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Day 9 – A Birthday Rest Day by the Ocean

Today was a relatively quiet day, allowing me the opportunity to rest and relax around the villa. Meanwhile, my father, Jack, Daisy, and Ruby attended the cinema to celebrate my brother’s birthday. They watched the latest Marvel film, and to our surprise, the cost of four tickets was only 800 rand. This is significantly more affordable than the cinema experience in the United Kingdom.

Travel Tip: Attending the cinema in South Africa often offers a more cost-effective experience compared to the United Kingdom or continental Europe. For those seeking an economical activity, particularly on a day of leisure, it is advisable to consult local listings to identify suitable options.

While the others went shopping afterwards, having kindly agreed to look for new pyjamas for me, I took the opportunity to enjoy some quiet and restorative time at the villa.

Rest days are essential during longer trips, as they provide an important opportunity to recover, recharge, and fully appreciate the more active and eventful days that follow.

Dinner by the sea

  In the evening, we went to Spur for dinner, a well-known family-friendly restaurant chain that is popular throughout South Africa. I chose calamari and chips, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and our table offered a pleasant view of the ocean.

The meal held particular significance for Mum, as she had worked at Spur as a waitress many years earlier. Dining there together felt like a meaningful opportunity to revisit a small part of her past, while enjoying time with family in a coastal setting.

Travel Tip: Spur is a suitable casual dining option for families, offering a varied menu and, in some coastal locations, attractive ocean views. It is a practical choice for a relaxed yet enjoyable meal after a relaxing day in the villa.

 Day 10 – A Day of Rest, Retail, and Farewells in Durban

The day began quietly, at a noticeably more measured pace than usual, offering a welcome opportunity to unwind and enjoy some well-earned rest. As Daisy had a medical appointment at a nearby clinic that morning, we remained at the villa and made the most of the calm surroundings until her return.

Breakfast was served outdoors on the balcony, with views overlooking the bright blue ocean. The gentle coastal breeze and warm sunshine created a peaceful and restorative start to the day. I enjoyed a bowl of creamy granola topped with ripe strawberries and blueberries, finished with a drizzle of golden honey; it was simple, fresh, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Shopping and simply joys

After breakfast, I prepared for an afternoon of shopping at the busy mall located only five minutes from the villa. Once Daisy’s appointment had finished, we set off together.

I visited a range of shops in search of comfortable long-sleeved pyjamas, having quickly discovered how cool the evenings could become by the ocean.

I also visited a small local bookstore situated within a charming older building. There, I found an attractive adult colouring book featuring detailed nature designs. Dad kindly bought me a set of bright colouring pens to accompany it, a simple but thoughtful gesture. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful travel moments can come from quiet creativity, shared kindness, and time to relax.

Lunch at Circus Circus

Our original plan was to visit Nando’s for a quick bite, but instead, we decided to try Circus Circus, a lively South African restaurant chain known for its bold flavours and cheerful atmosphere.

The restaurant was bright and colourful, full of energy and the smell of good food. I ordered a Ferrero Rocher iced latte, topped with whipped cream and crushed chocolate — absolutely decadent! For my main, I had a prawn paella, rich with saffron rice, juicy prawns, and a zesty sauce that lingered beautifully.

Travel Tip: When travelling abroad, try local restaurant chains instead of only international ones. They often serve unique dishes and give you a real taste of local food culture.

An evening at Lords and Legands

After some rest back at the villa, we prepared for the evening: a farewell dinner with family at Lords and Legends, a lively restaurant and bar known for its warm atmosphere, music, and sociable setting.

We were initially seated outdoors beneath the fairy lights, but moved inside once the evening breeze became cooler. I began with a Diet Coke, which felt like a sensible choice while I was not feeling my best, before later joining everyone with a colourful cocktail made with vodka, fruit juice, and soda. It was a pleasant way to mark our final family evening in South Africa.

For dinner, I chose a grilled chicken wrap filled with salad and a tangy dressing. The portion was very generous, requiring a knife and fork to manage, but it was fresh, flavoursome, and satisfying: a balanced combination of lighter ingredients and a hearty meal.

As the evening came to an end, I began to feel unwell again, so we said our goodbyes and made our way out. Uncle Barry accompanied us to the car park with his familiar broad smile and lively conversation. It took some gentle encouragement before he finally let us leave, as he clearly wanted to make the most of our final evening together.

Evening Reflection

Upon returning to the villa, I had a warm drink with my medication to help ease my symptoms before going straight to bed.

It had been a long yet meaningful day, marked by family connections, enjoyable food, and simple comforts. It was the kind of day that gently reinforces why goodbyes can be so difficult: because the memories created are deeply memorable experience

Day 11 – A Quiet Day in Durban: Rest, Recovery, and a Little Adventure

The day began at a slower pace, as I was not feeling my best and we decided that I should remain at the villa to rest. We attempted to arrange a doctor’s appointment, but when Auntie Debbie contacted the surgery, she was advised that the matter could be managed over the phone.

She kindly collected a sample pot for me and returned it to the doctor’s surgery, where a test was carried out. Unfortunately, the results confirmed that I had a urinary tract infection. The doctor prescribed dissolvable antibiotics, which were a practical solution given that I find swallowing tablets difficult. To my relief, they were much easier to take than expected.

Auntie Debby to the rescue

While Mum stayed at the villa to look after me, Auntie Debbie kindly took care of the practical arrangements, including delivering the sample, running errands, and collecting the prescribed antibiotics. Her support was invaluable that day.

When she returned, she joined us for lunch. We checked whether the on-site restaurant was open, but after navigating several flights of stairs, we discovered that only the pizza outlet was operating.

