Windhoek, Namibia, 14th Sept, 2014

We spent yesterday in Swakopomund. Although it is the second city in Namibia, the population is only 16,000, but there are 2 adjacent townships - Modesa and DRC (Democratic Resettlement Community) with at least another 26,000 people. The South African administration enforced segregation in 1960 and although since independence in 1990 anyone can live anywhere there is not a lot of mixing.

The town has fine old colonial buildings and still a distinctly German feel and look. The people are mostly Christian and English is the only official language, but most people speak 5 or 6 languages and some are the click languages like the bushmen.

Flamingos hardly need identifying

 

Cormorants

 

 Beach bar in Swakopomund

 Self  explanatory

 

 Typical old buildings

 

Lots of different colours and varieties of pigface

 The township of Modesa. There are different sections as the South African govt gave the smallest tribe the biggest houses.

Price list in a Shebeen or bar in Modesa. $1 Namibian is about 10cts Aus

Clientele In the bar.

Some people earn good money working for Rio Tinto in the nearby Uranium mine but prefer to still  live in the township as there is more community spirit and street life.

Street market.

All sorts of entrepreneurial businesses

 

Termite mound Namibian style.

 The town of Chrystal - mostly black tourmaline, amethyst, rose quartz and agate.
 

 Helena one  of the staff at Roof of Africa hotel in Windhoek shows off her fishtail pushback hair style.

I think this might be the last  Internet before we get to Victora Falls  about the 27th September and by then I  anticipate I will have plenty to add..