It's me, Brooke, taking over Ryan's blog to share our experiences since i've arrived on Saturday.
Go
odbye Cold London, Hello Hot Namibia!
odbye Cold London, Hello Hot Namibia!So, the adventure began when my plane touched down on the scorching runway last Sat (16th). Ryan welcomed me at the airport and drove us 40 miles into the city (Windhoek) where we stayed for the night.
On the hot ride in we ran into our first little snag as the car stopped on the side of the road in the middle of NOWHERE......but......10 min of patience and Ryan's baby was 'purring like a kitten' (as he says) and we were headed for our luxurious 
'home' (see pic) ......kidding.....this is the very nice resort we stayed at for the night - fully loaded with air conditioning, TWO beds and full free breakfast (American style). That evening after dining on zebra, kudu, ostrich, chicken and crocodile we we straight to bed in preparation for our 7 hour journey up north (home, Ongwediva) the next day.
'home' (see pic) ......kidding.....this is the very nice resort we stayed at for the night - fully loaded with air conditioning, TWO beds and full free breakfast (American style). That evening after dining on zebra, kudu, ostrich, chicken and crocodile we we straight to bed in preparation for our 7 hour journey up north (home, Ongwediva) the next day. 7-hour journey turns 10-hour journey with loads of excitement ---- 'baby' decides to stop again (only for 15 min) and then the roadside police decide 
we need a ticket....the border patrolmen ask us if their relative can hitch a ride with us the rest of the way ('of course'), as we continue our journey dodging donkeys, cattle, warthogs, (you name it)....we finally approach Ongwediva where it's actually started to rain (very rare). Just as i start to get frustrated I've lugged the 'London Rain Baggage' with me, I find out this is actually good luck and the sun replaces the rain very quickly. Overall the trip (although long) was a beautiful, adventurous ride up to 'home'.
The past week (my first) there's been loads to do between getting the
house 'pretty' (aka: the compound), playing tennis with the local kids, meeting everyone (people feeling our hair and getting to see people relieving themselves 'roadside') and of course, having Thanksgiving as 'American-style' as possible.
we need a ticket....the border patrolmen ask us if their relative can hitch a ride with us the rest of the way ('of course'), as we continue our journey dodging donkeys, cattle, warthogs, (you name it)....we finally approach Ongwediva where it's actually started to rain (very rare). Just as i start to get frustrated I've lugged the 'London Rain Baggage' with me, I find out this is actually good luck and the sun replaces the rain very quickly. Overall the trip (although long) was a beautiful, adventurous ride up to 'home'.The past week (my first) there's been loads to do between getting the
house 'pretty' (aka: the compound), playing tennis with the local kids, meeting everyone (people feeling our hair and getting to see people relieving themselves 'roadside') and of course, having Thanksgiving as 'American-style' as possible.We did our very best to improvise - chicken instead of Turkey,
interesting sweet potatoes which taste like porridge,
stuffing with leeks instead of celery (a very tasty dish by chef Ryan),
cake instead of pie, and great new friends.
We cooked dinner with another American volunteer, Leah and invited 3 friends from Ongwediva over to stuff themselves with us. In good custom we stuffed our faces, listened to some 'good ole' American music (Johnny cash) and honored the tradition of offering up what we are all thankful for. The holiday, although very unique, was very celebratory and nice on our end. Hope it was a very nice day for you all.
Today (Friday) I was introduced to the entire school (900 students) where they giggled and laughed at my 'hello.' Everyone has been so welcoming and sweet to me and I'm doing my best with the 'Owambo' langauge, the handshake, handwashing my clothes, setting spiders free from our home, etc.....
Miss you all and hope all is good in the Western World. xxooox0
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