Month: May 2008
Africa Day
Unbeknownst to me, but knownst to others, Monday, May 26, is Africa Day. You may say, ‘Surely You Jest’ but I say nay. Tis truly a holiday. A little research shows that it commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)…that’s organisation with an ‘S.’ Don’t say I never taught you anything… Continue reading Africa Day
You Can Call Me Al
Thanks to my shiny new DSL line, you can now call me on my Skype account. The number is (513) 277-0502. You can even leave me a message if I’m not online or available. I don’t know how well it works given that I’m in Namibia and talking on my computer, but I figured for $5 a… Continue reading You Can Call Me Al
Shower vs. JB
Due to the fact that my new house does not have hot water at the moment…fingers crossed…I had the first of hopefully few cold showers this evening. Welcome to Africa!
It’s On
Mosquitos everywhere beware…you are in my sights. What’s the over under on this you supposed for the next few months? Day one I’m at 9 and counting.
More Q&A with the Kids
1. is there milk or juice at africa? Sure is…milk comes in boxes and only needs to be refrigerated after opening. Plenty of juices…many that you can’t regularly get in the U.S. such as mango and guava juices. 2. what’s your favorite movie? mine is horton hears a who Horton Hears a Who…pretty good and… Continue reading More Q&A with the Kids
Opuwo Ministry of Health Workers
I learned something this past weekend when I asked if people were headed home for the day…assuming it meant that they were just going to go to their house here in Opuwo. The response was ‘No’ and that it is too expensive to just go home for a weekend. I was confused, but then realized… Continue reading Opuwo Ministry of Health Workers
Room with a View
No view really, but I do have some rooms. Check them out at http://picasaweb.google.com/jonathan.woodruff/2008518NamibianHome.
JB Gets a Place to Live
This place is strange, but weirdly awesome. Get this. Huge porch. Nice kitchen with a couple of chairs and a table. Then the bedroom is on the other side of the wall. Huge bedroom and not sure why. The wall clearly did not used to be there and is a makeshift wall as it is… Continue reading JB Gets a Place to Live
Bikes’R’Me
So I buy this thing for about 100 USD. I ride away and notice a significant wobble coming from the rear…the wheel is not balanced 🙁 I go back and they say I can have my money back or take it to the local garage and they’ll fix it. I keep the bike and take… Continue reading Bikes’R’Me
Stunt Riders for Christ
Kind of an oxymoron, don’t you think? If you’re interested, they’ll be in Ojiwarongo on June 9th.
On the Road Again
That was a short stay in Opuwo. What gives? I’m off to Outjo and Khoraixas (sp?) to do some surveying of the hospitals there. I found this out this morning. Here’s to flexibility. One huge perk…I think i’m getting a bike on wednesday 🙂
Don’t Feed Beggars
Or at least, not when you around other Namibians. They understandably get mad because they think these people should be working instead of begging…I tend to agree. I like to cite South Park, Season 11, ‘Night of the Living Homeless’ as an example of what can happen.
Clouds in Opuwo
There are clouds in Opuwo (not many though) and rumors of overnight rain…what is the world coming to?
Return to Opuwo
Had another rip roaring great drive back to Opuwo on Saturday. Sure…we didn’t get a flat tire…run out of gas…or have 9 people in the car, but it still managed around 10 hours to get from one end to the other. The drive was filled with cows jumping out of the bushes in an apparent… Continue reading Return to Opuwo
IT Status in Namibia
Let’s just say that I learned a thing or two about how IT is viewed at the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Annual development budget of N$500,000 for all of Namibia…roughly $66,000 USD. There are a total of 4 people working on IT for the entire health system. This is not promising. My question… Continue reading IT Status in Namibia
Epupa Pics
New pics from Epupa can be found on my website. Enjoy.
Books
Books are more expensive here than they are in Canada, but worth it when the author is Bill Bryson. I’ll be sure to put together a book report when I find the time to be that bored.
JB Travels to Windhoek
3 am wake up to mosquito who has super speed and unable to kill after numerous attempts 4 am actually get out of bed 4:30 am Find out that the water is off so no shower 4:45am Step out front to find 8 people waiting to pile into small car 5am Depart 7:30am Punctured Tire… Continue reading JB Travels to Windhoek
Bumble Bee
Tuna that is. Prime Fillet Albacore Steak…Ginger & Soy to be exact. Already Cooked! Just Heat & Serve! I may have stumbled upon the greatest camp food ever…or no kitchen in Opuwo, Namibia food…however you want to look at it. I look forward to trying the Lemon & Cracked Pepper and Mesquite Grilled…I’ll let you… Continue reading Bumble Bee