Blogs from Namibia, Africa - page 103

Wow, I don't know where to begin...it's been a busy couple of weeks! I have loads of pics to share so I suggest reading the blog first then looking at all the pics ;) Ok, let me rewind a bit. Last weekend we had our athletics tournament in Walvis Bay. So I literally had to wake up at 2:45am because they were picking me up at 3:15 am because the tournament started at 7am. So of course we get a flat along the way and didn't get up there until 9am. Fortunately, the officials heard about our flat and held the tournament for us. It was great. My learners tried really hard but unfortunatley did not qualify...but it was really fun! Along the drive, I was able to see these beautiful sand dunes that I ... read more

Hello again. We wanted to give an overview of the projects we will be working on over the course of this expedition, as well as longer term projects which will see us through until the end of the year. Our projects are community, environment and adventure focused. Included below are details of the communities we will be supporting with our local project partners and Government departments. Schools Since 1997 we have successfully constructed over 23 schools in five regions of Namibia. The existing educational infrastructure in isolated areas varies hugely; some schools have no permanent classrooms. Local community initiatives have constructed temporary structures from local materials, often with only sticks and tin sheets, and some areas are forced to hold lessons under trees. Onameya Junior Primary School Located in the Oshikoto region about 60k south of ... read more

Hello! So things are just coming along! Been super busy with school... I have to say that this is the first week that we were actually following the timetable so that was a nice change. It is remarkable how teaching in like 100 degree weather really takes the life out of you. My daily routine is waking up at 6, going to school from 7am until 3pm, coming home everyday, sleeping for at least 2 hours, then running at night with the kids near the hostel, taking my cold shower and going to sleep by 9...not too exciting but it works ;) I had a really good weekend last weekend. On Saturday, I went to a town called Omaruru, which was about an hour away. It was nice to get a way for a little. My ... read more

Fish River Canyon May 9th 2006 It is only day four and yet I am becoming familiar with the rhythm of the trip; tents down 6 AM, breakfast 6:15 AM, on the road by 6:45 AM. Gone is my old morning routine; wake up 5:45 AM, walk dogs 6:30 AM, at work by 7 AM, get coffee and read emails 7:15 AM., morning meetings, etc. I don’t miss it. This new pattern feels good, comfortable. Climbing in and out of the big truck is becoming less difficult and hopefully a little more graceful. Once on the road I settle into the firm, worn, green canvas covered seats. I stare out the window, a long seemingly endless red dirt road ahead of us. There are grey mountains in the distance. Broad, flat plains in the foreground awash ... read more

A long ride on the truck along the wild wild west of the Namib desert, WeiL and I arrived at Sossusvlei right at the peak of the desert heat. The truck was turning oven-hot from hours of baking under the African sun. The wind did not help either as it was very hot and dry. It was more likely for anyone to get windburnt by simply sitting by the window. Miles and miles, the scenery was mainly that of desert plains. Isolated. Desolate. It would be a surprise to see anyone walking down the dirt road at this time. The temperature out there was probably bordering between the high 40's and 50's celsius. The sun seared anything beneath it. Sossusvlei was a harsh place. But perhaps not to the springboks, impalas, kudus, and ostriches. They ... read more