Gay Durban

Durban View Gay Guesthouse

2012-02-28T22:56:00.000+02:00

Hey guys - this is Durban - the warmest place to be in sunny South Africa on the east coast..

It's where our exclusively gay guesthouse and backpackers is situate right here in the heart of Durban ... the warm friendly city where gay is good.

So come visit and enjoy gay life in our part of South Africa.

Durban View Guesthouse welcomes visitors from around the world and we've already made some great new friends. Your hosts are Dave and Llewellyn.

See links to our site for bookings and enquiries else where on this blog or click here.

Your hosts Dave and Llewellyn

Continental divide?

2012-01-15T11:49:00.000+02:00

It's great when friends from across two continents can rendezvous at the Guesthouse in Durban.

Here South Africans now living in Sydney, Brett and Theo (middle) meet up with Jacques and Andries from Winterton for a weekend of fun in Durban. Great to have you guys join us at the guesthouse and glad you had a good time.

New Year fun at the Guesthouse

2012-01-04T18:19:00.001+02:00

Francois, Marius, Johann and Edward

Guesthouse co-owners Dave (left) and Llewellyn (right) with friend Ian (centre)

Dave and Llewellyn sip cocktails at Billy the Bums

Guests Ed (Johannesburg) and Hans (Italy)

Johann and Edward

Guesthouse owners Llewellyn and Dave

Guests Francois (Mr Gay South Africa entrant) and Marius

Hey guys, thanks for joining us at the guesthouse for New Year. It was braai followed by rooftop fireworks across Durban and more fun at Billy the Bums, our favourite Durban pub.

It's been an awesome 2011... now for 2012!!

2011-12-31T14:06:00.000+02:00

As we rush headlong to 2011, thanks to all of our guests and readers for making this a great year for us. Not as awesome as 2010 with the World Cup Football in South Africa but we met loads of new friends from across the globe and now look forward to 2012 and the new opportunities and friends we will meet.

Tonight we are having a braai with guests at the guesthouse and will continue the party on the roof and jacuzzi till 2012.

Happy Durban Christmas

2011-12-17T20:22:00.000+02:00

Here's a Christmas wish to you all... thanks to all you awesome guys for visiting this year... you've made it special for us; and for those intending to visit in the New Year.. don't wait too long.. come and have some of this summer sun Durban is famous for. Have an incredible 2012!!

The Prince and Princesses

2011-12-08T21:40:00.001+02:00

Our COP17 guests Peter (left) and Bernado (right) were delighted to meet a real Prince - Albert of Monaco - whilst helping organise the Climate Change Conference in Durban. Self-styled as "Exquisiteness Highness Prince(ss) Peter James 111 of Melbourne, and Bedazzlement Highness Princess Bernado 1 of Montejumbura" meeting with His Serene Highness Prince Albert 11 of Monaco. Nice one guys, although Bernado you could have cleaned up your face for the meeting :-)

Dave visits the COP17 Expo

2011-12-08T21:20:00.002+02:00

Bumping into guests of the Guesthouse at the Expo

Guest Nicolas de Klerk designed and built this stand at the Expo - crafts made of recycled materials

Taking time out to visit the Climate Change Expo where his guests have been hard at work for 2 weeks, guesthouse co-owner Dave meets up with our Dutch guests Jeroen and Lennard. In the 2nd photo the Siemens motorbike is a fully electric model going for 120kms before needing recharging and with a top speed of 160kmh. Dave adds his "green pledge" to the Tree of Pledges at the Conference. And in the last place, the "font of all knowledge" Dave hams it up at the information kiosk.

More Cop17 Fun in Durban

2011-12-02T06:36:00.000+02:00

Peter (Melbourne) , Jose (Buenos Aires), Ian (Durban) and Bernado (Uruguay)

Jeroen and Lennard from Netherlands now live in Hungary, with Llewellyn and Dave

Conference organiser Peter from Melboune now living in Germany

It's Llewellyn and my 7th Anniversary together and what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a few drinks with our guests from around the world for the Cop17 Conference in Durban - here from Australia, Uruguay, Equador, Hungary, United States, Netherlands, Germany and South Africa.

Thanks Llewellyn for 7 fabulous years, proving that all things really are possible.. and we met on the internet, so never discount that as possible guys! Check us out on facebook

Tony and Ray

The Anniversary boys Dave (left) and Llewellyn (right) with Tony

2011-11-29T07:08:00.000+02:00

It was Monday and the beer and burger special at Billy the Bums, so we took the COP17 Climate Change Conference guests with us for an evening out. Also joining us were Adrian and Richard from Scotland and Gerhard from Pretoria.

Guesthouse co-owner Dave (left) with Raul (right) from Equador

COP17 guests arrive

2011-11-26T18:00:00.000+02:00

Hard at work for a few days already preparing for the COP17 delegates are conference organiser Bernado (right), and Nicolas (left) setting up a recycling exhibition stand for the conference which kicked off today in Durban. Welcome too to the delegates arriving at the guesthouse today. We hope you have an awesome conference and enjoy our hospitality in Durban.

Durban Welcome

2011-11-20T07:37:00.000+02:00

Durban is under a flood of guests for the Cop 17 Climate Change Conference. Slipping inbetween are guests here for a holiday weekend in Durban, Matt (left) and Raiel (right) with guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn (centre). Unfortunately "climate change" already appears to be having some effect and Durban has been under a mist and rain blanket the whole weekend...hopefully clearing back to our usual November beach weather this week.

Rainbow Cruise Sail-away Party

2011-11-13T22:01:00.000+02:00

Mr Gay Sa 2011 Finalists at Durban View Guesthouse

Barman Ian and fiends meet the Mr Gay SA finalists

Llewellyn (Durban View Guesthouse co-owner) with Gavin Deale

Durban View Guesthouse co-owner Dave (left) with Rainbow Cruise organiser Leon Nel (centre) and former Mr Gay SA Finalist Gavin Deale (right)

Coenie Kukkuk, organiser of the Mr Gay South Africa pageant with his Finalists

The November Rainbow Cruise which sails from Durban to Mocambique is the most festive with the finalists of the Mr Gay South Africa competition on board. The sail-away party at Durban View Guesthouse gives us a chance to meet the finalists and the other rainbow passengers the night before the ship sails.

Adult Panto "Alice in Wonderland" - now on in Durban

2011-11-04T06:37:00.000+02:00

Dave with Thomie (rabbit, right)

If you guys get a chance, please book to see our Durban gay boys in drag for the performance of "Alice in Wonderland" now on at SunCoast Casino until January. Anthony Stonier as the Queen (naturally) and our part-time Guesthouse Manager Thomie (as Rabbit) were hilarious. We made up a table on a bring-your-own supper theatre basis, and the gay boys brought a feast. Wonderful evening. Poor Lee got dragged up onto stage as well.

