Eins, zwo, drei...

Finding our way back to Windhoek was just as adventurous as making it to Wolwedans; more gravel roads and the cherry, another flat tire. Even though it was a long journey the amount of life and excitement we experienced was well worth it.

We then headed Munich to see some family and perhaps a chance at a Maß or two. I just hope the folks can keep up!

After a 10 hour flight from Windhoek to Munich we headed for Oma's tiny little town to rest and relax with some family. I always

love heading back where I spent all of my childhood summers playing on tractors, running through corn fields and wandering in the woods.

It seems that every time I return to this village everything has gotten smaller. I have to duck to get through the doorway and almost bow to get into the kitchen. Even the local bakery is a few steps closer. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful place and I hope to come back as often as possible.

After the visits with all cousins and their kids, uncles and aunts we were on our way to Munich for Oktoberfest, my first one ever. Mom and Dad were up for the challenge and that weekend we toured the tents, pretzel and sausage

stands all the while hunting for a Dirndl. I would love a German passport.

With Mom and Dad flying back home I knew it would be another year before seeing them again. It was great to see them and strengthen our relationship. A lot changes in a year.

The Red Lines Mean Gravel Roads

After a great 3 nights in Swakopmund it was off to our last destination in the southern part of the country. But not after fixing our flat tire.

We set out early morning for a rather short 380km drive to NamibRand Reserve near Sesriem. At least it seemed that way on the map. Little did we know that shortly after passing through Walvis Bay with its flamingos were we in for sand, salt and gravel roads. That made our 4 hour journey at 60km/h nearly an 8 hour drive. Damn was I pissed. Rocks on the road. Bumps and rivets. Everything to slow me down and without solution. Slow and easy.

The start of the journey had us driving through sand dunes and by now we were more into rocky terrain with mountains. No matter where you are in Namibia, the landscape is to die for.

After watching the minutes go by we finally arrive at Wolwedans Lodge by which time I had enough of this gravel bullshit and just wanted to get to a cold bottle of Tafel beer. Even at the gate to the lodge it was still another 20km on bad dirt road. But for all of this trouble we were in a truly untouched and unspoiled part of the country.

With its tented rooms surrounded by mountains and sand filled valleys this was a place to take it all in. I definitely recommend this place if you can arrange for a flight in.

Now how will I handle the drive back to Windhoek on these dirt roads?