No Comments » // Travel

So I finally succumbed to the cold, signed in my leave form and as I blog, am sitting in good old sunny Durban (KZN) and wow it feels absolutely great. My Durban link stems from my wife being born here and me having spent 3 fantastic years of my life here working with some awesome companies doing what I love most … designing websites. Durban by far is one of the top 3 cities in South Africa, offering you everything from great weather, beach and a laid back kinda lifestyle that only a coastal town can offer you. I tell you its got something to do with the humidity. What amazes me about this place, being an aspiring gardener, is that plants do really well. Its amazing as you drive down the scenery, terrain, colors change so dramatically from one province to another. You know you are near Durban when all the colors start coming back as you leave the brown and grey of Gauteng, it starts getting warmer and then it hits you – the smell of salt in the air. BRILLIANT. Growing up in Kenya, for school holidays we drove to Mombasa (tropical paradise) for a break and the deal was the first person who saw the ocean gets to choose dinner.  The game hasnt changed much just its not my dad motivating us – its me striking a deal with my wife and still having to pay for the dinner. I miss being young. As far as plans go, this is time off – I have none. Just the beach, catching up with a few ex-colleagues and friends lastly doing that thing you are supposed to do when you take time out and thats doing NOTHING. Watch this space, will be blogging about my nothingness soon. Catch y’all later …