Our first week in Namibia

It's almost been 1 week since our adventure in Namibia began.  We were greeted at the airport by Vaughn and the B2 Gold driver Benjiman.  It is so nice to be back with my man.  We have been very excited about starting this new life together and now it has arrived.  Still after almost 1 week here I feel like I am just on vacation.  I think once we get into our own place and start buying stuff for the house it will feel more real. 

We spent our first two nights at the Windhoek Country club.  It is a beautiful resort with all the amenties one would find at any 4 star resort.  Cassia really enjoyed the pool.  It was nice to take it easy the first couple of days to get over the jet lag.  Cassia didn't miss a beat while it took me about 4 days to really feel normal.

We had a plan that we would go out and buy a vehicle on Monday so we could drive to Otjiwarongo ourselves.  Hahahahah!!!! Well it is not that easy to say the least.  It is now Friday and we will have a vehicle tomorrow.  We have purchased a brand new Nissan 300 hard body.  Our plan was to buy a used vehicle. After looking around in Windhoek and finding out you either have to pay cash or have a bank account here that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.  Vehicles here are very expensive and used are not any cheaper.  After lots of internet searching and going to all the dealers in Otjiwarongo we decided our best bet is to buy new.  Yikes!!  Way more than we wanted to spend but in the long run we will be able to resell when we leave and not lose too much.  Plus we have a vehicle that is totally reliable and with warranty.  So the half day we spent in Windhoek looking at used vehicles was a bit of a waste but it made us realize that things aren't as easy as we think. 

Once we figured out that we won't be getting a vehicle in Windhoek we got a ride back with Lucas in the B2 Gold mini van.  It actually worked out perfect for timing.  We stopped in at a fast food place (not so fast) for some food then went to get our luggage we left at the resort.  We have realized that waiting in line is very normal here! 

The drive to Otjiwarongo was really cool.  I saw a giraffe in the distance and Cassia spotted one really close to the fence that is close to the road!  We saw lots of baboons and tons of wart hogs.  This is all just as you are driving down the main road! 

We arrived at the Falcon's nest guest house around dinner time.  Our room is very simple and cozy.  We had dinner at C'est Si Bon our first night here.  It was very good.  Cassia and I shared the ribs.  They definately love their meat here.  So far all the meals I have had have been great. 

Our first real day in Otjiwarongo we spent walking around checking things out.  We also tried to open an account at the bank.  Again proofing to be difficult.  We waited for about an hour in a line up to be given a piece of paper with all the info they need.  We decided it is easier for B2 to help us with that.  We checked out a few furniture stores to get an idea of costs.  My first impression is that they have a very different taste in furntiture.  After looking around some more and also realizing we are looking in the cheaper stores it's not so bad.  I have found a few couches that are deceint for sure.  It's really no cheaper here for furniture either.  I really wonder how some of the lower class workers survive here.  Some things are way cheaper (grocieries are probably half price) but really compared to what the average worker makes it must be really difficult to live! 

We went to the Crocodile farm for lunch and a tour.  Really nice place.  The gardens are beauiful!  All the food on the menu is from their garden and the crocodile is raised right there at the farm.  Yes we tried Croc and it was very tastey.  It's like a combo between fish and pork!  Very high in protein.  The blacks here will not eat it though.  They don't believe in eating reptiles???  Interesting.  Cassia loved the Croc farm.  They have tourtoises there too that you can pick up and feed.  I have lots of great pictures but I am having problems uploaded them because the files are too large.  I have changed a setting now on my camera so I can put more picturs onto the blog.  So stay tuned!! 

Our dinners and breakfasts are provided at the Falcon's nest.  The food is plenty and very tasty.  I have to watch how much I am eating as I feel the waist line expanding already!!  The beer tastes good too!!  Day 2 and 3 in Otji Vaughn and I spent figuring out what we will do for a vehicle.  Cassia spent the days hanging out at the Guest house.  They opened the pool finally so she was really happy once she could get swimming.  She has also spent lots of time skipping.  She is getting really good. 

This morning we interviewed a lady for a nanny position.  Cassia is really excited to have a nanny.  Her name is Judy and is in her early 30's.  She has three kids of her own and lots of work experience.  She will help with cleaning, laundry and the garden.  She is super excited to get a job.  I think we will hire her.  It is very common here to have a nanny.  I am excited to have help with the house as Vaughn will be working so much as well I feel we are really helping someone by hiring them as good work is hard to find for some. 

These are a few pictures of where we are staying right now.  We will be moving into the house on Dec 2nd!!  As much as this is a great place to stay it will be nice getting into our own house!

 

Well that sort of catches us up to today.  I will write more later!  Enough computer for now!