Namibia from the sky


I am really enjoy settling into the day to day rhythm of life here in Windhoek, Namibia. I have been waking up at 6.30am to go running with some of the other volunteers each morning. It is cool and breezy at this time of day, and the views of the surrounding mountains are wonderful! Windhoek is a mile-high city by the way.

We have intensive teacher training everyday, which is tiring but good. Aside from the training, I have been enjoying getting to know the other volunteers and Windhoek itself. The other night we went to a restaurant in a neighbourhood that was a former township during apartheid to enjoy local dishes such as 'Smiley' the goat, or goat's head to be precise, and sour goat's milk. Actually, I shouldn't say "we" - so far I remain vegetarian! I have also become a big fan of Windhoek Lager and Hunters cider.

For New Year's Eve we headed to a club called Chez Ntemba. It started out pretty quiet, but by the end of the night we were dancing in a circle with many Namibians, whilst pushing individuals into the centre to strut their stuff! They played a lot of reggae and African music, but lots of American music too. Britney Spears seems to be a big hit down here!

Today I head down to Rehoboth, a town about an hour south of Windhoek, to spend the next week living with the principal of a local school and his family. I will also be teaching each day.

My journey to Namibia included a 12 hour layover in London. I decided to take this opportunity to visit my wonderful friend Emily who lives near Reading. Expecting a good chat over a cup of tea, I was somehow persuaded by Ems and her brothers to get into the inflatable sumo suit that her younger brother was given for Christmas! The trip to Namibia certainly seemed surreal as I paraded myself around their house in the suit (after having not seen her family in years - what must they think of me??)!

Only 6 days to go...haven't started packing yet, but this shouldn't be too hard with a 50lb baggage allowance (a blessing in disguise)!




Excited and anxious, I await departure. In the words of my father:
"It will be here before we know where we are!"