Lee, Mark, Jeremy, Llewellyn and Ian

Gay Film Fest Now On

2011-11-03T15:41:00.000+02:00

The Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is in full swing at the KZNSA gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban. R35 for features and R20 for documentaries/shorts; an inexpensive bar is open during the evenings (R10 beers, R10-R20 spirits, R10-R15 wines) along with great Pride memorabilia, flags and books of interest.

All major credit/debit cards are accepted for reasonable transactions & purchases.

THU 03 NOV 10:00AM - Milk (screening of film for afternoon discussion)
THU 03 NOV 1:00PM - Activism & Martyrdom: discussing Milk in the SA Context
THU 03 NOV 6:30PM - London Shorts: Short Set #1 (3 short films)
THU 03 NOV 8:00PM - 2 Frogs in the West (feature film, English&French+subtitles)
FRI 04 NOV 2:00PM - Film Makers Workshop: Indep. films that tackle LGBTI issues
FRI 04 NOV 6:00PM - Interactive discussion with director of House of Boys
FRI 04 NOV 7:30PM - House of Boys (feature film)
FRI 04 NOV 10:00PM - Mulligans (feature film)
SAT 05 NOV 10:00AM -Sexuality Workshop: Opening the doors to your closet
SAT 05 NOV 1:00PM - Sexuality Workshop: Love safer sex
SAT 05 NOV 4:00PM - Breaking out of the Box (documentary)
SAT 05 NOV 5:00PM - Difficult Love (documentary)
SAT 05 NOV 6:00PM - Waited For (documentary)
SAT 05 NOV 8:00PM - Judas Kiss (feature film)
SAT 05 NOV 10:00PM - Official Closing Party at the KZNSA
SUN 06 NOV 2:00PM - 2 Frogs in the West (feature film, English&French+subtitles)
SUN 06 NOV 4:00PM - London Shorts: Short Set #2 (3 short films)
SUN 06 NOV 5:00PM - Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride (closing night film)

Please come support us! Share this info with your friends. For more info & trailers:
www.dglff.org.za / or call 0318110959 (office hours) / or email bookings@dglff.org.za

Durban from the air

2011-11-03T06:52:00.000+02:00

The clear blue skies and sea yesterday gave us an opportunity for an early morning breakfast run (or hop) to Pietermaritzburg and some awesome shots of Durban's World Cup Football Stadium from above. After breakfast we got back to Durban in time for work.

Nederlands in Durban

2011-10-31T06:30:00.000+02:00

Always welcome in Durban are our guests from the Netherlands. Particularly during the World Cup last year and with the success of the Netherlands team right through to the semi-final, the Oranje-fans in Durban were great fun. Meet Jelle and Arjen from Groningen in the north who are staying with us during their tour of South Africa.

Kite-Surfing in Durban

2011-10-26T06:02:00.000+02:00

Durban and the east coast of Southern Africa are great kite-surfing destinations. Here for a holiday break in Durban and then on a Mocambique are kite-surfer Ivo and friend Stefan from Vienna in Austria. They are also looking at the possible establishment of a kite-surfing resort along the beaches of Mocambique.

A little bit of Perth

2011-10-26T05:40:00.000+02:00

I always say that the view from our rooftop is a little like the view of Perth from across the Swan River. In Durban to confirm this is Justin a post-graduate student who has been doing volunteer work with disabled children in the Winterton area and is enjoying a break with us at the guesthouse before returning home.

2011-10-18T11:29:00.000+02:00

It's adult Panto time again and Durban's famous/infamous cast once again don the drag outfits to give us a hilarious insight into the times and trials of Alice in all of her glory.

Meet Thomie, our part-time guesthouse manager in a frock as well as the cronies who are always good for a laugh and great evening entertainment.

Here's the link to the facebook event for more info.

Guesthouse photos

2011-10-17T18:18:00.000+02:00

We made some improvements to the Guesthouse last year and don't seem to have loaded the pics anywhere. In particular a guest was wanting a photo of the glass chandelier we bought outside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and hung in our dining room. So here's a few pics of the house, showing the lounge, the dining area, the patio outside the pub and a night view of the spiral staircase to the roof.

Film Fest for Durban

2011-10-13T14:31:00.000+02:00

It's the inaugural Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Durban this month. As an independent platform for filmmakers from South Africa and across the world to specifically deal with issues relating to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersexed (LGBTI) community, the DGLFF will showcase new and innovative motion pictures, documentaries, shorts and related productions whilst conducting workshops, debates and talks on past LGBTI movies, productions processes, film writing and how the visual medium affects and is affected by the pink community across the world. Special emphasis will be placed on Durban and KwaZulu-Natal filmmakers, especially those that deal with human rights and issues of human sexuality in their work. This will not exclude by any means individuals and stories from mainstream cinema, but will allow the LGBTI community to celebrate and explore ideas, concepts and tales of resonating interest with them.

Click on the link here and book your tickets early.

France and LA meets Durban

2011-10-03T20:53:00.000+02:00

It's always great to introduce foreigners to our city and Yohann and Giovanni are no exception. Hope you have an awesome time in South Africa guys and make the trip all the way around. Enjoy!

Dave and Llewellyn's Sling bring the gay boys together

2011-09-18T19:04:00.000+02:00

This is our city and our baby's first view of the sea and her new home in Durban. Welcome home sexy!!

Braai invite

2011-09-15T09:47:00.001+02:00

You're invited to a bring-and-braai on Sunday at my Flying School, Light Flight in Cato Ridge to check out our new plane. Will be flying in the am but the plane can be seen any time from 10am and I will light fires from 12.30.. so please come and be part of the excitement.

Mr Gay South Africa 2011 gets under way

2011-08-27T13:46:00.002+02:00

Contestant Fahraaz

Contestant Prince

The Mr Gay South Africa 2011 contest is under way and the KwaZulu-Natal contestants, Fahraaz, Mngobi and Prince, came for preliminary judging to the Guesthouse today. Judges Trevor, Gavin and Prince put the contestants through their paces and a decision will be taken by the Mr Gay South Africa team as to the finalists for the main event to take place in Pretoria later this year.

Fun in Durban

2011-08-09T07:18:00.000+02:00

It's been a spectacular long weekend in Durban, kicking off with Madame Zingara on Friday, much wine, men and song, and frolicking in the Guesthouse rooftop jacuzzi. The weather has been superb while most of South Africa has been in a winter shiver. Great to meet you guys and Francois (left) for his second visit to the guesthouse.

Thinus (right) and Rudi are owners of the new Ramp Divas Club which recently relocated and offers gay clubbers an awesome experience in Boksburg.

Night with Madame Zingara

2011-08-09T07:10:00.000+02:00

Llewellyn booked a table weeks in advance as bookings opened and a group of 16 of us enjoyed the Madame Zingara spectacular in Durban this weekend. In the photos are Cathy Specific compere and comedienne of the Show with Dave, Llewellyn and Jeremy; in the second photo dressing up for the occasion is Theuns and Llewellyn - Theuns will be opening a new street cafe and restaurant at the reknowned BBB site in Durban soon - and in the bottom photo Dave gets cozy with Madama Zingara hereself. The show is fully booked out for the 3-month tour in Durban, the acrobatic feats (and guys) were fantastic and the food spectacular.

