We arrived here in Namibia very early this morning, it was foggy AND we couldn't really see anything except what was immediately on the port side. This is said to be normal winter weather - it was explained as being caused by the warm air from Africa and cold Atlantic ocean. We had a lovely breakfast, got through immigration really quickly and easily before 10 a.m., by this time the mist had completely cleared and once again we had sunny clear blue skies, and a lovely agreeable warmth. Before our afternoon excursion we had time for an independent morning outing via shuttle bus to the Walvis Bay Waterfront - a tiny place with a bar or two, a restaurant and one souvenir shop, so very very different from South Africa, and not really ready for cruise ship tourists I guess. It was lovely there anyway, on wooden decking above the sea, drinking strong coffee and catching up with wi-fi, meeting more passengers.
By 12 we were back on the ship, getting a quick snack, before going out again at 12:45 for the Main Event!
For our afternoon excursion we were in a 4X4 with four other people and the most knowledgeable, confident and kind driver, Peter for the time of our lives. First he introduced himself and told us a little bit about his background - born in South Africa, Scottish ancestors, English and Afrikaans speaking, moved to Namibia 20 years ago, learned some German, took up driving for this tour company and here he is, working only when he wants. We piled in, belted up and were off We made our first stop to pick up food, wine, beer, fruit juices - for a picnic later, not expected, but very welcome. Then we moved along, six vehicles all together in convoy. First we drove along the coast road (a dirt track really) stopping to look at the famous greater and lesser flamingos. We had a lesson about their behaviours and differences, it was fascinating. Then we drove past the salt production, reeds, scrub land, sand with tracks identified as dung beetle and springbok. The next stop was a rendezvous for all the vehicles and an introduction to a very cute white and orange gecko before the greatest sand dune adventure ever. Some of the sand was almost white, some was red, but most was sandy as we know it. Slowly, like driving on ice, going up, having to reverse several times to regain momentum, then up and over the tops and down at unbelievably sharp angles, we were told 33 degree angles, but they felt much much sharper than that, giving us rollercoaster-like sensations, lots of screams and moans, holding on to the bars on the inside of the 4X4s to stop us becoming too familiar with our fellow passengers. Sometimes we were driven straight down, and sometimes zig zagging up and down. It was hugely exciting. Then there was the light hearted competition between the drivers, and also a strong bond and cameraderie.
After about an hour of this we stopped for our picnic, again a delight. Samosas, meatballs, various cold meats and salads. Coconut, chocolates and drinks. So civilised, like a dinner party in the sand. Table, table cloth, proper glasses :) Only the toilets were missing, but most people were happy to relieve themselves in the dunes! There was even time for a botany lesson and the opportunity to taste something that sounded like "narra" seeds and the highly nutritious food made from the pulp of the boiled seeds of the spiky green shrub surrounding us. This is where we saw mice nibbling away at the shrub and dung beetles massive things, making their escape into the sand. After this came the 40 kilometre return journey back to the ship, again up and over the dunes with just as much excitement. We got close up to families of springboks and a hopeful looking jackal, close enough for some excellent photos. Funny how we didn't fall asleep in transit today!!!
Anyway, back to earth from the lunar views, back to the ship, Namibian departure/immigration no problem, again a lovely dinner sitting with two Swedish women, laundry and now back in the cabin watching Skyfall. I can hardly believe we did that! I think we will sleep well tonight. We have 7 sea days ahead before Cape Verde. So I will say bye now.
