I know, I know—it’s been a while since I posted, but I definitely plan to share updates on some of the projects I’m working on for the Ministry soon.
But for now, I wanted to share highlights from Rebekah’s visit back in October as it shows some of the best things to do here should you ever want to visit (hint-hint!)
After Rebekah's three-week travel adventure through London and Portugal, she finally landed in Windhoek on October 2 for a two-week stay, and I couldn't be happier!
While I wouldn't say I am feeling lonely, the truth is that a visit from family is exciting and I do miss seeing everyone for our weekly "Mondays at Moms. "
However, it's what I signed up for and to be expected when living on the other side of the globe. I can't imagine PC before WhatsApp which is a true lifeline to staying connected with the Fam including an almost-daily call with mom and Rio.
Back to the visit....We didn't waste time from the moment she arrived and toured some of my favorite spots in Windhoek like Village Gardens, Namibian's Craft Center, Independence Ave, Katutura, Penduka Village, and more.
We met up with my housemate, Aina, who is the senior curator at the Independence Memorial Museum, taking in panoramic views of the city from the top floor and touring her 5th floor office.
And I also brought her to the Ministry offices where she got to meet some of my co-workers and see where I spend my time and energy as a Peace Corps volunteer.
By day two, we were boarding the Intercape motorcoach with Jana and Colton for a 24-hour bus ride to Victoria Falls.
At a cost of only USD $35 one-way, it was a great way to experience Namibia, even if it was 24 hours long—that's part of the adventure, right?!
And to think that we would have missed the great "elephant crossing" in the middle of the ride. It certainly reminded me of the regular elk crossings in Evergreen.
We stayed in an Airbnb in Zimbabwe, the side that faces the falls, but crossed over into Zambia for a swim at the edge of the falls.
Jana and Colton daringly did a bungee jump from the bridge, but as tempting as it was for me to give it a try (not), I know my joints would likely not fair very well with the extreme jolt at the bottom!
To get back and forth from Zimbabwe to Zambia, we walked the bridge—at least five times!
The Falls - well, they were truly spectacular, even if the water flow was only at about half capacity this time of year.
With rainbows everywhere, Philip did, indeed, make it to Vic Falls in spirit, as I spread his ashes over this breathtaking wonder. It was always on his list of places to see....
We also braved the famous "Devil's Pool" swim right at the edge, which is on the Zambia side. While it felt a bit unnerving to be so close to the edge at first, in no time we were all comfortable with the falls cascading down right next to us and simply in awe of the intensity of the water flow.
Quite a wonder—one of the 7 Natural Wonders, to be exact.
After returning from Vic Falls and one rest day, Rebekah and I took Carlo’s shuttle to Swakopmund on the coast. It's the second time I've had a chance to travel to the coast and there's good reason to go back!
Here, we took two side trips during our stay: one to the Cape Cross Seal Colony north of Henties Bay and another to Sandwich Harbor south of Walvis Bay.
Cape Cross is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals, with up to 200k seals during the breeding season. I don't believe scientists fully understand why the seals gather at this specific spot, but it's truly a sight to behold and a smelly one, at that!
Then, there is Sandwich Harbour, south of Walvis Bay.
While nothing compares to standing on top of a Colorado 14er, our drive on Sandwich Harbor was probably the second most beautiful scenery in my life where the Atlantic Ocean meets the desert dunes.
We booked a 4x4 tour company (it's the only way to go!), and had a blast ripping up and down the sandy mountains.
While I held on tight for the wild ride, it certainly gave us all an adrenaline rush!
So there you have it. While serving in the PC is what it's all about, having Rebekah here for a visit was definitely a special time and just when I needed it at my six month mark here in Namibia.
Here’s to a wonderful visit where the scenery was epic, but just being together was more than I could ever ask for.
I’m already looking forward to visits from Erik and Anna for Thanksgiving and Kahri and Ron for Christmas—and I can't wait to share some of the same spectacular sights and experiences of Namibia!
Hic et nunc...
Lynn