I arrived in Swakopmund last Tuesday and since then have been indulging in what feels like a real holiday. I stayed two nights in a hostel and am now staying at an Airbnb belonging to the hostel owner, Betsy.
The hostel was fun on the first night as a family of Bostwanans arrived and left their teenage girls in charge of cooking. They taught me to make pap.
And then some Italians rocked up and cooked pasta (each nationality confirming to expected norms re: diet).
It's been a quiet few days. I haven't been up to much - I take myself out for brunch occasionally, potter around tourist shops, have a wine out and read.
So far I have read 6 books since I've been in Africa, more than I read in the whole of the Autumn and very unlike me.
Swakopmund is small and relatively safe (for a me). I've wandered down to see the sea most days, strolled along the beach and paddled.
Geo truck!
I've discovered a wool shop owned by a lovely lady, Amanda, who has offered me coffee and a chat if I want to pop in and crochet there one day.
I'm still not really meeting people. However on my return from the coast today I walked into Betsy's kitchen to make a cup of tea and was invited to join her, her son Wilhelm (14) and Nichol (new to me) for lunch/supper - it was 1530, we couldn't decide what meal to call it. Anyway, it was lovely. Nice to eat with people. Most of the time I cook/dine alone. I'm not out in the evenings here as there seems no point eating out alone, and I'd have to get a cab there/back for my security which is a phaff.
I may explore the aquarium tomorrow. It looks small but sweet and even as a foreigner it's ~£2 entry. And on Monday I have a 'living desert' tour planned which is a holiday treat. And it'll be good to meet some new faces. This is the desert view from just outside Betsy's house ;-)
The hostel was fun on the first night as a family of Bostwanans arrived and left their teenage girls in charge of cooking. They taught me to make pap.
And then some Italians rocked up and cooked pasta (each nationality confirming to expected norms re: diet).
It's been a quiet few days. I haven't been up to much - I take myself out for brunch occasionally, potter around tourist shops, have a wine out and read.
So far I have read 6 books since I've been in Africa, more than I read in the whole of the Autumn and very unlike me.
Swakopmund is small and relatively safe (for a me). I've wandered down to see the sea most days, strolled along the beach and paddled.
Geo truck!
I've discovered a wool shop owned by a lovely lady, Amanda, who has offered me coffee and a chat if I want to pop in and crochet there one day.
I'm still not really meeting people. However on my return from the coast today I walked into Betsy's kitchen to make a cup of tea and was invited to join her, her son Wilhelm (14) and Nichol (new to me) for lunch/supper - it was 1530, we couldn't decide what meal to call it. Anyway, it was lovely. Nice to eat with people. Most of the time I cook/dine alone. I'm not out in the evenings here as there seems no point eating out alone, and I'd have to get a cab there/back for my security which is a phaff.
I may explore the aquarium tomorrow. It looks small but sweet and even as a foreigner it's ~£2 entry. And on Monday I have a 'living desert' tour planned which is a holiday treat. And it'll be good to meet some new faces. This is the desert view from just outside Betsy's house ;-)
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