New Pictures: Kunene Camping Trip
A Regular Day At The Soccer Field
So I arrive at the soccer field today around 4pm and start my warm up before we play, per usual. Now, when I arrived at the field I noticed a group of cows were taking an interest in me. These cows had nice big horns, but again, I really thought nothing of them…afterall, there are cows and goats all over the place here. Well…I start my jog across the pitch and I began to notice a sound behind me.
To my complete, crap my pants astonishment here was this great big bull coming after me as I’m mozying across the field like some out of place white guy. I’m not sure what to do as I know these things can run pretty fast. There are the goals that I could climb on, but not sure if they’re up for a 170 pound introduction. There is always run around in circles and see if the thing gets tired and keels over considering the complete lack of water these things get…might work. What made sense to me at the time was to just run straight ahead and go for the higher grass toward the airport fence. I mean, this thing can run. I’m zigging and zagging, but it’s right there with me. What did I do? I know my bike is the coolest, but do I really deserve this? As I got closer to the airport fence I see the ladders that Ed (another vol) was telling me about and I make quick use to get to the other side. Success!!! You just read a fictional situation I considered in my head while the cows were looking at me when I arrived at the soccer field today. Sure, I could have told you the truth that the cows did look at me and promptly returned to eating, but where would be the excitement in that story?
Work Update
Work updates are always fun so here is some fun. Work is interesting. Things are moving, but moving slowly. The possibility of acquiring some funds to buy some computer equipment has gotten to the stage that I’m getting some quotations from ‘local’ businesses in Windhoek. You see, every purchase requires a quotation and then an order can be placed against the quotation. Then we play the wait game and I’m then back in the U.S. when boxes arrive and no one knows how to use the stuff in the boxes. Crossing the fingers on this one.
Individual training with staff has started this week and I’m hoping that I’ll start getting some recruits in the weeks to come. So far it’s Excel basics, but hey, gotta start somewhere. I’m actually really surprised that the head of regional HR doesn’t know Excel, but that’s where I step in. After a few weeks he’ll be spreadsheeting with the best of them. So far so good.
Meetings continue. They’re actually where I get the majority of my work done so there is something to be said about it….not sure what to say, but say something.
Castlevania
Is it wrong for a 26 year old to be completely and utterly addicted to Castlevania?…don’t answer that. I have this game for my gameboy called Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, and get sucked in every time I play it. I could make a joke playing off of the title…ooph…would you look at that picture, already got it covered. I mean…what else is there to do now that Shannon is gone?…again, don’t answer that. I guess the only cure is to beat the game and then I can close that chapter in my life. If only Death and Dracula didn’t join forces at the end…whoopin up on me.
The Return of Funkadeena
No videos this time, but just an update. Funkadeena the cat has returned after a two week absence and he’s looking rather peakish. With a little bit of my home cooking and water I’m sure he’ll bounce back in no time.
Crossing the Road
As children we grew up learning the lesson of look both ways before crossing the street. This lesson has not yet made it to Opuwo. The lesson here is just go and don’t worry about anyone else or your own well being. Every bike trip to the market is filled with danger and suspense…it’s great. I’m convinced that you put a Himba man in Cairo and he’ll get hit within 2 minutes. I believe NGOs have a new mission.
Snakes on a Plane in Namibia
Through the magic of the Peace Corps movie network I was able to get my hands on the box office smash hit, “Snakes On A Plane.” My favorite part is where they decide to get rid of the…wait, that would be giving it away. There is a nice anaconda with at least two dozen teeth…good old Hollywood thank you for an enjoyable saturday evening. Next please.
Question: What’s the Weather Like in Opuwo?
I may have answered this question before, but my grandma recently asked the question: “Is the weather hot and humid there or hot and dry?” It is winter now in the southern hemisphere so things are a bit cooler than the summer. It is extremely dry and mild. The temperature is in the mid-70s (F) every day and at night it can get a bit cold, even down into the 40s (F). It is fairly windy this time of year and dust devils are a very common occurrence. It has not rained here since my arrival in April so you can imagine that it’s pretty dry and dusty. Some days are better than others for dust and generally it’s very nice and very blue skies. Things will start to warm up toward the end of this month and into september, but the rains won’t come until December. I really lucked out because it has been the same sunny weather every day since I arrived…can’t wait to get back to the rain, clouds and humidity of Cincinnati.
Video: Sock Ransom Response
Video: Don’t Leave Your Socks Just Lying Around
I’m bored sometimes…ok?
Frustration = Volunteering
I’ve turned over a new leaf in my life over the past couple of years and look positively on most things. Volunteering in general I’m positive about, it’s a great experience, you learn a lot and you help if you can. The last one bears a very important word…IF. If is a funny thing. If you get out of bed today you could be hurt or all of your greatest wishes will come true. If you eat that mopane worm you could become very sick or you could gain super powers and be able to listen to more than one Milli Vanilli song in a row. Now, I tend to think on the positive side and try as hard as I can to get a positive result, but one thing to remember about IF is that it’s often out of your hands. I do have to admit, I’ve been pretty frustrated lately with work. I rarely get the support I need…well…I don’t get any support to help with the projects that I have been brought here to help with. I have felt as though…you know what…it doesn’t matter. What really matters to me is that I make every day matter to me and to those around me. I might not be saving the world, but at least I’m not trying to destroy it.
If the Ministry has money then they can use it to buy beds, life saving medicines, pay doctors, provide treatment for people living on $1 a day or they could use it to pay for Internet. This is why I am happy that I don’t always get my way.
By the way…I can now listen to more than one Milli Vanilli song in a row.
Water
Let me tell you a thing about water. It makes our plants grow, it washes our clothes and dishes, it is used in cooking and it sometimes gets the stink off of me if I use enough soap. Now, without water, all these things become somewhat difficult. Not impossible, just difficult.
As I mentioned in a previous entry, upon my return to Opuwo the water was off. Apparently a water pipe had burst in town last Friday leaving the town without water. I arrive and lucky for me I’ve been in a hot car all day and would like to use my bathroom. Let me remind you, without water, things become difficult. I’m not one to go unprepared and now I’ve found myself up the proverbial creek.
I find out that there are some people who still have water. How can this be? Water tanks that don’t connect to the same system, that’s how.
Another thing about water, you need to drink some occasionally. I like to try and get a couple liters a day. In Opuwo you cannot drink the water here as you never know what you’re going to get from it. The water is especially high in calcium and magnesium. All water related items here are covered in white calcium deposits. One look and I decided I’d rather not have super strong bones and opted for bottled water. Yes…I drink only bottled water. Every trip to the store I try to haul at least two, 5 liter bottles back. I’m starting to have quite the collection. I occasionally give them away to locals who sell them to a local back alley alcohol producer.
So long story, kind of shorter, I had a bunch of these bottles laying around. I was able to fill up a few and use those for a nice bucket bath, some dish washing, cooking and to flush john. Made some mighty tasty sweet potato leek soup despite the setback.
Fast forward to Monday and still no water…ahhhh. Lenah, my cleaning lady, showed up a bit late but low and behold, she is my lucky water charm as the water came back on right when she arrived…note that this is now the second time this has happened.
I’m back to my usual ways…washing dishes, cooking food, taking showers and flushing my toilet. My recommendation…be sure to have a nice supply of water around just in case. Yes, even those of you in the world of the U.S.
Watch Woes
The beloved Casio watch from the 80s has taken a turn for the worst. As you can see it has turned from mostly legible to gobbly gook. Amazingly unfortunate of me, I managed to set the alarm in its current state and get to listen to the soothing sounds of ‘beep, beep….beep, beep’ nightly around 6:30pm. Smashing thoughts have started to enter my mind.
While in Windhoek I decided to look for a replacement despite how much it pained me. Eureka was my thought upon discovering the exact same Casio…but for $25!!! Not cool Windhoek store, not cool. I checked out the Sportsman sports store next. 
The store was full of heart monitor watches…not exactly what I’m looking for. Deep down in the watch case at last I found was I was looking for…at least, I thought it was what I was looking for. A nice collection of $10 watches…with lights!!! My old one didn’t even have a light. I was sold.
I’m now very unhappy with my purchase due to the added bulk of the watch…so much for a new watch.
Return to Opuwo
I’ve officially decided that driving from Windhoek to Opuwo does not equal fun. It takes at least 7 hours…I think that’s about the best and only reason I can give for my views. Today’s trip involved the abrupt end of a small bird’s life, the near death of a long-tailed sheep, questions regarding my political views, extreme head nodding with no meaningful rest, hot hot sun on my belly with no long term solution and a Wimpy burger. I know, I know, I swore off Wimpy after my experience in Kenya; however, the only thing the two establishments have in common is their namesake. Good to be back, minus the lack of running water.
4 Weeks Already!
Shannon left last night and is now sitting in London awaiting her return trip to Cincinnati. Time really flew by on that one. She nearly didn’t make her flight last night due to a slight change in the flight time…next time I need to figure out how to make it so she actually misses the flight. Originally 7:40pm changed to 6:15pm. We arrived at the the airport when boarding started. This was good as it left little time to think about her being gone, but sucked as left little time for a goodbye. At least I got to sit there and watch her as she was racing through the security line. Waiting in a line, finding out she forgot to fill out a form, sit in another line and find out it was the wrong one and finally me having to send someone back to get her as she was about to go through because I realized she had all the money and I still had to pay to get back to Windhoek. So things were basically a breeze. Back to Opuwo for me on Saturday. ‘The Dark Knight’ for me today 🙂
Breakfast of Champions
Flutie, you’re out! This is truly what is worth your morning delight! No worries…I’ve already patented the intricate process of cheese on egg on bread and even the pattern has been copyrighted. We open for business upon return to Opuwo.
Final Day in Opuwo
Today marks Shannon’s final day in Opuwo. Tomorrow we’ll be figuring out a way to get down to Windhoek by Thursday. This journey should prove for some interesting stories, but I’m hoping it’s easier sailing than not. Best part was that we had a potential ride this morning, but no one cared to inform me until they had already left…I should have none better to be more proactive. This afternoon we’ll see if we can find some tourists who can give us a lift. Keep those fingers and toes crossed.
Video: The Making of Funkadeena
It’s Skyline Time
A certain someone was awesome enough to bring the good stuff with her. Now, I won’t name names, but thanks to this little bitty tonight’s dinner was definitely within the top 3. If only she had brought more than one can…only kidding. Skyline has definitely gone global this time.