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?

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.

My House, My Home, My Life

Now it was time to show my parents my life. Where was I spending my last 8 months...without much time off.

Mokuti, just outside Etosha National Park, is 525km north of Windhoek. So the stop at Okonjima broke up the journey. Not to say my 160km/hr+ driving did help speed things up. The roads are straight, smooth and quiet. Not to mention that my first time behind the wheel in 12 months was going to be exciting. Pedal to the metal!

At Mokuti, my parents were treated to a fantastic room and were able to do nothing but relax. The only appointments were for wildlife safaris and of course, the spa. What a way to live. And get this, they saw 87 elephants at one waterhole. Four herds coming together. Quite spectacular.

I introduced my parents to all my new friends and colleagues; Anand, Ina, Chris, Vendi, and the whole bar team, Jackson, Daniel, Patrick, Erenst and Daement. These are the faces I see everyday...every...day.

I did spend some time in the office, but at least dinner was a family event and I think the liked what they saw.

The Fam in Nam

It didn't take much convincing, but my parents finally made it to another continent. I would get some time off and we would explore Namibia and all its treasures.

Their first night was spent in Windhoek to catch up on some sleep and relax for a bit. We had rented a car and our first task was to pick it up. Just as a general note I told my Dad not to expect to much in terms of customer service and punctuality. Sure enough, I didn't have to repeat myself after we finally had the keys to the rental in my hand.

That evening we had a fantastic dinner with colleagues at The Heinitzburg Hotel.

After a night in Windhoek we were headed to Okonjima Lodge. The lodge used to be a hunting farm now turned into a conservation area for big cats and hyenas. Our two nights there really kicked off the trip.

Our first activity at the lodge was to drive into one of the cheetah habitats and search for the cats. Not too much longer and five cheetahs were circling the truck. The cheetah are obviously used to the people and cars so they are somewhat habituated. Still, to see these creatures so close really makes an impression. Most of these cats are either orphans or don't have much chance to return to the wild. Cheetahs are one of the only cats that learn how to hunt from their mother. Other cats can do it instinctively. So when a cub is orphaned it stands little chance in the wild.

The next day would be leopard spotting. Once again, these cats also stand little chance of surviving in the wild. They are all fitted with radio collars to help with the spotting. Now, make no mistake. The conservancy is on a huge farm. And even if you get close enough by radar it still doesn't mean the leopard is out in the open. The first day we had no luck and didn't find anything. We headed out a second time and after traversing a dry river bed, up and over rocks, we spotted a leopard hovering over its warthog carcass. Again, at close range we see how impressive this animal is.

Without any complaints and leaving bewildered and astounded by the first stop of our trip we would head north to Mokuti lodge to relax for four nights before making our way to the coast.

FORE...and a leopard

No rain.

On the upside things are looking much better at the lodge. Guests from around the world are coming and checking out the park and enjoying the sights of Namibia. AND ITS TIME FOR ME TO EXPLORE AGAIN...

I had the chance to tag along with a professional photographer into Etosha National Park last week and it was a great to get off the property again. We headed out at 7h00 and spent the entire morning in the park. Its is a surreal place. Something you can't describe. The waterholes are bringing in all the animals. Amazing to see what most of you have only seen on TV.

The best sightings were of a male lion with its wildebeest kill and a leopard just jumping out of its tree. Amazing...Oh, and the large bull elephant knocking a makalani palm tree for its fruit.

Later that week a few of us tried a new take on golf and took a swing out at the airstrip. No doubt I should have kept up my foursome.

Still in the Bush

So now I really don't have a good excuse. No sharks, no buses and no border crossings.

The lodge is coming to life. Finally all major buildings have been finished and the few remaining projects, IT, pathways and landscaping details are underway. All we need are guests! No doubt we are all waiting for our first full house.

The snake park curator is busy catching snakes, scorpions and freeing snared warthogs. There are bushmen who live around the area and our fences make perfect routes for placing snares on game trails. Definitely a problem and our anti-poaching drives are trying to catch the culprits.

I went on a full moon game drive with another conservation worker. It's quite amazing how much you can see in the bush with a full moon. Even some animals wandering around; kudu, giraffe, oryx, and more. And the birds. There are so many birds here.

It hasn't rained since early March and the bush is slowly thinning and dulling to brown. This is the best time to see the animals as the water holes start drying up and only a few main water holes remain full.

AND...EVERY SUNSET IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! REALLY!

And then the stars...you have to see them for yourself. Learning all new constellations and can't resist looking up every night I walk home. But also down to avoid stepping on anything.