On Namibia

No picture today. Picture uploading isn't allowed in many internet cafes. I've tried to get around it only with limited success. So I'll just talk for a moment...

...about how great I think Namibia is as a travel destination. This country's geography and population is quite diverse, and I believe you could get similar experiences in this one country to all (save Ethiopia) of the other countries I've visited combined. Yes, Namibia has it all. Sure, it may be a little more expensive. Come to think of it, sometimes it's less. Regardless, you get a much higher quality of everything. The infrastructure is fantastic compared to points north and east. In most towns, you'd think you were in a European or American city. I think I've missed the developed world as sad as that sounds. I've missed the less hassled life. I've missed the get what you pay for, not having to worry about being swindled at every turn. That's Namibia.

Even though I know Namibia offers such diversity, I've only really taken advantage of one aspect, one unique to this land: the endless desert. One day I'll upload the photos which might do some justice to the amazing experience that is the desert. I was often reminded of the deserts of the American southwest. However, every desert is unique. Though they always seem to call me. Their vast expanses, endless horizons. The play of light and color as the day progresses. I'm enchanted.

We rented a car for our exploration. Bruce and I split the driving, quickly learning to handle shifting gears left-handed with steering wheel on the right. It won't make much sense without pictures and since I only have a few minutes left at this internet cafe, a laundry list:

-Sossusvlei. Tons of sand dunes and valleys where rivers ran long ago. Camping at Sesriem was super cold, hot, windy, and dusty all at once.
-Naukluft mountains. Above the desert. Views to mesas. Awesome hike. cf. Bruce's blog.
-Swakopmund. German resort town on Atlantic. Windy and cold mostly. But nice the morning we went quadbiking and sandboarding. Again cf. Bruce's blog.
-Windhoek. The capital. Hot hot hot. Make arrangements. Get stuff done.