I love the sound of a mosquito in my ear at 3am. EEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEeeeee!!!!! Even better…kill 3 of them, go back to bed and…EEEEEEeeeeeEEEEEeeee. I am now the proud owner of a couple new bites on my face and forehead.
First Day of ‘Work’
So about my first day. Woke up and found that the common kitchen actually has nothing in common with a common kitchen. Thus I was forced to eat a banana for breakfast. This energy lasted about 30 minutes as I got the day started off with a hour long meeting and my stomach was grumbling. I think no matter what country you’re in, most meetings just aren’t that much fun. Dr. Akpabio (my supervisor) is great though as he knows his stuff and is very enthusiastic about the possibilities that volunteers bring. I got some time to talk to him about what his expectations are. So the list includes:
- IT support, planning and development for the Ministry of Health in the Kunene Region. This includes Opuwo, Outjo and Koshaxi(something like that) districts and includes clinics in the plan. So that’s 3 regional hospitals and 40 or so clinics.
- Working with the Ministry of Health in Windhoek to ensure all IT practices are standardized…this is more my expectation as it is necessary.
- Helping the Ministry of Education, Red Cross of Opuwo and the Regional Council of Kunene with their IT…these are all organizations as big as the Ministry of Health and hospital.
- Graphic Design for the Ministry and Health Education areas.
So I really don’t have that much to do in 6 months. First task I’ve given myself is to create a map of the hospital (they don’t have one) so I can do some assessment and planning. After all distance is important when figuring out wired/wireless communications. Then there’s the job of seeing what works and what doesn’t…there’s the rest of my week.
All this aside I do have a very positive outlook on what I’ll be able to provide for the Ministry within the time I am here. I get to work basically at my own pace as I’m the only IT person in the hospital. I get the possibility of doing some traveling to see the region. I think it’s great.
The day concluded with going to the lodge at the top of the hill. What an amazing place. I can’t believe it can even exist in a place as small as Opuwo. I guess the Himba have created Opuwo as quite the tourist destination.
Initial Impressions of Opuwo
With about 30 minutes left to go we started to see some rolling hills in the distance. Destination Opuwo was not far off. We started to see an occasional Zimba (pronounced Thimba) woman which is essentially the same as Himba, but they don’t paint their skin. Being sunday their weren’t too many people out and about. The hills began to increase in numbers and the surroundings are simply beautiful. A large mesa is just outside of Opuwo and with the sun going down it really looks awesome. The town itself is sort of situated on the side of small hill with the main street being at the bottom. One shopping complex exists for all your Opuwo shopping needs. Much smaller than I thought it would be, but I love it.
We checked into the hospital compound and with the help of Jesse (vol) we were able to get into our temporary housing. I say ‘we’ because another vol arrived with me. With my own room I am happy and get all my stuff in one place. Jesse invited us to dinner so I was more than happy to go eat some food, but then again when am I not happy to eat? That’s right…earlier in the week when we had some sand with spinach…now I remember. I met another couple of vols who are married (Jorrit, Frouke and their daughter Silka) It was an enjoyable evening and glad to know that I have some good people to hang out with while I’m here.
– Air is Clean
– Things are Quiet
I like this place.
Travels to Opuwo
Penny George behind the wheel, we set off this morning from Tsumeb around 9am and arrived into Opuwo at exactly 5pm. There is a whole lot of nothing running around in northern Namibia…oh wait…billions of goats and cows…they’re there. One of their favorite pass times is to cross the road just as you approach…it’s fun. One trick that farmers like to play on their livestock is to tie their front two feet together and put a bell around their neck…those crazy farmers.
We were able to see some of the remains of the flooding that turned northern Namibia into a disaster area over the past few months. You wouldn’t have guessed it now as it seems to have changed everyone’s professional title to fisherman extraordinaire. I really don’t know how it’s possible to pull so many fish out of water by the side of the road…no joking. All the water seems to have come from Angola and brought all their fish with it…reports of crocodiles as well.