Gaydar rebirth in Durban

2011-08-06T10:21:00.001+02:00

Enjoying a drink in the Guesthouse pub are Exit journalists Ernst, Eddie and Gerhard here for the rebirth party of gay dating website Gaydar, whilst Raph from France has joined us with Celine a work colleague from a French Perfume manufacturer working in Johannesburg on contract.

Welcome to Durban guys and for bringing some new talent to town. Guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn is in the centre of the pics.

Wreck of the Phoenix

2011-08-04T13:36:00.001+02:00

It is not often that a ship of the size of the Phoenix is wrecked on our coast. The last I recall was the Aimie Lykes in 1970 when I was still a schoolboy. The latest is the Phoenix which ran aground this week just up the road (or should I say beach) from Durban. Brad took the day picture and we all took a drive up last night to have a look. Amazing sight! The ship was en route to being scrapped, but made it's own way to an early graveyard after breaking anchor and drifting ashore. It seems like they will be pulling her off the rocks and sinking her offshore.

Family Sunday roast for Llewellyn's 41st Birthday

2011-07-31T20:03:00.000+02:00

It's the birthday month for just about all of us - Llewellyn on the 2nd August, his twins on the 9th August and Dave on the 24th. So here's Llewellyn tucking into his birthday cake baked by his kids, whilst we also enjoyed a Sunday roast that Dave prepared with yorkshire pudding!!

Cape Town weekend

2011-07-20T21:51:00.000+02:00

We took time out last weekend and paid a quick visit to Cape Town. This is the former house of Simon van der Stel, first govenor of the Cape in the 1600s, still a wine farm and also a museum.

Groot Constantia wines are well respected and we spent some time visiting local farms and enjoying the wines and Cape sunshine.

Edinburgh Sean

2011-07-13T06:59:00.000+02:00

Guest Sean from Edinburgh joins us in the Guesthouse pub during his 6-months travels through India, Cambodia, Vietnam and South Africa. This is Sean's first visit to South Africa and he was welcoming the cooler winter air compared to the high temperatures of India's heat.

Hot Winter in Durban

2011-07-03T18:29:00.002+02:00

Durban was stunning for the running of the Durban July Handicap yesterday. Glorious sunshine and great outfits. Llewellyn did some handiwork and added a crown to our velvet waitcoats and my kids Mark and Kate-Lynn joined us for the fun. The running of the 13th Race (naked guys) added some amusement and I managed to take a video clip which I will load on YouTube later.

Dave and Llewellyn with July waistcoats

July Races in Durban

2011-06-30T23:14:00.000+02:00

It's the fabulous July Handicap horseracing in Durban on Saturday and here Llewellyn puts the finishing touches to his and my matching waistcoasts - in the theme "A Right Royal Affair" - Kings, Queens, Knaves and Knights... should be a load of fun and a Guesthouse full of guests who are able to stroll down to the racecourse just below the house.

Hong Kong

2011-06-27T18:07:00.000+02:00

Our French guests Claude and Jerome have been living in Hong Kong for a few years - it's stiffling hot there now so they are in Durban escaping the heat. It's pretty cool here right now but the glorious winter sun is the envy of the rest of South Africa where there is a big chill and snow on the mountains.

Durban welcome

2011-06-16T20:06:00.000+02:00

Guesthouse co-owners Dave and Llewellyn welcome guests to the guesthouse and enjoy a birthday dinner out with Ian (top left) whilst Dewald, Peter (Cologne), Shaun, Johan and Willie enjoy drinks in the guesthouse pub.

Below Llewellyn sports his new crop-top hairstyle!!!

Busy weekend

2011-06-12T17:14:00.000+02:00

Great to see a full guesthouse the last few days. Meet Rosche from East London (middle) with Llewellyn (left) and Cody - an American living in McKay, Queensland, Australia.

We have anther Ozzie guy in the house too.. Hugo, actually originally from South Africa, but been living in Sydney for the last 10 years, as well as some delegates from the States here for the Aids Conference in Durban. So now that the weather has cleared up a bit, hope you're all enjoying the sunshine and warm winter weather (15-20 c) Durban is famous for.

Go Comrades Go!

2011-05-29T07:20:00.001+02:00

The 4am alarm got us up in time to get our Comrades runner guests down to the Start of this years 89km Durban to Pietermaritzburg run. In the top photo Zander and Richard from New York leave the Guesthouse on a crisp, clear and slightly chilly dark morning raring to go.

At right, cousins Matt and Gary also got off to the start and were ceded right up there with the top groups.

In the bottom photo, guesthouse co-owner Llwellyn was thankful he was not running to Pmb and surveys the debris after the thick column of runners had crossed the Start. Good luck guys - Durban gave you an awesome sendoff!

It's Comrades in Durban

2011-05-28T08:09:00.003+02:00

It's the 89km Comrades Marathon tomorrow and we have runners in the house from New York and Johannesburg. Getting together with family and friends last night for drinks in the Guesthouse and carbo-loading out are Johannesburg runners Gary and Matt with Guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn (top photo) and they are joined in the second photo by Richard and Zander from New York who have an impressive 80 marathons under their belt (or shoes..ha ha) including the Antartica Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

Eating out they are joined by Jaco, Kate and Debbie and my hand is in the last photo (left) as we chug down a shooter to wish the runners well. The Comrades Marathon is an uprun this year from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and is one of the world's few ultra-ultra marathons with an impressive field of some 20000 runners.

Calling All Queens...

2011-05-22T08:32:00.003+02:00

"A Right Royal Affair" is the theme of this year's Durban July Horseracing and Fashion event just down the road from the Guesthouse on Sat 2 July 2011.

This means all you Queens, Kings, Court Jesters and Royalty can converge in Durban and make this an exciting weekend of racing, fashion and fashion-less 13th Race.. the naked guys' race after the last horses have thundered down the track. Check out my YouTube video clip of the hot guys making a dash down the main straight... a much-waited afair by the crowd of over 50 000. Llewellyn promised he would do it if one of our guests joined him... but they are chickened out. Anyone up for it?

Join us at the Guesthouse on Friday, meet up with our other guests, walk down to the track on Saturday... win some money, hot boys and enjoy the after-parties. It's gonna be fun!

Guesthouse bookings now open or email Llewellyn on durbanview@gmail.com

Before the July, don't forget our Comrades Weekend, this weekend 27th/28th May, and our Singles Weekend 17th/18th June - Durban is where the action is.!!

