Work on talk a bit in the morning. Work out in hotel exercise room, lame but really need to move. Head to airport and fly from Nairobi to Johannesburg to Durban. Worried about retrieving luggage, changing terminals, and re-checking in J-berg, but goes smoothly. Start chatting with fine gent before taking off in J-berg, conversation is sufficiently stimulating to warrant his taking a middle seat to continue. First time I’ve truly enjoyed airline conversation with a formally unknown row-mate. Get an offer for a local tour of Durban and wonder if I might be able to get out in this town…

Check into the Tropicana and can see its former beauty through the worn carpet and old paint. Feel safe but a little on edge.