Windhoekin'

Baboons on the side of the road were definitely not what I was envisioning when arriving in Windhoek, but sure enough there they were. The land (desert) is dry, rough and barren. Oddly enough there are a fair amount of hills and small mountains, which cause it to appear not that different from some Arizona landscapes. The town itself is quite nice and very small. In fact most of the time, it feels almost like a ghost town. That said, the nightlife is really fun and very active, yet once you leave the bar or club, you see no one. I am in a large Center for Global Education owned house in Windhoek West with 22 other students. It is very simple and safe with a great pool and lounging area in the back. We are within walking distance of the main streets and shopping center of downtown. The group feel is a bit overwhelming but something I’m sure we will all get used to it. We have no other choice. The city feels comfortable and manageable but not always safe. When it small groups it feels fine but walking alone to places seems very questionable. The people I have met here already are all incredibly nice and welcoming. I had my first day of work at Physically Active Youth (PAY), which is an amazing after-school program helping kids with academics, life skills and sports. After only one day I can tell the kids, staff and program will be a very important to me for many years to come. The kids are adorable and so eager to learn while the staff is just as eager to help and give it everything they have with very little in return. It has been inspiring at every turn. I start my 10-day urban home-stay tomorrow with a family of four. I will be staying with a them at their house in Dorado Park, not too far away from our program house. They have a 22 year old son and a 15-year-old daughter. I anxiously await my arrival and learning about everyday family life in Windhoek, and I hope to form a good relationship with my family. It is getting hot and I am still waiting to see my first Namibian cloud….