We Made it to Windhoek

We finally made it to Windhoek - and to an Internet Cafe! Our trip to Namibia was fun, but tiring. Our 3 days in Amsterdam were fun, but cold and expensive. There were short, rainy days in Amsterdam, but we had fun at the museums and riding on the canal boats. The kids were most happy with the fancy hot chocolates and walking on the bridges. The kids also really liked our trip on the fancy 777 airplane from Amsterdam to Capetown. They got to watch movies for TWELVE HOURS straight, with no one to tell them to stop! It was clear the whole way, so Bill and I took turns looking at Africa from the window with binoculars. It was thrilling for both of us. Capetown was brilliant. We played at the beach and walked all over downtown Capetown. We all gave Capetown a thumbs up.

We landed in Windhoek on the 14th of December, and were picked up by Ray from the Embassy. The summer is just beginning in Windhoek, and it is HOT. People are complaining about the humidity, but it still feels pretty dry to us. We have met several Namibians and several ex-pats who have gone out of their way to help us get around, buy supplies and set up accounts. We are currently in the process of buying a "combi", otherwise known as a Volkswagon van, from a German Volkswagon mechanic. We hope to have this all settled by Friday, so we have time to buy Christmas presents for each other, and so we can go camping right after Christmas.

Our flat in "UNAM Village" is just great. Our favorite part are the pair of weaver birds that live right outside our second floor.

Windhoek is more westernized (or South Africanized) then any of us expected. We will be able to get around easily, and can get ahold of most things we need, even if they may look or taste a little (or a lot) different. We are looking forward to meeting more Namibians, seeing more of the country, and getting started at our work, school, etc.

We hopefully will have access to Internet fairly soon, and then can update regularly.