To Swakop and back

That wave though

I am back from my lovely vacation and I cannot get over all of the feels I have had the past 5 days. I mean really though, the trip was exactly what I needed and so refreshing. I have noticed at site lately, I've lost a bit of that spark that I previously had. You know that inexplicable feeling of purpose and drive you have for what you do? Yea... my fire was starting to dim with all of the turmoil in my organization and feeling disconnected to everyone. But I got it back y'all! So now I will give you an insight into how my trip went.

We started by getting up at like 5am to catch the kumbi leaving at 6:30. My supervisor ended up bringing her 3 year old granddaughter, Mika, and she was stoked for the trip! Of course the kumbi ended up getting kind of cramped, but it wasn't the worst experience. We even stopped in Okahandja and it felt like I was home, for like all of the 15 minutes we were there. Eventually, we got to Swakop around 1pm. I astutely pointed out that it looks like the set of Mad Max, then was informed that it actually was the set of the movie. Super smart, I know.

The coffee of my dreams.

Kevin met me at the local grocery store to pick me up, like the true gentleman he is. We stopped over at his flat to drop my things, then went out to town so he could show me around. Holy culture shock, I saw more white people than I have seen the rest of my time in Namibia. We also stopped at a real coffee shop and I had my first iced coffee in Namibia. Straight up heaven! Of course I took pictures so I could instagram it later. We then went down to the jetty to see the sea and a few other places that were closed. We then had a late lunch where I had a delicious salad. He had a workshop that evening, so I hung out at his home and took a super hot shower.

Stephanie lives right next door, so I was able to surprise her when she got home. Oh man, how I have missed that girl's bright face. We were able to talk and talk until our hearts were almost content. It was soooo good to decompress with someone experiencing the same struggles. Shortly after, we went to bed and I snuggled into my little mattress on the floor in true PC style.

The next day, I went with Kevin to his center to see how things are done there. I thought I would just be sitting in on an Office Administration class, to see if I could take anything back to my center. But I actually ended up teaching the class. Thank you improv skills, I was able to muddle through a lesson on effective communication and how to write a CV and cover letter. For lunch, we went to his favorite capana stand. I had my first taste of street meat and I am converted! My American friends are probably asking why. And my PC friends are probably asking what took me so long. The spices were on point and I didn't even get sick from it. That afternoon we relaxed in the computer lab and I walked around the various classes a bit.

One of the local weavers

That night we went to pizza with another volunteer in Swakop, Kaan. Man, the pizza was delicious and the conversation was stellar. I think I was laughing like 80% of the time. The next day, I was able to go to work with Stephanie to see what her center is all about. Man oh man, I was in heaven. She works at an arts and crafts center that teaches classes in various forms of art and also has businesses where locally made goods are sold on site. The center is very tranquil with art on display, vendors, and classes happening all at once. Of course I couldn't leave without buying a few items, because I still love shopping and especially when I can meet the makers of the items on the spot. I even had a bit of Nara Oil ice cream that was spectacular.

After we knocked off, we went into town where we shopped around a bit. Then we picked up some real coffee and headed to the beach. Again, another chat session that was food for my soul. We really got closer and had such a good time watching the waves roll in as our stories and similarities flowed out. I even got to take the stereotypical beach jumping picture. Hello, I couldn't miss an opportunity like that! I mean, how often am I sitting on a beach in Africa with amazing company? (The answer is never).\

Almost have it

Houston we have lift off

That night we cooked burgers as a group and had a little poker game. Again, I was laughing and smiling quite a bit. The next morning they all went for a run, which I don't do, so I cooked breakfast tacos for the group. I would say they turned out pretty solid, but you would have to ask my audience to really know. After Kevin and Kaan bravely received haircuts from me, we headed into town where we met up with another volunteer Kaitlin. We then proceeded to not only have more ice cream, but also eat several types of cake at a coffee shop while I learned how to play Euchre.

Simply incredible

When the sun started to go down, we went to a local hotel where we were able to enjoy the lounge with just a few rules. There we ended up meeting some delightful Canadian volunteers from Zimbabwe and even stumbled upon an RPCV who served in Malawi in the 90s. Again, it was so nice to talk to people about similar experiences and lifestyle choices. The former PC volunteer ended up buying our drinks, which was beyond nice of her. She also said something that really struck me. She said, "Besides my husband, Peace Corps was the best decision I ever made in my life." I mean, hearing that from a former volunteer really helped to spark that fire in me again. If someone can say that, after serving over 20 years ago, it really must have made a huge impact on her life. Which gives me even more reason to push through my struggles here.

Life of luxury, nee?

After delectable Indian food for dinner, we stopped into a local tourist bar to see what was happening. I think this was the most culture shocked I've been this whole time. I could not stop awkwardly laughing at all of the tourist white people dancing to pop music in a circle. Like really getting down. It wasn't that I thought their dancing was horrible, although it wasn't anything to win awards, it was that people around me were experiencing Namibia in such a different way than I was. To them, this was completely normal. But to me, I was taken aback and realized that I am so thankful that is not my view of Namibia. Not to say that it's a bad one, but they really are not seeing the struggles that people face in this country and the hardship of daily life. They also do not see the beautiful aspects of the local culture and ceremonies. It was eye-opening for me to see the different right in front of my face, with Trey Songz and Michael Jackson bumping in the background.

We sleepily went home around 10pm and for my normal grandma time, that was a late night. The next morning we relaxed and waited for my kumbi to arrive. By 1, I was in a crammed kumbi between 3 men and on my way back to my site. Although I was excited to get home and see my adorable kitty, I was sad to leave my friends and all the fun. But that's ok, I will see them again in just about 7 weeks. I also sort of promised I would try to do a 10k "Fun Run" while they do a half-marathon in October. I don't know what will be fun about it, but I better get my booty in gear and start working towards that goal.

Until October...

I will be taking gym selfies to avoid running.