Namibia

Having spend three months in Namibia last year as an office volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary I was heartbroken when I left. I had made a wonderful new human and animal family, so it was a logical choice to start my journey here.


 “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Hundreds of us piled off the plane and into passport control for a long wait....the plane had been an hour delayed and we had already suffered an hour's wait at the hands of the airport officials who were in no rush.

I always get nervous at the official parts of the airport, knowing I have all the visas, vaccinations, paperwork and have nothing in my bags I shouldn't never seems to allay my fears.

We could hear dogs barking in one of the halls in the other side and despite knowing that sniffer dogs sit patiently next to what they have found, as the barks bounced off all the walls and echoed around I couldn't help but feel nervous.

The tannoy went overhead asking for the Namibian State Police to attend one of the official areas, the dog barked, we were still waiting....

Suddenly the tannoy crackled into life again, requesting for one of the passengers to attend the information desk, I listened again, yes the name they called out was definitely mine...

Gulp!

I felt for the notes in my pocket, just in case they might assist the situation and headed for the front of the queue, trying to remain calm and holding out my passport for the official to see.

Explaining who I was and asking where the information desk was and what I needed to do I handed her my passport, she checked my details slowly.....finally stamping me through and looking non too pleased she gestured behind her in some generic direction or other and through I went.

Scared and confused I stopped a large man queuing at an official looking portal, bearing over me he informed me this was the queue for the hunters. Nope, not me. In the baggage hall I stopped an airport official who pointed me to a man in a suit behind the desk that controls the baggage that comes into the country, getting more and more nervous I explained I ahd been tannoyed and that I needed to go to the information desk, what was happening?

" I don no lady, yuh need to collect your belongings and den go outside, I think it is jus your drivah waytin for yuh'

My first TIA moment, five minutes into being in the country -  phew! and at least I skipped the queue.

The driver and I laughed at my story as we headed into the carpark.

Nice to be back!

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru