First Day

Yesterday was our first full day in Windhoek. Amazingly enough I slept through the night and only one up at 6 am, one hour before my alarm. At 9:30 am Scobie, one of our wonderful tour guides while we are here who took us on a tour of the city and the townships where we will be teaching, picked us up. I sat in the front seat of the van on our way into the city and purchased a newspaper from a the “paper boy” vendors that are at the intersections in the mornings. When we arrived in downtown, he took us straight to what would be considered a national history museum and an old fort that was the German’s. We heard all about Namibian history basically from start to finish. Before the 1940’s, there was already a tribe of Namibians who had been living in Namibia; however, that was the year the German’s claimed to have discovered the area. It was very interesting hear the story of how the Namibians were liberated from the German’s and later the South Africans. I wanted to remember every single detail as Scobie was talking but it was almost impossible. He is so incredibly knowledgeable, I couldn’t get enough! Below are a few pictures taken at the fort of the statues that used to be there and that are now there as well as the carriages used by the Germans. The museum has only been open since 21 March (their independence day) and is absolutely beautiful. So moving and powerful and the artwork is beautiful too.

The new statue representing independence from Germany--only moved there in the last year. 

This statue was moved out of the front of the fort when the new one replaced it. This was the statue the German's had put there. 

An old wagon used by the Germans. 

Dr. Sam Nujoma, the founding president and father of Namibian Independence. 

         We saw a few more things in the city of Windhoek before going into the townships. It was incredible to see how much one place could change in such a short distance. In fact, it was shocking. We went from high-rises and what we could consider to be apartment living to tin houses that covered the hills of Katatura. As soon as I began seeing this, I was overcome with emotions. In the U.S., we would see this as the worst of the worst. These people live in tin houses with a kitchen sink, living room and two bedrooms. It’s in the 90’s and they’re living in tin houses. They share a bathroom with their neighbors, who live only steps from their own front doors. The thing that struck me the most looking at these townships and the way the people lived were the amount of kids running free, most of them with other siblings. Mind you, Namibians are still finishing up the last days of their holiday, as school starts on Monday, but I still couldn’t believe how many children were just roaming free. On the street filled with bars and salons, many of the kids waited and played outside while their parents either worked or patronized the businesses. Scobie actually pointed out Eveline Street where we were as being a business districts and the busiest street in Namibia.  In the U.S., you would never see children roaming the streets alone without stopping to wonder if they’re being neglected. Without thinking about it, I was felt sad. Then, as we kept driving, I saw the way the kids playing with their friends and siblings. They had few toys, but were smiling and laughing like they had everything. It took me by surprise and made me re-evaluate my feelings. As Americans we feel sorry for these people because we’ve been taught our way of life is better, and the right way. When in reality there’s no right way. These people were perfectly happy. And probably even more content than us most of the time.

These are the hills covered with tin houses. No photograph could ever do the image justice! 

         While we were driving to the township, we passed the school where I will be teaching (St. Barnabus). It made me so excited to start teaching next week! I wished we could have gotten out to explore, but I know we will be spending lots of time there soon enough!

         After our township tour, Scobie dropped us off downtown to get some lunch and do some shopping. It was about 2 oclock, so we were starting to get a little hangry. We found the first place we saw and got some lunch. It was a bit like a Namibian Denny’s, but at that point we didn’t care!! After lunch, we all went to a store called Namcraft to buy purses. We are all noticing the way we stick out…it’s pretty obvious that we don’t belong here, especially when we travel in groups. Having a purse from here will help us look a little less conspicuous!

         When we got home, we had a pool party in our lovely little pool and Wayne, one of our hosts made us a beautiful chicken dinner with his homemade BBQ sauce, a salad, corn and Namibian garlic bread (it was SO GOOD!!!). Wayne used to be a chef and makes incredible meals. He is spoiling us again tonight with a Brie (not sure how to spell that). This is a traditional Namibian dinner with many kinds of meat and only one salad. Then, he is taking us for a surprise at 7 pm to see “the real Namibia.” I can’t wait to see what it is!!

         Today we go on a Safari and will have lunch after. We are meeting another one of our guides, Uanee, who will be driving us about a half hour to the game reserve. Finally, I will get to see some true African animals…I’m hoping for many baboons, giraffe, and maybe even a dung beetle if I’m lucky (you’re welcome, Clay!) We have seen so much in just a day and a half. I am so excited to see more!! Hopefully there aren’t too many typos here. I am trying to get my thoughts out for you all as best as possible while still enjoying everything around me! 

This is just out the front door of our house and where I have been spending most of my mornings. It's so peaceful!