We stopped for some supplies along the way per Penny’s suggestion. Things in Opuwo cost more and aren’t as readily available. I bought the basics…couldn’t resist picking up some of South Africa’s finest sauces…Mrs. H. S. Ball’s Chutney. Everything else seems pretty trivial next to this. I get KFC in hopes of treating myself, but somehow they managed to ruin it so I was sad…happy when I realized I had some Simba chips flavored by…you guess it…Mrs. H.S. Ball’s Chutney. I’m not joking on this one.
The ride was relatively painless minus my awesome back and constant sweating…even caught a nap before hitting the gravel roads. Learned the difference between England and Britain…don’t make this mistake…kind of knew this before, but just make sure you know exactly. Also found out that Penny really likes Bob Dylan…I just don’t know how I feel about that.
Tree Sleeper
The Tree Sleeper campsite is located in Tsintsabis which is about 60km north of Tsumeb. A fellow volunteer has been responsible for rehabing the site and I have to say he has done an excellent job so far. We arrived and setup our tents…Mark and I shared a tent…looked pretty small, but was a breeze to setup. We all retreated to the tree stand and shared some libations (gin and tonic) and sang some tunes…apparently the drinks are a useful way of avoiding malaria I am told by my british vols…it’s somewhat true. Dinner that night consisted of much better local food than we were served earlier in the week. We had some Kudu (basically some form of antelope type animal), some Pap (corn meal porridge), vegetable stew, breadsticks on actual sticks, roasted corn and some bananas with chocolate. All was excellent this time around…one form of Kudu kind of tasted like that beef jerky stuff you buy in a tobacco tin…both great in theory but not so much in practice. The rest of the night was filled with frequent trips to the men’s room and sneaky farts…did I mention I love camping?
The next day was great because I was the last person to wake up by about an hour and everyone had already eaten. Hurried cleansing and breakfast led to the Bushman’s Hike…this is where I shine. Well…it wasn’t exactly a hike as more of a walk…well…a five steps and listen trip. My initial impression was not the best, but when they taught me how to snare chickens in the wild I was sold. This was followed by how to catch elephants and how to tell the difference between a nice lion and one who wants to eat things that rhyme with me. As Dylan pointed out…just have to run faster than the guy next to you. Traditional fire making skills were shown…very cool.
Next was a tour around Tsintsabis. Little known fact…it’s in the middle of nowhere. Another one…9 out of 1800 people have jobs in Tsintsabis proper. Last one…some bearded guy in dirty pants loves orange soda and hanging out with tourists. It’s hot in the sun here so shade is appreciated.
The trip was finished up with my purchasing overpriced souvenirs and eating tuna fish sandwiches which I never eat, but for some reason they sounded good…they were. I realized I never purchased anything Kenyan while in Kenya so I decided to buy some stuff and at this rate I should have roughly 2 tons worth of useless crap after 6 months…hope you all like Namibian trinkets in your stockings.
Closing Time
Since things are slow here I can’t put out the video as fast as I would like. Just a little comment from my time in Windhoek. It’s off to Opuwo tomorrow for me.
He’s Alive and Kicking…
I’ve rebounded and live to fight another day. I will not let a minor set back keep me from adventuring down the culinary path nor keeping me from an occasional drink or two to help it go down. Tomorrow it’s off to the tree tops for a little camping challenge which should prove to be a great time.
I learned one little fact about Opuwo today…the fruit and vegetables come in once a week and if you want some you better get them while they’re there. Cool.
Update: Found out the place is called Tree Sleeper…looks like I’m taking after my dad.
Food that makes JB puke
I like to try new foods and willing to force some things down not to be rude, but yesterday took the gross cake. We had some traditional Namibian food from the Tsumeb area (look it up to see where I am) which did me in. We had some mystery sausage (don’t want know), unknown beef with bone, sandy spinach, white beans of bland, mountains of corn stuff and a chalk cake…oh, and one cooked Mopane worm to see if they are any better when cooked…most definitely not.
Long story short, I guess my mantra of trying new things finally jumped up and bit me in the butt and stomach. Let’s just say I spent the whole night carrying myself to and from the bathroom. I’m alive today and a weaker man for it.
