Swakopmund

Today we returned from a 4-day trip to the coastal town of Swakopmund. It is a German colonial-style town, and also a big tourist destination (also were Angelina Jolie had one of her children, apparently). Our trip was a combination of lectures and seminars with vacation-y free time and some minor tourist stuff. We got a glimpse into the local economy of Arandis, a small mining town adjacent to the 3rd largest uranium mine in the world. We saw how the mine provides vital employment, but also saw how people are worried about the environmental and economic sustainability of the mine in the long run. We were also able to visit a local elementary school there, which happens to be named after one of our professors, Urbanus Dax. He was the principal there for many years, so it was fun to see his school and hear his opinions on the education system there.

    Outside of the more academic stuff, we spent an afternoon climbing Dune 7, a big old dune formation just a few kilometers from the Atlantic ocean. For those Coloradans out there, it was comparable to the Sand Dunes of the Sangre de Christos, if not just a little smaller. We all had a lot of fun, and I'm still picking sand out of my ears and eyes as a result! 

    Saturday was a free day, and my friend Cameron and I decided to take it easy. We walked around the town of Swakopmund and did a little shopping, but mostly just took in the town and walked along the beach. Swakopmund was a nice break from the heat of Windhoek, and the sea breezes were wonderful, though the water was pretty chilly. I did manage to find a yarn shop in town, aptly named "Heidi's Craft Shop" but I must say the selection wasn't the best. Still, I was amazed to find a yarn shop at all, so I still count it as a success! 

    Well, now we have just one week here in Windhoek until we head off for 3 weeks of travel to the Northern region for our rural home stays,  visit to Etosha National Park and our Fall break. Until then, I hope all is well. Drop me an email or letter and let me know what you're up to!