As I had already eaten a considerable amount of pizza during the trip, soup felt like a more suitable choice. Mum read through the options, and I chose butternut soup; however, we accidentally received biltong soup instead. Although it was not what I had expected, I decided to try it as part of the South African experience.

Unexpectedly, it was very enjoyable, turning a simple mistake into a pleasant surprise.

Meanwhile on the zip wire

While I was recovering, Dad, Jack, Daisy, and Ruby took part in one of the most adventurous activities of the trip: completing the largest zipline in South Africa.

Daisy, being particularly adventurous, chose to take on the most extreme option. I enjoyed seeing their photographs appear in our family WhatsApp group, The Armstrong’s African Adventures. Although I was unable to join them, seeing how much they enjoyed the experience made me feel connected to the activity in my own way.

It is not an activity I am able to do because of my physical disabilities, but I was genuinely pleased that they had the opportunity to experience it. Sharing in their excitement through photographs and stories helped me feel included, even from the villa.

Ending the day together

When everyone returned, we were once again reunited at the villa. It was a welcome opportunity to come together, exchange accounts of the day’s activities, and enjoy the reassurance and comfort of one another’s company.

Although I had been unwell, the day served as a meaningful reminder of how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such thoughtful, caring, and supportive family members.

Rest, comfort, and family support gave the day its own quiet significance, demonstrating that even the calmest and most restorative days can become an important part of a journey.

 Day 12 – Farewell Durban: A Family Braai and Birthday Before Cape Town

This day marked the conclusion of our time in Durban, as we prepared to travel to Cape Town the following day. Having not visited the city for several years, I was looking forward to rediscovering it and experiencing it again with a fresh perspective.

I spent the morning resting and focusing on recovering from the illness that had affected much of the trip. As I was still not feeling at my best, and as we also needed time to pack, we decided to remain at the villa for the day. I also managed to finish my book, which gave me a welcome opportunity to choose a new one for the next flight.

 A Cosy Braai and family catch-up

Rather than visiting Auntie Debbie’s home for dinner, she came to the villa for a braai, bringing salad, drinks, and several thoughtful gifts, including a lovely T-shirt printed with “Durban”.

While Dad and Elle prepared the fire, Mum and Auntie Debbie spent time reflecting on their childhood memories. It was very moving to see them together again after such a long time. Although Mum had surprised her a couple of years earlier for her 50th birthday, this occasion felt particularly special.

As the braai continued, I chose a simple meal of boerewors and salad, avoiding heavier carbohydrates as I was still not feeling fully well. This also felt sensible given that we had an early start the following morning for our flight to Cape Town the colourful capital of the world.

Jack’s Birthday Celebrations

Although I was still not feeling at my best, I was determined not to miss Jack’s birthday celebration. After everything we had shared during our time in Durban, it felt important to be present for one final family occasion before we travelled on to Cape Town. We gathered around the table with the birthday cake ready, the atmosphere warm, relaxed, and full of anticipation. In typical fashion, I casually mentioned that I would have my slice later with my medication, without realising that I had inadvertently revealed the cake before the surprise had properly unfolded. Mum quickly leaned in and whispered, “Shhh!” — and in that instant, I realised I had accidentally spoiled the moment.

It was a small, unintended moment, but it also reflected something very real about neurodiversity. Sometimes thoughts are spoken before there is time to filter them, and unexpected honesty can slip out at exactly the wrong moment. While it made me laugh afterwards, it also reminded me that being autistic is not something I would ever want to change. It is part of who I am: the way I notice details, the way I connect events together, the way I experience family moments intensely, and the way I bring my own perspective into every situation. Even when things do not go perfectly to plan, those differences are part of what make life memorable.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening came when Auntie Debbie’s son brought out his guitar and played “Happy Birthday” for Jack. It was a simple gesture, but it transformed the celebration into something deeply personal and heartfelt. Everyone joined in, voices overlapping with laughter, music, and the familiar warmth of family gathered together. Afterwards, we continued with our family’s traditional “knotapip hooray!” — our Afrikaans way of saying hooray — which made the moment feel even more connected to Mum’s South African roots. Jack then made the first cut of the cake and paused to make his birthday wish, bringing the celebration to a gentle and meaningful close. It was not a grand or extravagant occasion, but it was sincere, intimate, and full of love — exactly the kind of memory that stays with you long after the candles have been blown out.

Goodbyes and gratitude

After the cake had been shared and the laughter had settled, the evening reached its most difficult moment: saying goodbye. I told Auntie Debbie that, next time, it would be her turn to visit us in the United Kingdom, hopefully within the next year or two. Although it was said lightly, the promise carried genuine meaning, as none of us wanted the time together to end.

Before she left, I was able to capture a Polaroid photograph of the two of us together. It was a small but precious keepsake from the evening, and one I know I will continue to treasure as a reminder of our time in Durban and the family memories we created there.

Once everyone had left, the villa became quiet again and we turned our attention to the final preparations for the next stage of the journey. We finished packing the last of our belongings, making sure everything was ready for the early start ahead. I then had a comforting cup of tea and a slice of birthday cake with my medication before getting into bed, tired but grateful for the meaningful family evening we had shared.

The following day would bring a new chapter of the adventure, as we prepared to leave Durban behind and travel onwards and upwards to Cape Town.

Travel TipWhen travelling while managing a chronic illness or disability, it is important to allow yourself time to rest when your body needs it. Itineraries can be adapted, activities can be rescheduled, and periods of quiet recovery can often become some of the most meaningful and memorable parts of the journey.