Off to the Coast.

From Mokuti, we headed towards the coast making a stopover at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is just off the beaten track and built in between huge stone croppings. Crazy to think that all the building materials had to be carried up to the site. We even had to be transported to the lodge by a 4x4 just to get over the top.

We spent one night there and were treated to baboons and a beautiful sunset. From our tented rooms (with ensuite) we could sit and enjoy the surrounding serenity. Something that is actually very easy to find in this country.

From Erongo, we made our way to Swakopmund. This was were I had spent my New Year on the beach. We rented a flat and weren't too sure what it would be like. I had some help from our neighbours next to the lodge who helped plan this trip and they recommended a flat over a hotel room. And it ended up being the right choice.

The flat had 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and large balcony overlooking the ocean. It even had a garage for the Toyota to sleep in. No doubt the right choice, and much cheaper. I even paid for it!!!

We explored Swakopmund and I was able to get out and wander on my own. A few bars pulled me in and I met some more great people. It so happened that there would be an Oktoberfest that weekend and we were keen on checking it out. With a full band and 100 people, I think the whole town showed up!

Every evening was spent on the balcony waiting for the sun to go down and every night the sunset turned out perfect!

Just before we left Swakopmund our little Toyota suffered its first flat tire.

Stuck in the Sand

Well, according to what the "plan", I should have left Swakopmund 5 days ago. I was ready to leave this morning, but I keep meeting interesting people.

On the way back to the hotel I bumped into a bus driver who was interested in my day and made friendly conversation. I few minutes later I found myself invited to come watch the Under 18 Fistball World Championships. Turns out he was the driver of the Swiss team. I had no idea what Fistball was so I was up for the show. Imagine a form of Volleyball.

There were only a few teams in this fairly new sport; Austria, Brazil, Chile, Switzerland, Germany and Namibia.

Germany took the title for the men and Austria for the women.
Maybe I'll move on tomorrow.

Midnight

Nothing like ringing in the New Year on a beach with hundreds of friends.

We didn't make any reservations for a place to stay on New Years and luck had it that the entire city was booked full. The day we spent sandboarding we asked around and the common answers were to head to Tiger Reef Beach Bar and find a place to sleep on the beach. Maybe even shower in the ocean.

Back in town we still looked around for a room and Lindsey found a nice flat, twice the price. Oh well.

We started off with a few roadie pops and made our way to the beach to take in the last sunset of 2008! This place, Swakopmund, a mouthful to say is really beautiful. Filled with Gemuetlichkeit and all.

We then made it to Tiger Reef and met a few local friends and kept the conversation flowing. It was a pretty easy to talk. About anything really. I don't remember how deep the conversation was, but it was a great night.

The beach was full of people. Tents, bottles and a huge pyramid of wood. After midnight it turned into the tallest flame I had seen. People shot their fireworks and celebrated a new year.

I will stay here just a few more days while Lindsey and Scott head south for more adventure.

Face Full of Sand

Scott, Lindsey and I spent New Years Eve on the sand dunes just outside Swakopmund, Namibia sandboarding.

The dunes are a few hundred metres tall and you are equipped with a snowboard for sandboarding, boots and a helmet. Most of us had minimal experience, but that didn't matter. We were all getting a face full of sand.

We had to walk up the dune with board in hand and attempt to make it down on the board. The last run even included a jump. Intimidating, but fun!