On the Battlefront

2011-05-15T15:01:00.000+02:00

Dave and Llewellyn at the Isandlwana (Anglo-Zulu) battlesite

Dave (left) got to fly this RV12 aircraft

The Battlefields a few hours drive north-west of Durban

The African country-side in KwaZulu-Natal Province

We got up early on Saturday morning and took a drive up to our province's battlefield area just a few hours to the north, inland of Ladysmith. This was the scene of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars of the 1800s.

It also gave us a chance to look at aircraft types at the Battlefields Fly-in. Dave flew the RV12 briefly and is thinking of taking up flying lessons.

Indaba Showcase

2011-05-10T20:53:00.000+02:00

Taking a quick spin-around Indaba didn't really do justice to the magnificent displays.

It is actually quite incredible what a beautiful country we live in and amazing to see such entrepeneurship and industry to keep tourists coming to Southern Africa and happy. On display was every tourist's conceivable honeymoon destination, package deal or safari expedition. Wow!!

Congratulations to all the exhibitors from Southern Africa, as well as the invitation exhibitors from further afield in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

We are the world's playground and may your efforts to promote tourism in South Africa be richly rewarded.

Indaba breakfast

2011-05-10T20:41:00.000+02:00

Getting breakfast going for the Indaba guests involved a joint effort between Llewellyn baking muffins and Dave making an egg soufle' at the crack of dawn before setting off to work for the day, leaving Caroline to look after the guests.

Durban ready for Saturday's Mr Gay Boy 2011

2011-05-06T23:46:00.001+02:00

We had a lot of fun at the Guesthouse tonight in preparation for tomorrow's Mr Gay Boy 2011 @ The Lounge. The contestants mingled with the judges and were thrown questions to test their sense of humour, purpose in life and in the competition and generally help the judges gauge their personalities. The boys will also vote amongst themselves for the title Mr Personality.

You can see them all in action at The Lounge this Saturday 7 May from 10pm when the pageant gets off the ground.

Indaba Guests from Eastern Cape

2011-05-06T22:51:00.001+02:00

Meet Guesthouse owners from the Addo Elephant Park area in the Eastern Cape, Oscar and Diedrich, seen here in Durban with Dave, co-owner of Durban View Guesthouse. The Dutch couple emigrated to South Africa 3 years ago and bought the Guesthouse Lemon 3 Lodge which is enjoying the increased tourism of the Eastern Cape. They are represented on the Addo Tourism stand at the Indaba show in Durban taking place now.

Welcome Indaba Guests

2011-05-06T08:04:00.000+02:00

Welcome to Indaba guests, delegates and visitors to Durban - for this vital and Africa's top travel show.

We in Durban appreciate the opportunity to host this event and to ensure that our visitors see Durban and South Africa's showcased hospitality industry in the best possible light.

We hope that you all achieve the success you wish for out of this short window to the world period.

As we have done over the past few years, Llewellyn and I will be visiting the show and hoping to showcase our own guesthouse as an exclusive gay destination in Durban.

Llewellyn at last year's Indaba Show

2011-05-04T07:04:00.000+02:00

Meet Joao from Portugal, seen here with Dave (left, guesthouse co-owner) and Llewellyn (right) a vet who has been working on contract in Mocambique who came to stay with us and in the second photo Patrick and Clothilda, friends of Dave from Germany who were visiting Durban. Enjoy the glorious April/May weather in Durban - the rest of the country is rapidly getting colder... Durban is always the warmest place to be in autumn and winter.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T20:54:00.000+02:00

Duane and Pieter, Brent and Travis and Llewellyn regroup for drinks in the Guesthouse before venturing out for supper. The weather was absolutely glorious today so most of us had a hectic night and day out so I can see an early to bed evening. We're out-partied!

Happy Easter all. Hope your Easter weekend has been great.

Hot Easter Bunnies

2011-04-23T22:52:00.000+02:00

The Guesthouse is bursting at the seams with all rooms full for the Easter break. Here are some of the hot Easter bunnies enjoying a drink out and dinner before bringing "fresh meat" to The Lounge, Durban's gay club which was already packed by 10pm tonight.

In the photos from top and left to right are guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn at Billy the Bums with Jaye, Johan and Pieter, and in the second photo Duane with Len, Ryan, and Llewellyn.

Dave takes to the skies

2011-04-23T13:24:00.000+02:00

Dave with daughter Kate-Lynn climb into Marc's plane

Climbing into an aeroplane and lifting off into the skies is not as easy as it looks, but pretty cool.

I went for a demo flight lesson today and am considering getting my licence. No pics of me flying the plane though as I was concentrating heavily while I zoomed over Tala game reserve while clutching the flight controls.

New Airline for Durban

2011-04-17T17:12:00.000+02:00

Durban has a new Airline - Velvet Sky promising to shake up the budget airline routes from Durban to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Cape Town. A pity they don't have a direct link to Cape Town from here, but they started off with an introductory fare of only R200 to Joberg each way. Wow. Unfortunately the special is over and the fares seem to be similar now to the other competitors. The new airline was born and bred in Durban and our new King Shaka Airport I believe will open many more gateways to Durban nationally and internationally.

We have already booked our flights to Beirut and Damascus on Emirates which flies right out of Durban - what a relief, no more sitting around Johannesburg Airport when we are en route to an international holiday destination. We will be sure to use this route when we visit Llewellyn's dad in Los Angeles.. direct from Durban via Dubai.

10th Anniversary for Ian and Claude

2011-04-17T08:54:00.000+02:00

Martinis and Dutch Slapper cocktails at the Guesthouse

Ian, Mark, Llewellyn, Lee and Claude

Claude and Ian

Llewellyn, Dave and Claude

Ian, Mark and Lee fool around at dinner

Guesthouse owners Llewellyn and Dave

It's a milestone (or is it a millstone ha ha) when friends celebrate their 10th anniversary. Congrats to Ian and Claude.

Celebrating at the Guesthouse and then enjoying dinner out are Ian, Claude, Mark and Lee (21 years together) and the spring-chickens in the relationship status, Llewellyn and Dave (6 1/2 years).

Rooftop abuzz with ladies and music

2011-04-10T17:42:00.005+02:00

Wow, what a Saturday with our Ladies Weekend in Durban and Rooftop Sundowners Party. Thanks to Collette for the Bent Social and to the ladies who came, drank and conquered. It was an awesome party for us, even though Llewellyn and I were the only guys there.

For more pics of the event, click here and scroll down.

Meet Øyvind and Erlend

2011-04-07T07:50:00.002+02:00

Meet Erlend and Øyvind from Norway, who call themselves "two dashy dudes in Kenya!" on their blog about their adventures on their 3-month student exchange.

Whilst my daughter Kate-Lynn has been visiting Norway, the Norwegians studying teacher training in Trondheim have also been posted around the world on a similar student exchange. Taking time out from Kenya, Erlend and Øyvind are in Durban for a few days and it was great to get a chance to meet up with them. In the pics we are enjoying a braai at our guesthouse and shooters, with Gabby, Brad, Llewellyn, Ian and I.