Mopane Worms
Paul’s Coffee Shop
Friday night had me going to the grand opening of Paul’s Coffee Shop in Windhoek. One of the volunteers, Claude, has been working to help establish the coffee shop over the last 3 months. What is so special in this case is that the coffee shop is operated entirely by persons with disabilities. The coffee shop will operate as a working school for persons with disabilities to learn about the food and hospitality business in a non-threatening environment. I have to say that the place is amazing and the food I had was wonderful. If I were around Windhoek more often I’d certainly stop in a couple times a week.
Last Day in Windhoek
Today was my last in Windhoek and I decided to forgo doing things that I needed to do and went exploring. I grabbed my camera and ipod and started walking toward the hills. The neighborhoods here are very nice and very safe to walk around in. The only drawback you find is that each house is surrounded by a gate and there are usually 2 angry dogs waiting to get their chance to bark at you. My exploring led me to a hidden trail that led up a mountain where I was sure to get some excellent views. I was right. A quick 30 min hike and I was able to see what I’ve posted here.
I promptly was rained on by the cloud you see to the right of the picture and retreated to my luxury suite. A quick shower and off to buy the things I really needed to get today…bedding, etc. In my infinite wisdom and luck everything closed at 1pm while it was now 5pm. Dinner and a walk back home…we’ll see what I plan for tonight…could be a hang out night.
Transportation in Windhoek
Windhoek has no official public transportation. Taxis are available and cost only 7 namibian dollars which is equal to $1 US. It doesn’t matter how far you go, still $1. Now the catch is that they’ll often drive around and pick people up until the car is full…somehow it works. Traveling around Namibia is another story. There really doesn’t seem to a be an easy way to get anywhere so they have hitch hiking stations around the country. Each distance from town to town has a set rate that anyone who has a car can charge. The government relies on private car owners to help provide transportation…again, somehow it works.
Windhoek Region
I know that I mentioned it before, but there really is nothing around Windhoek, but rock, dirt and low growing trees. I find it magnificent, but it also explains why no one lives there. It’s as green right now as it’s ever going to get and with no rain for the next 6 months it’s going to get pretty dry. Most of the land is used for cattle grazing with little land available to be used for farming. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the country.
Windhoek Visually
Windhoek turns out to be quite a modern city. Good food, good shopping and all at a decent price….better than Cincinnati I dare say. Traffic doesn’t exist and feels extremely safe…basically the opposite of Nairobi.
And what city would be complete without a KFC? Again, though, McDonald’s is mysteriously absent just like in Kenya where it is not allowed.
$5 Haircut
So I had to get my haircut and picked a random roadside barber. For $5 I was able to get a sweet clipper cut with a shampooing, conditioning and scalp massage. I am now the proud owner of a Namibian style of it’s own.
Update: Barber also took the liberty to give me a terrible goat-tee which I did not want.
Miss Reid’s Class Questions
It appears that I’m an interesting guy and a wealth of knowledge as Miss Reid’s 3rd grade class has some questions for me and I have some answers:
Do you like michigan or osu? (you should say michigan because that’s what miss reid really likes)
One more than the other, definitely michigan; however, I believe it’s sacrilegious to say either as I’m a penn state grad.
Do you like cheese, chocolate and pumpkin pie?
Cheese if it’s melted, chocolate if it’s milk chocolate and pumpkin pie all the time.
Do you like horses?
Of course, beautiful and scary at the same time. First time I rode one I nearly, well kind of did, wet my pants because my cousin kept cracking jokes about his gassy horse.
Do you have friends in Egypt?
I do now. I met some great people when I visited and hope to keep in contact and see them again soon.
What’s your favorite animal in mason?
Does Miss Reid count?
Rain
Tonight we found out that rain does in fact hit a country that averages 300 days of sun a year…it apparently hits it pretty hard with hail. It’s always fun sprinting down the road in a downpour…even better when your buddy doesn’t have a rain coat…sorry Tim.
The Woodruff’s Strike Again!
My program manager quit after one day of my being here. The Woodruff boys really do ruin Africa. This should be fun.
