Namibia & Zanzibar

  In front of me is one massive sand dune of shimmering copper sand. Over 1,200 feet tall and I’m about to climb to the top. What am I thinking? Well, I’m thinking, when in Namibia, climb dunes! 

 This country is filled with wondrous landscapes. There's also a vastness that is a bit reminiscent of the Western U.S. when you go exploring the national parks. Driving from one park to another takes a full day through an other-worldly landscape. In Namibia, it’s less mesas, chaparral and cacti and more massive sand dunes tumbling into the crashing surf of the coastline! It makes you feel very small. But your eyes get bigger and bigger soaking in all of this primeval nature. 

 And just when I thought this place couldn’t get any more interesting, 

I arrived in a coastal town where only German was spoken, buildings were timber-lined and breweries outnumbered cafés! Did I make a wrong turn and ended up in Bavaria? Nein! This is the city of Swakopmund, the last remnant of Germany’s colonial past in this part of Africa. 

 Back at Dune #7, as it’s called, it was an hour before sunset and I wanted to get to the top. The recommendation was to take the south side as it had the gentlest slope at 45 degrees! I did good time but mid-way it got steeper. The hands dug in as I crawled upward: the loss of dignity went along with the loss of breath and aching legs. Talk about a cardio workout! But I made it to the top with minutes to spare. The view was astounding and the sun beautifully cooperated in changing the hues of the dune as it set. Magical.

 Next on the itinerary was Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian Ocean. This island had been on my “to visit list” for the longest time. I think I was entranced by its exoticism and history  from when I first learned of its existence. This place seemed so far from my reality, in all aspects. 

 Stone Town, as its capital is called, is, get this: a town built out of stone!! 

I know, they are so creative in their nomenclature! The buildings are thick walled to keep out the oppressive heat and their balconies are encased in wooden slats creating such a mysterious atmosphere. This whole place is a contrast of heat and cool and light and shadow. It’s the set of spy novels. 

 Leaving Stone Town I circumnavigated the island one beach at a time. 

And yes, the rumor was true: stunning white sand with warm turquoise waters. The 15 foot tidal swing was an interesting element too. At low tide, you could walk all the way to the outer reef where there was another ring of sand hundreds of feet from shore. That was very cool. But when the tide came in, you walked very quickly to get to higher ground, and believe me, it came in fast! I stayed in one hotel that was built a bit too close to the high tide line. A few pylons propping up the outside patio were swept away in the night with an unusually angry tide (there was a storm off-shore). Not to worry, it was rebuilt the next morning, only to have it disappear again later that afternoon. I think this is how they get full employment. 

  I'll end this travelog abruptly in saying that if you ever get the chance: GO!