Guests get married

2011-04-05T15:56:00.000+02:00

Meet our guests Kobus (left) and Carl who got married last week. Congratulations guys, every day we are meeting more guys who have taken the plunge since the 2006 Civil Union Act legalised marriages and civil partnerships.

Don't forget also that guesthouse co-owner, Dave, is a notary Public, so if you are thinking of hitching up, be sure to ask Dave to register your pre-nuptial /ANC or Civil Partnership agreement before you get married or register the union.

dave email: adlawza@msn.com

It's FUNSUNZI in Durban

2011-04-05T07:16:00.000+02:00

Our local radio station, East Coast Radio, or ECR as we all know it, has a great campaign going to promote Durban as the FUN, SUN, SEA, destination of South Africa, or FUNSUNZI as they have dubbed the campaign.

What a great idea, especially as we head towards winter, knowing that Durban is the only place on the warm east coast where you can have it all, all seasons of the year, whilst the rest of the country goes into hibernation.

Llewellyn's elephant

2011-03-19T12:50:00.000+02:00

Llewellyn puts the finishing touches to his towel-fold elephant in the Premier room in anticipation of our guest arriving today.

Isn't he so cute!!

South Africa's 2nd Mr Gay World !! Well done Francois

2011-03-13T20:20:00.000+02:00

The new Mr Gay World 2011 chosen tonight in Manila, Philipines, is South Africa's Francois Nel seen right above with Mr Gay South Africa organiser Coenie Kukkuk.

This makes it second in a row for South Africa as Charl van den Berg (left in picture right) handed over his reign as Mr Gay World 2010 to Francois. Charl is pictured in Durban with Durban View Gay Guesthouse co-owner Dave Mc Naught.

We are so proud of both you guys holding up the flag for South Africa at such a prestigeous competition.

Dave revamps Gay Directory

2011-03-13T18:17:00.000+02:00

The Facebook group Gay Directory South Africa is the largest gay Facebook group with over 4 200 members and has just been re-vamped. Created by Dave Mc Naught of Durban View Guesthouse the directory has been steadily growing and gives an easy link to nationwide gay interest groups, accommodation in the various provinces and more...

Check out the Gay Directory South Africa here.

Big South Africa

2011-03-13T08:00:00.000+02:00

Our guests from Paris Fabien and Ugo did not realise how big South Africa is and that distances to drive between our major cities are great. So if you're wanting to visit the Kruger National Park and the St Lucia Wetlands Park, don't give yourself only 1 day to stay over in Durban. Firstly our Guesthouse is one of the few exclusively gay guesthouses in South Africa, we we are worth a few days visit in itself. Also Durban is the warmest city on the east coast of South Africa and our beaches and Indian Ocean are legendary. So be sure to include a few days to visit us here.

Bent coming for the ladies

2011-03-11T20:20:00.000+02:00

Dave of Durban View Guesthouse and Colette of Bent Promotions are working to bring some fun to the Guesthouse for our Ladies Weekend in April and the Rooftop Sundowners on Sat 9 April.

Accommodation bookings for the April weekend are open and we hope to have a good number of local ladies for the Sundowner event. Colette has created a Facebook event and details of the Ladies Weekend are also on our blog here and on our Facebook Ladies Event page.

Bookings may be made online on our website http://www.durbanview.co.za/ or email durbanview@gmail.com

Durban View: Dave's First Notarial Deed

2011-03-11T16:06:00.000+02:00

Durban View: Dave's First Notarial Deed: "Dave puts the seal on the first Notarial Deed he has executed as a Notary Public. It was a Notarial Deed of Encroachment - some buildings o..."

Wecome Vince

2011-03-11T15:31:00.000+02:00

I love learning about places I have never been to and Mexico is one of them. Meet Vince, a Mexican who is living in Texas, but working while studying and presently on assignment in Limpopo Province and here in Durban for a quick visit. Vince only came out to his family in December and is still on his journey of discovery. Great to have you with us in Durban.

Ladies Weekend in Durban Fri 8th - Sun 10th April

2011-03-08T21:25:00.001+02:00

We've often been asked if Durban View Guesthouse is men-only or if we welcome all gay and lesbian guests.

First Lesbian wedding at the Guesthouse

Our most famous guest is Melanie Lowe who has both performed and stayed at the Guesthouse. We were also delighted to meet Gaye whom Melanie has just married. In addition we hosted one of Durban's first Lesbian Weddings with the brides coming down from Johannesburg to get married at the Guesthouse.

Melanie Lowe with Durban View Guesthouse partners
Llewellyn and Dave

So ladies it is a pleasure always to have you with us. The weekend planned for the weekend Fri 8th - Sun 10th April should be a great one for the girls. There will be a Sanctuary Party on Friday night at Origin Club in Durban and on Saturday we are having an informal social on the Guesthouse Rooftop to which the local ladies are all invited. The social will be a free entry event and accommodation for the weekend should be booked early. The rates are R450 pp sharing a double room, R550 single or for the under 25s who are more daring R295 pp sharing the Bunk room. The rates include breakfast each morning.

Bookings may be made online on our website at http://www.durbanview.co.za/ or you can email Llewellyn on durbanview@gmail.com Tel: Dave 083-7033329.

We're also created a Facebook event, so if you're local and would like to attend the Saturday social, please click on the link and let us know you are coming.

Bent Ladies Rooftop Sundowners

2011-03-08T07:14:00.000+02:00

The Saturday evening of our Ladies Weekend will feature a Bent Social on the Guesthouse rooftop.

Thanks to Colette of Bent Promotions for helping put together what should be a fun afternoon on the rooftop with it's sweeping views of the City as the sun goes down. Click on the Bent Facebook event to let them know you are coming. There's no cover charge and there will be cash bar facilities.

Russian in the house

2011-02-28T07:23:00.002+02:00

It is not too often we have Russians in the house, but Lee's parents are from Latvia, a little country which used to form part of the USSR and is now independent.

Co-incidentally my daughter flew into Riga, the capital of Latvia last week en-route from Oslo to Rome. Lee, an industrial psychologist, now works in Johannesburg and is fluent in Russian.

Upgrade to Premier

2011-02-27T13:42:00.002+02:00

Discerning guests wanting a little more pamper can now book our Premier room which offers you and you partner a little extra.. our Premier collection of soaps and bath pampering, a Welcome basket with fresh fruits and snacks and a bottle of Sparkling Wine... so treat him to a little pampering, because he is so special. The rates for the Premier room with it's spectacular views of the city centre are R600pp double and R750 per night single.

Bookings online off our website or email us at durbanview@gmail.com

Making Improvements

2011-02-25T06:41:00.000+02:00

Making some changes and improvements to the Guesthouse, Llewellyn and Dave have just put new flatscreen TVs in each room, shelving to take individual decoders and DVD players, a new desk for the Pool room and a photo collage of the World Cup Football with a magnificent photo Dave took of Llewellyn in front of the Moses Mabhida Stadium shortly before the Brazil vs Portugal game here in Durban.