Later…
Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia. Is there even a town? I see nothing from the plane…cool with me. I’m one of the first in line for customs. I have a slight problem. I have been told by my organization to come in as a ‘tourist’ as the work permit is not ready. I try this. No address means that doesn’t work. I tell them reality, they take my passport and make me wait. When I say wait, that means that all passengers must pass through and then they’ll acknowledge me. Add 45 min. They give me a receipt for my passport and tell me I can get it when I have my work permit.
I get my bags and look for someone who is picking me up. No one. Apparently I’m a surprise visitor…lucky me. Get some money out. Buy a sim card for my phone. Ring the org and after 2 more hours I get a ride. The ride is another 45 min.
All in all, I’m here.
The Journey Begins
Find myself on a plane from Johannesburg, or Jo-burg, to Windhoek, Namibia. Also find myself upgrading from the lowly seat 17A to a much more prestigious 10C…take that world.
The trip so far has been comprised of a few cat naps, some obscurely small beverages and airplanes full of people.
1. Leave Cincinnati on Saturday. Say goodbye to parents and Shannon before shooing away Shannon before having a wet face…success; however, not satisfying. Proceed to wait 30 minutes before plane arrives. Here we go again.
2. Chicago is awesome because I get to leave the airport, take a 10 min ride from one terminal to the next and arrive at another security line. Fortunately, the line does not exist this time around and I do not wait. Unfortunately, I get to wait inside the worst airport terminal, period. I ‘treat’ myself to day old yogurt and granola and receive a reply of silence when asking the clerk how her day is going…. did i mention i love Chicago?
3. 747 plane ride to London is quick. ‘I Am Legend’ and latest installment of Nicolas Cage’s overacting feature, ‘National Treasure’, help pass the time. Cheesecake is good. Mini Cokes are better. I’d like to see the mini factory some day.
4. London is awesome…especially from inside the airport for 14 hours. Savior…Yotel. Don’t let the name fool you…this no Foakley hotel…it’s pretty sweet. Little cabin, little shower, great bed…I smelled and looked like roses after a full ‘nights’ sleep and a shower. On to the brand new Terminal 5…just a couple of free train rides…they have nice trains…and I was basking in the glory that is Terminal 5.It’s wawesome! Coolest feature: automatic trays for security lines. They feed through a bottom track, you put all your stuff in one bin, and the bins are sent through automatically by a feed mechanism that moves things quickly but never allows the separate bins to touch….gotta see it to appreciate it. The Terminal is one large open area under a dome and is essentially an upscale shopping center with top tier restaurants. Thai green curry for me. I buy a tshirt. I buy some cds. So far so good. I go to my plane happy.
5. I get on plane and become unhappy. 1. Flight to JB is 10.5 hours. 2. No on demand video means if I miss the beginning I have to wait for it to start again. 3. Bulk head seating: no leg room and bags have to be up top. 4. Flight is delayed 2 hours, 1 hour 55 min 59 secs spent inside the airplane. Good news isn’t far behind though. I manage to squeak in some sleep. Don’t let this fool you because the best is yet to come. I spend the next 2 or so hours watching and enjoying ‘There Will Be Blood.’ Lucky me, we have to land. The flight attendant physically pushes my screen down as the last 5 minutes of the movie are playing…clearly didn’t trust me to turn it off…for good reason I’ll admit. Now I need someone to tell me what happened at the end so I can appreciate the deep and no doubt, meaningful message.
6. Johannesburg. Well…we wait for buses to take us to the terminal. I wait for the one clerk to hand out boarding passes to the mob at the desk. When you’re dealing with a mess of foreigners in a foreign country there will be no line…I offer $5 guarantees on this one (not really *legal note). I’m uninspired by the building and get to wait for another bus to take me to a more uninspiring 737 straight out of the 80s…yippee.
7. Fly to Windhoek and type what’s going on. Have another delicious meal of lamb cheesiness. Feel blood flow slowing after 4 airplane meals within 48 hours. As Jerry Seinfeld once so eloquently put it, why the used razor blade slot in the lavatory? Ooh, fun turbulence on the way down. More to come later…