Unseasonably heavy snowfall frazzled the nerves of many motorists when they got stuck on one of the major tourist routes to our coastal city at the beginning of the September school holidays.
It was as if that snowy weekend chased away any would-be visitors!
Our booking occupancy went from an average of 77% for the first nine months of the year, right down to 29%. It was scary experiencing that sudden lull after a busy year!
Two BnBs in our area closed down this year, and many more in the greater Durban region. The reason is that tourism has been dealt a couple of harsh blows - beginning with COVID lockdowns in 2020, rioting and looting in the city in 2021, followed by the mudslides of 2022. Basic infrastructure was damaged, the problematic one being the sewerage system, as maintenance had been lacking with the ruling party that led the country since 1994. Raw sewerage was, and at times still is, flowing into the beautiful ocean. E-Coli levels in the seawater are constantly monitored, and beaches are taking turns being closed as if there's some kind of wall separating them in the ocean!
I for sure will not swim in any Durban beach!
Tourists are flocking to Cape Town and other destinations.
Fortunately, we mostly host guests coming for business, to see family, and for functions. Many inland families are determined to spend time at the sea. I direct them to beaches that were given a clean bill of health on the north or south coast. Otherwise, they enjoy the many other attractions our city has to offer, and come back to the cottage and enjoy the tranquility at the pool!
Bookings normalized in November with regular business guests back, picking up to 63% occupancy.
Hive has been a lifesaver in many ways.
Bittersweet when I was forced out of HODL'ing mode during the 2020 lockdowns, but what an amazing experience when I drew my Crypto earnings for the very first time - it was magical!
Blogging on Hive has been a tremendous help with processing grief, and my friends here have become part of my extended support system. I will always be thankful for that; you all know who you are <3
@hivebuzz encourages us to power up each month:
The Hive Power Up Day is a good opportunity to have fun while strengthening and powering up your account. HiveBuzz allows you to collect Power-bee badges if you participate in the Hive Power Up Day and you may win Hive Power delegation from the other sponsors of this initiative.
My account grew from 14,529 HP on 31 December 2023, to 23,503 HP today.
I delegate to various communities, some have helped me with my growth and I feel it's only right to support them with their efforts in helping others!
I'm keeping some liquid Hive as I may just pay myself a Christmas bonus, or maybe not, and will work towards bigger growth next year. Life is slowly settling into a new kind of rhythm even though the empty space in my life will never be filled!
I hope this last month of the year will end well for you and your loved ones!
Happy Hive Power Up Day friends!
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