The Guesthouse Lounge

Exciting line-up of Events

2011-02-20T14:53:00.001+02:00

We've got an exciting line-up of events planned for the Guesthouse this year. Now that we are able to edit our website more easily, we have added a Specials tab which takes you to our calendar of events and specials during the year. We plan to hold at least one event each month and several themed events such as the Leather and Kinx weekend.

Fri will be spent at the Guesthouse where welcome drinks will start the weekend and a Friday braai. Saturday will be our Leather/Kinx/Army/Jocks party to which Durban locals will also be invited. So book early, either a double room or if single book a sharing spot and come have some fun. The R980 price is per person and includes 2 nights accommodation and the Friday braai. Bring your own goodies and gear!! Bookings to durbanview@gmail.com

Comrades in Durban 29 May

2011-02-19T14:07:00.001+02:00

The annual Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is an uprun this year and we will be going down at the crack of dawn to watch the start. So if you're running, come stay with us and the other runners at the Guesthouse and we will get you to the start, or come see you off.

We also have an accommodation special "running" for entrants, so if you'd like to come stay and pay for 2 nights, we will give you a third night free. This will give you a chance to acclimatise in Durban and also wind down and relax after the big event. We can even arrange a massage for those weary muscles.

Bookings are now open for the weekend Fri 27 to Sun 29 May by email on durbanview@gmail.com

We going up

2011-02-19T07:11:00.004+02:00

So DSTV were giving us some trouble about not being registered as a guesthouse subscriber so they could charge us a hotel package instead of the residential TV package we were on, so we have switched to TopTV in some of the rooms. The service was refreshingly good and we got connected within a day, although for one of the rooms the technician has to come back next week.

Now each room has it's own decoder, the rooms all have new flatscreen TVs as part of our upgrade and the Studio will now have TV for the first time. We have taken the Variety package for the rooms, except for the Premier City Lights room and the Studio which has the DSTV hotel package including the movie chanels.

Valentines' fun in Durban

2011-02-13T15:52:00.002+02:00

Having some fun at the Guesthouse at our Valentines' weekend welcome pary are Roberto and Gerhard with guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn (middle), in the second photo co-owner Dave (left) with Andre, Craig and David; in the third photo Berlin guests Chris and Jorg have just returned from diving in Sodwana and in the bottom photo well known Durban personality Warren with his partner Gary get into the Valentines' spirit.

And for those who weren't able to share Valentines with a loved one, we have a singles weekend in Durban too, so get your booking enquiries coming.

Warren (of The Lounge fame) with Llewellyn and Gary

What's HOT this weekend and more

2011-02-10T08:00:00.002+02:00

Hey guys, here's the line-up of hot events and special weekends at the Guesthouse:

March

Fri 18th - Mon 21st Mar - Human Rights’ Day long weekend. Come party in Durban. Minimum 2-night stay.

April

Fri 1st Apr - Pre-cruise Cocktails for Rainbow Cruise Guests and Durban friends

Wed 30 Mar - Sat 2 Apr - pre-Rainbow Cruise Special: Pay for 2, get 3rd night FREE

Fri 8th Apr - Sun 10 Apr - Ladies Weekend
with Saturday afternoon chilled 4pm - 10pm Rooftop Sundowners for guests and local ladies in conjunction with Bent Promotions!
Sun 24th Apr - Pre-cruise Cocktails for Rainbow Cruise Guests and Durban friends

Fri 22nd - Mon 25th Apr - pre-Rainbow Cruise Special: Pay for 2, get 3rd night FREE

http://www.alternativetravel.co.za/

Thurs 21st - Thurs 28th Apr - Easter long-weekend and Freedom Day public holiday. Best Durban weather, party hard, lie in the sun. Minimum 2 night bookings open.

May

Fri 29th Apr - Tues 3rd May - May Day long-weekend - more time to party up a storm in Durban or just enjoy a fabulous rest. Durban is the best place to be in May. Minimum 2 night bookings open.

Fri 6th May - Wed 11th May - INDABA Conference Weekend. Double room rate applies for single or double occupancy

Tues 10th May - Cocktail party for Conference Delegates and Durban friends

Sun 29th May - 86th Comrades Marathon up-run. Join our Comrades guests for their pre-run Welcome.

June

Fri 17th June - Sun 19 - Singles weekend. Come alone, bring your mates or take a plunge sharing a room with a mystery stranger...

July

Fri 1st and Sat 2nd July - A RIGHT ROYAL AFFAIR is the theme of this years’s Vodacom July Handicap horseracing just down from the Guesthouse. So dress up like a Queen and join us at the Races... and don’t forget the naked guys 13th Race.. 200 hot dudes make a dash to the finish... everyone stays for this race!!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-official-Vodacom-Durban-July/212919011349

Fri 15th - Sun 17 July - Leather and Kinx weekend with Sat braai and Leather and Kinx party for guests and locals. Come and do your stuff and have some wild fun.

Durban View Gay GuesthousevRoom rates are:

u25s Bunk room - R295pp

City rooms - R450pp sharing or R550 single (if available)

Premium room - R600pp sharing or R750 single (if available)

So there’s every reason to come visit, stay gay, party gay or simply relax with us in Durban soon.

Dave and Llewellyn

http://www.durbanview.co.za/

durbanview@gmail.com

Dave 083-7033329

Llewellyn 082-377 2322

Valentines' Special at the Guesthouse

2011-01-30T20:59:00.000+02:00

Because you're so special and we want to make this Valentines' Weekend a superb lovers' getaway to Durban, we've lined up a special deal for you.

Valentines' Day fall on a Monday so you can pay for the weekend and we'll throw in the 3rd night free - either come Friday leaving Monday, or come Saturday leaving Tuesday.

The price is R450 pp sharing or if you're willing to bunk it up R275 pp sharing and this includes breakfast each morning and a Welcome Pamper Pack and complimentary bottle of Sparkling Wine.

Bookings strictly limited so let us know by email on durbanview@gmail.com if you're coming - surprise and spoil him - he's worth it!

Andre Lammers In Durban

2011-01-22T08:19:00.002+02:00

Mr Gay South Africa ™ Cape Town finalist Andre Lammers is in Durban taking up his prize sponsored by us of a weekend at the Guesthouse.

Gorgeous Andre is seen here with his friend Lindi and Guesthouse co-owner Dave en route to Mocambique where they are going for a week getaway to Ponta do Ouro. Andre will be launching his fashion design range in May so watch this space and we will post some pics.

Durban View Guesthouse sponsored Andre's stay in Durban

More Fun

2011-01-21T16:57:00.000+02:00

Enjoying a meal at SunCoast Casino complex and then a drink at Durban's gay bar and club The Lounge are Dave and Llewellyn (guesthouse co-owners) with guest Filip and Lounge friends we met on the night.

