I can’t disclose too much information, images or videos, but let’s just say I got to go on a little helicopter ride today. This was awesome. Thank you to the guys who set this up.
Pool Time
Self Explanatory
Someone Is Going to Die
It’s 6am and I’ve been awoken by lovely Otjiherero music pervading my room. I’m going to fight someone. If you are unaware of what type of music this is consider yourself blessed and don’t go looking for it.
Dusty, Windy and Hot
Someone turned on the dusty, windy and hot and forgot to ask me if this was ok. The past few days we have been without blue skies due to what apparently is pretty much just dust and hot. You’d think the windy would help with this, but I think it is the cause. My plan…leave the windy and turn off the dusty and hot? I think this makes perfect sense. Below is a picture of yesterday’s sunset. The sun disappeared before it dropped below the horizon and no, these are not clouds of moisture…these are clouds of pure evil.
Tons of American Booty in Opuwo
I just got a package from Shannon and her mom that contained quite a few unexpected treats. The blanket included was all I knew about and pretty cool and will be given to a friend’s baby here, but what really caught me was this.
So much for keeping those pounds off. I’m naturally ok with this as I’m currently snacking on one of the smashed Oreo Cakesters…these are tasty. Maple syrup that isn’t sugar cane syrup with maple flavoring…ok, bad example as it’s just corn syrup with flavoring, but still much better than the stuff they have here…perfect for my homemade pancakes. Skyline…of course. Those almonds are truly a remarkable feat in modern processed foods. Peanut M&Ms…going in my freezer right now. American peanut butter? Awesome. Oyster crackers…now that’s just going the extra mile. Thank you for the treats and i’ll be sure and enjoy them.
What would you want in a care package if you were gone from the U.S. for quite some time?
I Just Saw a Tractor
This was no ordinary tractor though. Head over to http://www.tractortractor.org/ and check it out. I think I’m going to try to find this lady after work as I think she might have a story or two to tell…at least I’ll try to get a picture with her or something.
You Know You’re a Tourist When…Part 1: Clothing
What is it about vacations that makes people want to wear clothes that make them look completely insane? Psychologically it makes sense, you’re entering a short-term “life” that is unlike your every day and why not take it one step further by wearing, for all intensive purposes, a costume to match that ‘new’ you. I probably love Halloween more than anyone around, but vacation is about relaxing, not dressing up. It’s vacation, wear your favorite t-shirt instead of that floral print. Bust out the old gym shoes you mow the grass with every Saturday. This is who you are and it’s that person that should be on vacation? Bringing yourself means that you have the opportunity to impact that life you ‘escaped’ back home. Maybe you discover something new you want to try, a possible career change or cultures you want to know more about. Vegas is not the only place that can tout, “what happens there, stays there…” I personally hate that saying. Instead, try bringing it back home as it may improve your daily life. Let me get back on track here. Clothes. Clothes, despite what you think, can really change who you are. Power suits aren’t a joke. Yes, that shirt does make you look fat and you know it. Honestly though, it’s still just you and that’s good. Be yourself on your vacations and you just might find you get a lot more out of them.
p.s. I wear t-shirts a lot. Khaki outfits make sense when on safari as they are muted colors that help avoid attracting insects and animals. Banana hammocks are not cool no matter what country you are from. Just some more thoughts.
You Know You’re a Tourist When…
I’m starting a light-hearted series on the dos’ and don’ts of tourism as I see it. I’m not going to start this evening, but wanted to warm it up just by saying that I’m definitely not an expert on not being a tourist. I spend my time living and working in a country that I’ll soon be leaving and knew so from the beginning. I’ve regretfully not really made the effort to learn the local language and know only a handful of people outside of work. I’m still fascinated by the daily life of people in Opuwo and the sight of a cross-eyed goat still makes me chuckle. I take pictures of the out of ordinary that only a westerner would appreciate and a Namibian ignore. It’s fun though and I’d like to pass on some thoughts and ideas. Hopefully I’ll remind some of you of times when you were in similar situations and enlighten others who have yet to enjoy them. This should be fun.