This memory is shared by Anonymous and dates back to around 1994:
It was December and the height of summer, my family and I had escaped to our holiday home in KwaZulu Natal. The beaches in KZN are just unbeatable, and Margate beach was our go-to spot for sun, fun, and adventure.
The sounds of people laughing, music playing on car radios, and the smell of salty sea spray filled the air as I strolled down the beach road.
Before I could react, a stranger grabbed my hand and pulled me into the road for an impromptu dance party as “Red Red Wine” began blasting from a nearby car radio. More people joined in, swaying and dancing alongside us as cars came to a complete stop. I had never felt so alive and carefree.
It was the holiday season, and everyone seemed to have a relaxed and patient demeanour, even my mother, was unfazed when a man pretending to be a dog nipped at her leg.
As the days passed, we made new friends and our beach throng grew larger by the day. New Year’s Eve was especially memorable.
The Blarney Brothers put on a show, playing all of our favourite tunes and right before the clock struck midnight, they gave an incredible performance of The Final Countdown. At the stroke of twelve, champagne bottles popped, spraying fizzing bubbles everywhere, and everyone embraced in a massive hug-and-kiss fest, regardless of whether or not they knew each other.
The next day was a sight to behold. The beach was dotted with hungover party-goers, passed out in all sorts of awkward positions, snoring and snuggling up with their new best friends from the night before.
Despite the sore heads and ringing ears, there was still a sense of joy and contentment in the air.
As I packed my bags and said farewell to my new friends and the memories we had made, a feeling of sadness crept over me. However, I found comfort in knowing that I would soon return to this stunning seaside town, where I could continue to make new memories and enjoy life to the fullest. And that’s precisely what I did – returning multiple times to revel in the beauty and joy of this special place.