Fun in Durban

2011-01-19T06:44:00.002+02:00

Filip, Llewellyn, Jörg and Ulrich

Guest Filip (Tenerife) joins guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn and Jörg (Hamburg) and Ulrich (Berlin) for drinks in the guesthouse Pub before dinner out.

In the second photo Filip enjoys a steak at the Cubana Restaurant in Florida Rd, served by Dylan.

In the 3rd photo, the guests were introduced to The Lounge gay bar in Durban for a shirts-off evening and a game of pool. You will notice that both guests spent a little time in the Durban sun without adequate sun protection... so nice to have glorious sunshine, warm sea and beaches and hot guys here!

Tenerife Welcome

2011-01-17T07:30:00.002+02:00

Guesthouse co-owners Dave (left) and Llewellyn (right) welcome Belgian boy Filip to the Guesthouse. Filip has been working in Tenerife and is on holliday in South Africa.

Guesthouse on video

2011-01-16T15:37:00.001+02:00

Here's a quick video of the Guesthouse from the Pool, through to the Pub, Dining area and Lounge.

Nude in Durban

2011-01-10T07:03:00.000+02:00

We paid a visit with guests to Durban Nudist Beach at Umhlanga.. was pretty busy with some yummy guys as well as heterosexual couples, all blending into the seascape. Ocean was warm and lovely too. (Wayne (Moscow, Andy UK and Llewellyn, guesthouse co-owner in the top photo)

The weekend started with drinks in the guesthouse pub - Llewellyn, Andy, Ton (Belgium), Wayne and Rene' (Netherlands) - always a good start.

On Sunday we did a pub crawl drinking cocktails at BeanBagBohemia, Cubana (yummy nachos), and supper at Spiga. Awesome stuff!!

From 2010 to 2011

2011-01-04T20:35:00.000+02:00

Guests from 2010 who stayed through New Years Eve with us are Charl (left) and Handre (centre) with guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn.

Thanks for joining us guys and to Charl was great to have you with us in Durban for the first time. Will be awesome to see you guys again here soon.

Egg Souffle'

2011-01-02T16:34:00.000+02:00

This was a first attempt at an egg and cheese souffle' for breakfast at the guesthouse ... mighty fine, although I think I can improve on the recipe by adding some sausage.. or boerewors...mmm

Garden Studio

2011-01-01T18:05:00.002+02:00

The Garden Studio

Studio en-suite Shower

The Garden Studio is a large spacious double room, with lounge area (with sleeper couch that can accommodate an additional two guests), a kitchenette with stove and breakfast bar, microwave and fridge, and an en-suite shower.

As the Studio has a patio and small garden, many of our smokers or those wanting to stay a few days prefer this room. It also has a separate entrace or can be accessed via the guesthouse pool area, so is more private and detached from the main guesthouse.

There is no additional charge for the Studio and our standard rates apply, save that a 3rd or 4th guest can also be accommodated at a reduced charge of R320 per person.

Studio Kitchen

New Year blast

2011-01-01T07:53:00.000+02:00

Dave, Andrew, Mias, Louis, Charl, Michael and Llewellyn

Ready to welcome in the New Year at the Guesthouse are guests, mainly from Johannesburg, whilst in the second photo Llewellyn and I went onto the roof after a late-night smokey braai under the umbrella and the teaming rain to watch the fireworks and flares light up the New Year sky.

2010 - a great year for Durban

2010-12-31T07:25:00.002+02:00

This is the end of a great year and we're finishing on a hot note. This is the year South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup Football event and our Guesthouse was spinning with hot fans from all over the world.

We travelled the world as well with a trip to Dublin, skiing in Bulgaria, and Amsterdam in February, as well as a road trip to Cape Town after the World Cup in July. August saw us on a gay-only Baltic Cruise from Copenhagen to Estonia, St Petersberg, Helsinki, Stockholm and Amsterdam gay Pride. And in October we did a short work-related trip and conference on a cruise from Hong Kong to China and Vietnam. We also visited Cape Town again - one of our favourite world cities.

After the rescession of 2009, business confidence in South Africa improved, particularly with the World Cup taking place and my office business grew once again. In March this year I took on a partner and we go into 2011 with renewed vigor and confidence for an even better year.

2010 was the year our hot Charl van den Berg, Mr Gay South Africa, also lifted the Mr Gay World title - well done Charl, we are so proud of you. My Gay Cape Town, Gay Johannesburg and Gay South Africa blogs also took off and I introduced a Google Map of each city linked on these blogs.

So here's to all of you on this last day of 2010. We in South Africa, with a time zone difference of between 6 and 9 hours compared to New York and San Francisco, will get to 2011 first- around midday in the States.. so party hard and will chat to you again next year. Thanks for following - reaching our all-time record readership of our Hotbodz blog this month - will bring you more of the hottest bodz next year. Dave

Last days of 2010

2010-12-29T20:26:00.000+02:00

As 2010 comes to an end we celebrate with Cape Town guests Garth and David in the photo with guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn (right).

Eating out in Durban

2010-12-29T07:00:00.000+02:00

We don't eat out often enough, but when we do, our favourite pub and restaurant where the guys are hotter and the food good and resonably priced is Billy the Bums. We even have a loyalty card going there.

We joined guests Phillip (left) and Renier (right) for a drink and dinner at Billys, forgetting that Tuesday was ladies night, so there were a whole load of hot chicks there... Mondays are best when it's Burger and Beer special... mmm

Nightcap at Harveys

2010-12-29T06:51:00.000+02:00

Friend and waiter at Harveys, Graham, with Llewellyn (centre) and myself (Dave)

Fine dining and elegant decor at Harveys

We don't often have our main course there as it's fine dining and top of the range, but last night we popped in after dinner at Billy The Bums, for a nightcap at Harveys.

A glass of sherry and a delicious Chocolate Mousse cake to share.. just the trick before home.

Christmas Fun in Durban

2010-12-27T07:02:00.001+02:00

Enjoying the Christmas spirit at the full Guesthouse and later at The Lounge gay club in Durban are Llewellyn (top left), myself (Dave), Peter and Francois from Johannesburg and in the second photo we join Warren the Manager of The Lounge.

Christmas Breakfast

2010-12-25T07:03:00.000+02:00

It's Christmas morn and we managed to russle up a small feast for guests on this our 7th Christmas together and 6th running the Guesthouse.

Happy Christmas guys and glad you could share this special day with us.

Christmas Guesthouse fun

2010-12-20T22:05:00.000+02:00

It's been a party every night for locals and Guests at the Guesthouse in the run-up to Christmas. A lot of this has to do with party animal and hooligan Marc who has been working on a ship in the Gulf of Mexico - 5 weeks on duty and 5 home - which means a horny and thirsty "seaman" - in the middle seen here with Llewellyn (left) and Garret.

In the top photo Duane, Celeste and Pieter ( a dentist... where was he when we needed him - see story below) from Britz are finding out what Durbanites do for fun. Enjoy guys!!

Dr Marc to the rescue

2010-12-20T21:47:00.003+02:00

What a day Friday turned out to be. I had chipped my tooth and was booked in at the dentist. Guest Marc co-incidentally had the same problem so I hauled him off to the dentist with me going a bit earlier to see if he could be squeezed in.

My dentist died that morning, much to our shock and berwilderment. Marc is a paramedic though and serving as a ship's doctor on an oil exploration ship in the Gulf of Mexico is used to improvising and fixing any emergency. So out he came with some dentist-filler and stopped up the chipped wall of my tooth as well as his own. Although a working day, that was the end of all prospect of work and Marc, his friend Dimitri and I mixed all known cocktails and spent the rest of the day downing them. Thanks Marc!!

Durban's first Pink Parade

2010-12-18T15:32:00.003+02:00

Durban's first Pink Parade took place this morning down Florida Rd. The event formed part of the Pink Mynah Festival which took place in Pietermaritzburg and Durban this week.

Durban View Guesthouse was represented in the Parade and next year we want to go even better with our own float and involving the guests in floatbuilding the night before.

Kevin Ellis was the star of the parade with a glitzy and feathered pink (of course) glam outfit and a thumping band swept us down the street. The gathering was small but this was a great start to what hopefully will be a growing annual event.

Make sure you are kept in touch with events like this by joining our Gay Durban Facebook group. You can also see more pics of the Parade loaded there. Check out the YouTube video clip here.

Hot weekend

2010-12-12T08:15:00.001+02:00

Having fun in Durban are guests from Cape Town Byron and Travis (left in photos) joined by locals Shaun and Stuart (middle). Guesthouse owners Llewellyn and myself Dave are on the right.

We revved up the pub music a bit with an excellent selection the Cape boys brought with them and enjoyed some fun and laughter around the pub and pool. Great meeting you guys!

Happy times

2010-12-07T07:57:00.001+02:00

The guesthouse was the scene of an engagement last night.. not ours, but friends of my daughter's and we took the opportunity for a happy snap of ourselves in the Guesthouse Pub as we waited for Steve to pop the question to Andy on the rooftop.

Pink Mynah Festival 11-18 Dec 2010

2010-12-05T08:53:00.002+02:00

Our brothers in Pietermaritzburg have been working hard to extend their Pink Mynah Festival to Durban and this year sees the crowning of the Mr and Ms Gay KZN at the Bat Centre on the 18th.

The Festival takes place over the period 11th - 18th December and includes workshops, drama performances, movie screenings culminating in the parade down Florida Road and pageant in Durban.

Here is the full programme:

PINK MYNAH FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Saturday, 11 December- kick-start festival

Soccer Day PMB 11am

Pink Party @ Kismet Hotel, PMB @ 8pm

Pink Mynah festivities at the Lounge Stamford Hill Rd &Angelos West Street, Durban

Monday, 13 December

10h00 Hate crime workshop – Darkchildz office, DBN

19h00 Book Fair –The Butchery PMB(Exclusive Books)

Tuesday, 14 December

10h00 Heterosexism workshop – Imbali PMB

18h00 Drama performance by Thespian drama group & Injongo Performing Arts & Entertainment – BAT Centre, DBN

Wednesday, 15 December

10h00 Homosexuality and the Bible (Q&A session) – Deo Gloria Family Church48 Gordon Road, Morningside (off Florida Road)

19h00 Film show screening – Nino’s Restaurant Golden Horse Casino, PMB &BAT Centre, DBN

Thursday, 16 December

10h00 Drama performance by Thespian drama group &Injongo Performing Arts & Entertainment –Winston Churchill Theatre PMB

Friday, 17 December

Preparation for parade and pageant

Saturday, 18 December

10h00 – 14h00 Street parade starts at Mitchell Park in Florida Rd to Bean Bag

19h00 – Mr & Ms Gay KZN pageant – Sipho Gumede Hall, BAT Centre, DBN

PROGRAMME TIMES & VENUE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

STAY GAY IN DURBAN

There is still space at the inn if you would like to stay over in Durban.. remember the 16th is a public holiday here so most people will be making a long weekend of it.

Patrice takes some pics

2010-11-29T19:07:00.003+02:00

Enjoying a drink at Billy the Bums are guest Patrice with Llewellyn and myself (Dave)

Beach rugby and hot boys in Durban

Surfing the wave at Durban's North Beach

The Guesthouse pool at night

I love it when guests snap some photos of the guesthouse or Durban. Here Guest Patrice from Canada and now living in Atlanta provided some great photos of the guesthouse at night. In the top photo we enjoyed drinks at our favourite pub, Billy the Bums.

Read Patrice's review of the Guesthouse here.

The Guesthouse - photo from the pool area towards the guest Patio

Friend and Durban photographer Ryan snaps guest Patrice from Atlanta on Durban's beachfront Pier

Shooters all round

2010-11-21T07:03:00.001+02:00

Guests from Johannesburg Gerrit, Anrich and Kim from Johannesburg join Joe and Jaco from Namibia for shooters before going off to The Lounge for some fun on the town.

Our Mr Gay World 2010 in Durban

2010-11-15T20:38:00.000+02:00

I was priviledged to meet Charl van den Berg, our current Mr Gay South Africa, and Mr Gay World 2010 right here at the Guesthouse last night (that's Charl on the left..lol).

The Mr Gay South Africa ™ finalists for the 2010 pageant were in Durban for their Mocambique cruise which sailed today and we hosted them for a pre-cruise Cocktail function at the Guesthouse. Charl is delightful and a beautiful person and certainly an excellent ambassador for South Africa and the gay world. See the further post below for more pics of our Guests and the stunning contestants in the pageant which holds its grand finale' later this month.

Rainbow Cruise send-off

2010-11-15T20:29:00.002+02:00

Alan, Llewellyn and Kevin

Dustin with Alternative Travel's Leon Nel and Ernest

Finalists Errol and Karl

Francois and Jared

Gavin and Juanne

Guests Jaco from Namibia, Elad from Israel, Juanne from Joburg, guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn and Joe from Namibia

Jared with guesthouse co-owner Dave

Joe with Mr Gay South Africa organiser Coenie, Jaco, and Mr Gay World 2010 Charl van den Berg

Juanne with Finalist Prince from KwaZulu-Natal

The Guesthouse was full for the weekend and enjoying drinks at The Lounge on Saturday were Guesthouse co-owners Llewellyn and Dave with their Namibia guests Joe and Jaco

Hamming it up are guests Peter, also from Namibia with Elad from Israel and Juanne from Johannesburg

Enjoying a weekend of fun at the Guesthouse we had an evening of drinks and pantomime on Saturday, followed by a pre-cruise Cocktail party on Sunday for the Mr Gay South Africa finalists and judges and the Rainbow Cruise passengers who left for a 5-night cruise to Mocambique today. Enjoy the cruiseguys and we look forward to your return for more fun with us on Friday.