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Published: October 21st 2006
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After leaving Walvis Bay we had a little more energy. We headed over to the next town called Swakopmund which turned out to be a very developed holiday town (actually the one where Brangelina had their baby). It is a very quaint town with a great atmosphere and lots to do and see. We ended up staying here almost 9 days. However, you couldn't really tell you were in Africa. The drive between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay was amazing, nothing but sand dunes for miles and miles - except the ocean on your left hand side. It was a very neat mixture and made for a stunning drive. In fact, I did the drive again a couple of days down the road just to see the beauty of it. We started off staying at a backpackers called Villa Weise but that didn't last too long - many many rules at Ville Weise. You felt like you were cattle being hearded through, the rooms smelled like urine and the walls were so thin that it sounded like Bob and Harry next door were in bed with you - and speaking German to boot. It was too bad because the buildings were gorgeous,
just cheaply constructed and obviously having some odor problems with all the humidity from the sea and air. Anyways, we found a better place to stay that was owner run and it was very comfortable and home-like. Jaco(pronounced yaku) and Sharon were very good hosts, if not a little too drunk all the time.......... oh well, it led to a very "festive" atmosphere. We were so comfortable there that I was able to leave Jordan watching movies one night and go out for an adult dinner with Peter and Manone, a couple from Holland that were travelling in Africa for two years in their own land rover - their trip was very ambitous and very interesting.
It was nice being in Swakopmund because we kind of switched gears from something new every day to hanging in the same place for 9 days and just becoming part of the woodwork. There was a great beach and waterfront area to hang out on and Jordan found a computer place called the Game Zone that he hung out in a bit. It was neat, when school was over all the local kids would come and hang out there and Jordan got to
experience hanging with the local kids and playing video games - who knew that would be a part of Africa..........
Not much really happened for us here, just a lot of relaxation - which was great. We went to this fantastic little pub/restaurant right on the ocean called Tiger Reef. They had drinks and food and music and two bonfires in the sand. It made for great atmosphere and I met up with a lady I had met at the beach - it was nice to be out with someone local, they always have good information and stories.
Other than that the only thing we did worth mentioning was quad biking through the dunes and sand boarding down them - the scenery was unbelievable. It felt like you had landed on the moon and been given a quad bike. I was a little nervous about Jordan riding one through gigantic sand dunes, but he was really good on it - a little daredevil. He went up the sides of huge sand dunes that I would not attempt. I still kicked his ass in the racing though - mostly because I would trick him.......... it was a lot of
fun - quite a memorable experience. A very "African" thing happened again on this quadbiking trip that seems to happen throughout our time in Africa. I can't figure it out or even explain it very well, but what happens is always something like this: We are riding the quad bikes when we approach a sign that says "No entry. Damara tern breeding area." The guide takes the time to stop and explain all about the area and why we can't go past this sign. He is talking fast to begin with and you just kind of nod your head as if you understand, but really you only hear a third of what he is saying. It doesn't matter though, you get the picture that something mates here and we are certainly not allowed to cross this point. And just when you've got it all down pat he starts the bike, puts it in gear and travels right into the lands where the sign says not to go and he has just spent five minutes telling you why we can't go there....................... I don't get this part of Africa but it happens like this all the time........??????????
That seems to
be about it........ not much to say from our little relaxation town of Swakopmund. We are leaving to go on our self-drive safari in Etosha National Park tomorrow and I am looking forward to seeing the wild animals in their own environment. Embrace yourself, many animal pictures to come I am sure......................
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Annika
non-member comment
long time
I have missed you guys! I was so happy to hear from you. I figured you were out on a long safari. Looks like you are continuing to have loads of fun and adventure, and are keeping safe! Take care you two, and keep up the blogs!