"A Love Letter from the Wind and Sea: A Private Romantic Memoir of Port Elizabeth"

[Transportation] As the plane flew over the Indian Ocean, the coastline in the window resembled crumpled blue velvet. I recommend arriving early in the morning. The rental car agent will hand you a chilled elderflower juice—the perfect way to start a self-drive tour. The drive from the airport to the city center takes only 15 mins along the N2 highway. The sparkling Algoa Bay stretches out on your left, while springbok occasionally appear in the bushes on your right. [Accommodation] Waking up to the whispers of the sea breeze is the ultimate luxury. I recommend checking in to The Marine Hotel. French windows open onto a private beach, and the four-poster bed canopy gently sways in the morning mist. If you prefer an artistic atmosphere, choose Port Elizabeth Guest House. Each stained-glass window in the Victorian mansion tells a story from the colonial era, and a jacuzzi is hidden beneath the jacaranda tree in the courtyard. [Gentle Memories in the Folds of Time] Day 1: Ascend the stone steps along Donkin Reserve, where the 1820 Settlers National Monument appears faintly in the mist. Overlook the entire city from the viewing platform, where the rhythm of the church spire resonates with the waves. In the afternoon, choose a handmade shell necklace at the Beachfront Market. The vendor will teach you how to say "I love you" in Xhosa. Drive to Sardinia Bay at dusk. When the sun sets into the Atlantic Ocean, the entire beach is painted amber. Day 2: Encounter the Big Five in the morning light at Addo Elephant National Park. When a baby elephant touches the car window with its trunk, even your breathing becomes cautious. In the afternoon, head to Humewood Golf Links and swing on the seaside fairway, where the sea breeze playfully blows the ball towards the waves. As dusk falls, enjoy a seafood feast at the revolving restaurant in The St George's Hotel. The lighthouse beam outside the French windows sways like a tango. Tips ✦ Go to Kowie Road Market every Saturday morning to buy freshly baked Bunny Chow, a traditional South African bread. ✦ Bring a light scarf to protect yourself from the sea mist and use it as a photography prop. ✦ Pay attention to the tide times. A fluorescent blue "Heart of the Ocean" appears on the beach during the new moon. As I parked on Sundays River Bridge and watched the sunset gild the entire city, I suddenly understood why it's called "The Friendly City." Every wave writes a love letter, every sea breeze sings a love song, and Port Elizabeth is always waiting to meet someone who understands romance.