City spots - part 2

The AmphiMarket is a must-see flea market held each Sunday in the attractive gardens of the Amphitheatre on Durban's Golden Mile. The 400 stalls sell everything from fresh food to collectibles, with the profits going to various charities.

The Grey Street area is a densely packed warren of shops and living quarters in Durban 's central Indian district and is definitely the best place in town to sample local spicy food. Try Aangans on Queen Street and Manjras on Cathedral Road for traditional Indian cuisine.

Also look out for the Juma Musjid Mosque on the corner of Grey and Queen Streets, the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere. The Oriental Bazaar on Albert Street and the Indian Market at the west end of Victoria Street are also worth a visit.

A trip to Durban isn't complete without a boating experience to view dolphins in their natural habitat. Try Durban Chartered Boat Association for details on dolphin and whale viewing, booze cruises and romantic sunset trips. Call (031) 301 1115.

Enjoy a steam train trip on the Umgeni Steam Railway ,one of the oldest and most scenic rail trips in South Africa. All proceeds are channelled back into their restoration. They leave Kloof station on the last Sunday of every month at 9.30am, 11.30am and 3.30pm.Call ðe082 353 6003.

JOHANNESBURG
Newtown is Johannesburg's newly developed cultural hotspot. This is where you will find the Nelson Mandela Bridge, a 295m-long, cable-stayed bridge that can accommodate over 3 000 vehicles an hour. The bridge also has pedestrian walkways and when lit, provides a spectacular new element on the city skyline. Metro Mall is Newtown's public transport and shopping complex, with some of the city 's most exciting public art on display.

Other worthwhile visits in Newtown are the internationally acclaimed Market Theatre, (011) 832 1641, and Museum Africa, (011) 833 5624, Johannesburg 's major history and cultural history museum. Sandton City is a three-tiered tower with a maze of escalators, lifts and 290 shops under its roof. It 's a one-of-a-kind experience for any shopaholic. Another great shopping experience can be found at Thrupps – the oldest shop in Johannesburg – which offers a range of delicacies such as Gentleman's Relish, tinned local pâtés, including crocodile, springbok, and kudu, as well as caviar, imported cheeses and Scottish smoked salmon.

The bustling and colourful Oriental Plaza ,situated one kilometre west of the city centre, opened in the mid-1970s as a direct result of apartheid's grand separation schemes. Shopkeepers were relocated from nearby Vrededorp and Pageview, and were offered space at the Plaza. The 360 shops are full of bargains and stock an array of goods including clothes, fabrics, crockery, hair accessories, samoosas and chilli bites.

The Mai Mai Bazaar ,on the corner of Anderson and Berea Streets in the city centre, is the oldest market in the city and is dedicated to traditional healing. From traditional artefacts, including Zulu attire, walking sticks, knobkerries, sandals and beaded items to muti, this market makes for a fascinating outing.

The Rooftop Market in Rosebank Mall is open on Sundays and public holidays and is regarded by many as South Africa's best flea market. More than 500 stalls offer quality clothing, beautiful ceramics, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles.