When I first visited Goanikontes-Oasis back in October, I started to think about a return trip to that relaxing retreat by hiking from Arandis across the desert and down a number of dry river canyons. While I had painful memories of the reconnaissance mission to remind me of the challenges, it was still a project I looked forward to accomplishing once summer was over and the temperatures were more tolerable.
Continue reading “A project completed (and I have the blisters to prove it!)”Author: Chris
Until 2019, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia focused on Community Economic Development. Before that, I was a high-tech executive, small business owner, consultant and business broker.
Group 41 prepares to return home…
As I approach my halfway point, other PCVs are about to reach their Close of Service (COS) dates after 27 months in country. PCV Andy collected together on his blog a number of 6-word stories that describe the experience on the part of his fellow Group 41 PCVs. I think these are pretty cool!
365 Days in…
Tomorrow will be the first anniversary of my arrival in Namibia with my fellow PCVs from Group 43. I will mark the occasion by completing the “project” I conceived back in October: to backpack from home over the desert and down the Khan and Swakop River canyons to Goanikontes-Oasis Rest Camp.
Continue reading “365 Days in…”Saying goodbye
Nothing illustrates the uniqueness of a culture as the way in which momentous personal events are celebrated: births, weddings and deaths. Last week was filled with a number of gatherings to celebrate Kawii’s life. This post shares in words, photos, video and audio clips, a bit of what I experienced as we celebrated his life and bid him farewell.
Continue reading “Saying goodbye”In Memorium: Manfred “Kawii” Murangi
Thank you for your warm and thoughtful comments in response to my post about this tragic loss. The community of Arandis and the entire Erongo Region celebrates the life of Kawii: there are informal gatherings, public memorials, and religious services throughout the week as we mourn the loss of this very special man.
Continue reading “In Memorium: Manfred “Kawii” Murangi”When joy is shattered: Manfred “Kawii” Murangi, R.I.P.
Tonight, I learned of the passing of my dear friend and Arandis work colleague, Manfred (Kawii) Murangi.
He was the first person in Arandis that I met last June and, as a close colleague in the Town Council, he was my guide to all things Namibian. He will be sadly missed. And he will never walk alone!
Back on the trail: Rössing Mountain
It’s been awhile, but I finally got out in the desert again recently, climbing the peaks of Rössingberge, 20km from Arandis. It’s the tallest range in the area, viewable from my front porch, and has been a target of mine since I arrived last June. Fellow PCV Eric visited from nearby Karibib and we hitchhiked to the access road off the main B2 Highway. There were trails to two of the peaks but we found ourselves scrambling up scree slopes and along ridges of loose rocks to the others.
Continue reading “Back on the trail: Rössing Mountain”A nice break: Dubai in February 2017
February 2017 will always be remembered as the time I enjoyed some time outside of Namibia with my beautiful gal. She was en route to India on a business trip so we took a few days away from our normal routines to rendezvous in a vibrant city new to us both. It was a wonderful respite!
Continue reading “A nice break: Dubai in February 2017”The new year started with a lot of wildlife!
Greetings from Namibia! Sorry – I didn’t mean to be away for so long!
My intention was to take a few weeks off from the blog, during which time I camped in three of Namibia’s game reserves. The break was wonderful but only served to put me behind at work so I extended my “blog pause.” I hope to make up for my absence with this, my longest post yet. Fear not – it’s mostly photographs and one little short video.
I hope you enjoy it!
Continue reading “The new year started with a lot of wildlife!”When you can’t be with the ones you love…
With apologies to Stephen Stills…
“When you can’t be with the ones you love, love the place you’re at!”
Continue reading “When you can’t be with the ones you love…”