Sossusvlei

  Okay, this is a few months late. I could make excuses about being busy, but really, I just haven't felt motivated to write all that much. That changed because I recently helped a friend plan a trip of their own, and with Grace gone (so long, my dear), I have a bit more time on my hands. To be honest, however, the photos do more justice than this post will. So, a couple months an amazing trip to one of the most beautiful places I've been so far. An RPCV my mom met at an event in DC came to Namibia for work, and he asked me to join him for a trip to Sossusvlei. I took over 500 photos, though only about half made the cut (a little less).

  Before I begin with my adventures, I should probably tell my readers what Sossusvlei (Sossus from here on) is.  Sossusvlei is an area in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, said to be the world's oldest desert. It's in the southwest of Namibia. Basically, it's a bunch of sand dunes. One of the most famous landmarks is Dune 45, supposedly the most photographed sand dune in the world. Another notable landmark is Deadvlei. Deadvlei used to be a body of water, but movement of the tectonic plates has caused it to dry up, with dead trees said to be over 900 years old. It is reached by climbing a sand dune called "Big Daddy", one of the highest sand dunes you can climb. The dunes surrounding them are believed to be the highest in the world. Nearby is Sossusvlei itself, a dried up river pan, Sesriem, where we camped, and the Sesriem Canyon. Okay, so, I guess that's enough background.

  After an early start, we departed Windhoek for Sesriem. Unlike most of my travels, this time I went with a tour (an RPCV in Namibia for work had made the plans). This ended up being a good choice, since our guide was really well informed. After several hours driving south, we stopped in a place called Solitaire for lunch. Solitaire is a small place, mainly a lodge for travelers going to and from the south. It reminded my a bit of the "old west", with signs announcing the population size, a chart of monthly rainfall (measured in mm), a small "goods store", etc. They also had a bar where were able to watch some of the Olympics while we waited for lunch (cold cut sandwiches, which sat really nicely on such a hot day). Then, it was time to continue on to Sesriem, though we did stop a few times to admire the beauty, and to watch a zebra who wandered across out path. Then, in late afternoon, we arrived in Sesriem. After setting up camp and a quick dip in the pool (campsites are largely attached to lodges, and we had access to their facilities, such as pool, bar, and showers...so, luxury camping). Then, it was time to experience what we came to see. While our guide prepared dinner, we went over to the Elim Dune to watch the sunset. I made a huge mistake, and decided to wear boots. Climbing sand dunes in heavy boots is a poor choice. Added quite a bit of extra work, as it took about 3 or 4 steps to go the distance of one. Still, it was quite beautiful to watch the sun come down. However, what really struck me was how lively it was. The dunes, despite being so dry, were full of plants, bugs, and various small reptiles (and a rather large snake). Really hit home the point of the value of looking below the surface.

  Ok, so that was day one. However, the next day was when it got real nice. It started with us getting up well before sunrise and driving out to Dune 45. Dune 45 gets it's name because it's at the 45km mark from Sesriem. We, along with a number of other tourists, climbed the dune to watch the sunrise (and get in a morning workout). This time, I was a bit smarter, and wore my sandals, though I ended up taking those off eventually, to enjoy the cool sand on my feet. I'll admit I didn't quite make it to the top. I got to talking to some girls, and decided where they decided to stop was as good a place as any to sit and watch the sun, take some photos, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Then the sun came up, we descended, and had some breakfast at the foot of the dune, before setting off for Deadvlei. Deadvlei used to be an oasis, until the river dried up. Now, it's home to dead acacia trees that are hundred of years old, but which decay at a very slow rate, due to the lack of moisture. The ground, once fertile, is exactly what you think of when you picture Africa: hard as a rock, crusty, dry, and harsh. There are two ways to get into Deadvlei. One is by climbing Big Daddy, the largest climbable dune in the set. The other is a path through the sand. I chose the latter, since, by the point, climbing dunes just to say I did it was a novelty that had worn off. Plus, it was really hot. In less than an hour since the sun had come up, the sand had already gotten so hot it was burning people's feet. Still, Deadvlei is not a site to be missed. Since we had a 4x4, after Deadvlei, our guide took us to see some of the other sites in the area, include Sossusvlei proper.

  At this point, it was brutally hot, so we returned to camp for lunch, a swim, and a couple beers while watching the Olympics. We also stopped at the gas station to refill the air in our tires (and, in my case, to grab an ice cream). I found myself explaining hockey and downhill skiing to the Namibian employees of the lodge (and a Canadian tourist who I'm surprised hasn't had her Canadian citizen revoked for that). As the day progressed, and the heat began to fade, we went out to the Sesriem canyon, for which our campsite and the surrounding area was named. The canyon is home to a very small pool of water. Quite rancid smelling. Once every few years, this and Sossusvlei get rain and flood, bringing in flamingos and other birds. This was not one of those years. However, it was quite cool down in the canyon, which was nice. Now, there is one easy way out of the canyon. However, that required going back the way we came. We decided to do things the hard way, climbing up the side of the canyon.

  After a night's sleep, we packed, and it was time to head back to Windhoek. But not without one last stop along the way. Just outside the Solitaire lodge is a cheetah reserve. There are strict laws about breeding cheetahs. Now, don't picture a zoo. This facility, which takes mostly orphaned cheetahs, rehabilitates them, and uses them to study cheetah behavior, is a massive fenced off area, designed to resemble the rest of the landscape. Cheetahs are forced to eat by chasing down food, like they wood in the wild (though, in order to protect them from poachers, these cheetahs, who have a lot more experience with humans, are not released). Turns out, cheetahs are good at hiding. They also get funny looking potbellies the day after eating.

  So, that was it for the trip. We returned to Windhoek, where I met up with a few other PCVs for Indian food (where we ran into a few more) and drinks, before making my way back to Khorixas. As I said before, if you want the real story, check out my photos, up on Facebook.

   Hopefully, my blogging will get more consistent again. One thing I'm interested in doing is a post on any topics that interest you. So, if anyone has questions, either about life in Namibia, life of a PCV, or questions for any of my Namibian friends, feel free to send them my why, and I'll start compiling them and putting together answer (thanks for the idea, Crystal). I also want to put together something regarding the upcoming election, seeing as midterms in the US are putting that on people's minds (at least if I can fight my natural urges, and write it without getting political). I have a few more things floating around my head, plus my parents are coming soon, so I'll be doing quite a bit of traveling.

National Day of Prayer

  So, I'm working on a post about my trip to Sossusvlei. I know it's already been a couple weeks, but the truth is I think my photos say more than my writing will. However, I feel the need to talk about something that's been kind of bothering me ("bothering" may not be the right word, but I'll use it for lack of a better one).

  So, yesterday, Namibia observed a "National Day of Prayer for Gender Based Violence". That, by itself, didn't bother me. In a country that is so heavily Christian, that's not surprising. However, I saw several of the speeches, and a common thread started to get to me. Over and over again, I kept hearing people say "all we can do is pray." And THAT is what bothered me. Because it's very rare that there are situations where all you can do is pray, and most of those are in cases where all other options have been exhausted.

  Now, I don't take issue with the Day of Prayer itself. After all, every single day it seems I read another article (or more) about a man beating or murdering his wife, his girlfriend, or his ex. It's terrible, and everyone talks about it. However, praying is not the only thing that can be done. This is a common thing in Namibia, and this is not the only issue about which I hear the "all we can do is pray" thing, but given the timeliness, I am going to stick to that topic.

  There are, in fact many things that can be done. One of the most obvious things is when you feel the urge to beat someone, DON'T!!! Yeah, it really is that simple.Just don't do it. And if your friends is talking about doing it, or you hear or see someone beating someone else (male or female), step in. I realize that in practice, this may not be so cut and dry (after all, stepping in can put you at risk), but that doesn't change the fact that it is something that can be done.

  Another thing that can be done, and is being done, is educating people. This is slow, but will in the long-term lead to change, because cultural changes (and this is a cultural change, and a pretty big one at that). After all, the young are more open to new ideas (sorry if this comes off as ageist, but statistically speaking, this is fact, because the young are still developing, whereas the older have already formed their beliefs). So, while the older generation my have grown up in a culture where they were being taught that it is culturally acceptable to hit people who wrong you, the young are being raised in an environment where they are being told that it's wrong (even if they are also receiving mixed messages on the issue). It may take some time, but eventually it will help.

  Culture plays a big part. In Namibia, it is perfectly acceptable for a man to have multiple girlfriends. So, when a women gets mad about this, some men will think this is challenging their masculinity (while my personal opinions on the topic may be obvious, I'm not going to explicitly call their culture wrong, as much as acknowledge it's influence on the larger issue). At the same time, women are not allowed to have multiple partners (of course, many do, which causes problems). The acceptability of corporal punishment also contributes, because many of these incidents are people taking corporal punishment too far. Many men also see women as objects there for sex and cooking. That means if the guy comes home, especially if he is drunk, and there is  no dinner or the woman won't have sex, many men react violently. Obviously this has to change.

(At this point, I absolutely feel obligated to acknowledge that these issues are not specific to Namibia, and are even problems in the US, but since I'm talking about Namibia's Day or Prayer, I realize it may come off as a criticism of Namibian culture, which is not my intention. Rather, Peace Corps has taught u to look for "root causes" of problems and when I hear statements like "all we can do is pray", all I can see is the root causes and how I would address them, though I recognize that there can be more than one way to address an issue, so I am going to speak generally about solutions, a habit I've developed in Namibia, where many of my learners will take examples and just copy them without adding original ideas.)

  Alcohol abuse also contributes to the problem in a big way, though I'm not going to get into that one for now, because alcohol abuse is probably the biggest problem Namibia faces, a contributing factor to almost every issue, and I could write a full post on that alone. However, I'll jut say that enforcing the Liquor Act would be a good step.

  Enforcing other laws would help. The fact is, Namibia's court system is so backed up that some of these GBV cases can take years to reach trial, and in many times, the person who committed the act is allowed to walk free (and a majority of people who would beat someone once will do it again). On top of that, the police tend to be understaffed, so it's hard for them to respond in time.

  One great resource for dealing with this issue is the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare. That's right, there is an entire ministry dedicated to this issue, and they have all sorts of manuals and resources for trying to do outreach for different age groups on this topic.

  I know it's cliche, but I am going to wrap up now, and I think the most appropriate ending is with the story of the man who was drowning. A man in New Orleans hears all the warnings about Hurrican Katrina, but chooses not to leave. Sure enough, the man soon finds himself up to his neck in water after the levees broke, with the water still rising, so he begins to swim, but knows he can only do so for so long. A man in a raft passes him by and says "get in", but the drowning man says "no, I am religious, and I know God will save me" A few minutes later, a Muslim in a rowboat approaches (yes, I now working a David Eggers reference into this post), and says "get in", but again the man replies "no, I am religious, and I know God will save me." Then a National Guard helicopter approaches, and again he is offered a rescue, and again he turns it down, saying "no, I am religious, and I know God will save me." Well, the man drowns, and upon his death, he meets God, and he asks "God, I don't understand, I am religious, I prayed to you, and yet how could you let me die?" God replies, "I sent you a warning, I taught you to swim, I sent 2 boats and a helicopter. What more do you need from me?" Well, Namibia has been blessed with news outlets reporting the horrors. People are blessed with the ability to react when they see something wrong. There are education tools and a ministry dedicated to this very issue. While I believe it certainly can't help to ask for more help, there comes a point where Namibia must take proactive steps to address the problem. Hopefully this Day of Prayer will be a step towards further measures, but the next step must be taking personal responsibility, and that starts with recognizing that prayer is not the only answer. The tools are there. Now they must be used.

Okay, a bit harsh and oversimplified, but still

  So, sorry, if this came off a bit rant-y. That wasn't my intent, so much as going into the situation here. A more positive article on my travel should be up this weekend.

Free Time

Probably my favorite photo I've taken so far
(keep reading, it'll make sense)

  I realize I haven't written in quite some time, but it's my mom's birthday, so I figured I should at least make mention of that, and point out how great the internet (and Amazon.com) are for helping make it possible to send gifts while thousands of miles away from everyone. So, it's been a fairly busy start to the year, though particularly interesting so far. My computer classes are up and running again, and Grace is getting ready to COS. I'll be starting (this Friday, actually) to give English classes to our local Traditional Authority (which I will talk about in a future post, I'm sure, since I'm guessing many of you are wondering what that even means). I'll also be taking part in some programs to help people in some of the villages nearby register to vote, since Namibia is holding elections later this year. I'm also getting ready to take a trip to the sand dunes of Soussesvlei on the 18th, which is exciting, and should lead to some nice photos and another post here. As summer is coming to an end, the weather is starting to cool off (it rained last night and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees C overnight). Also, being close to South Africa, I'm starting to develop more of a fondness for wines, something I'm sure I'll explore more when my parents come to visit in a few months (thanks for the tuna, football, and contacts). I should also note that an RPCV who served in Benin and happened to have an encounter with my mother also happened to be coming to Namibia, and was the courier of that package, so thanks. Okay, so, as Namibians would say at this point (before proceeding to give a long-winded speech without really saying much of anything important, not too unlike an American politician), all protocol has been observed.

From my trip to the coast. Reminds me of a beer ad
(or an ad for Levi's Jeans)

  So, I've been in country almost a year now (about 1 month and a couple days shy of hitting that milestone), and one thing I've learned from talking to RPCVs and friends serving elsewhere, both in Namibia and in other countries, is that my experience has been different. That's not surprising, since the situations vary so greatly from country-to-country, village-to-town, region-to-region, and era-to-era. However, one thing that's almost a given and universal experience for every single PCV I've talked to, past, present, and probably future: there's a whole lot of down time. Like hours of it per day. Many days you have more down time than productive time. It's just a reality. And unlike in the US, for most PCVs, simply dicking around the internet or watching TV just isn't an option. So, you find ways to fill that time.

  So, what do you do? Well, I'll start with some PCV generalities, before talking about myself specifically. One of the more common time fillers is reading. You have hours to kill, and the volunteer lounge in PC office in my country is full of books. My aunt, and RPCV, has described spending hours in a library at her site, reading everything she could get her hands on, and the invention of e-readers (and online access to libraries even) makes it even easier (at least when the PCV can get online). Obviously, when there is internet available, many of us will take advantage, going on Facebook, checking the news, e-mails, blogging, etc. Many PCVs have computers and external hard drives and spend time watching shows and movies. Many get into writing. Namibia is not on the list of countries with PCV books, yet. Who knows, maybe I'll change that. I have started writing a little (and here we begin the transition into my personal experiences), starting a couple short stories (though those have been set in New Orleans, not Namibia),

Dangers of having a pet, as Grace learned.

and a few essays about my experience (none at a stage worth sharing so far, though one I'm putting time in compares development of a country with the development of soccer in a country and the similarities and trends), as well as some thoughts I have on reforming development aid, which largely draws from my experiences here and in post-Katrina New Orleans. Time (and money) permitting, traveling is also something PCVs try and do. After all, who knows when the next time you'll be in Namibia will be (or anywhere in Africa, or Eastern Europe, or South/Central America, etc.). Some travel more than others, leaving site almost every week or 2, while others, like me, try and limit it to once a month at most (partially to save money). Of course, many PCVs realize there's life after they get back, and take the time to start preparing for that next step. As they get closer to their COS date, many will apply for jobs/grad school. Before this, many take advantage of the quiet down time and limited distractions to study for the GRE, LSAT, or other graduate exams (here's where I put a shout out to my friend Alicia, who is just starting the process of studying for the LSAT in June). I took the LSAT before I got here, but I'm considering looking into some sort of joint JD/masters program, and may take the time to study for the GRE myself (but I plan on waiting until I get back to the States to actually take it). People may even get pets to occupy them (they also serve functional purposes, like keeping out rodents, pests, snakes, and annoying people, providing security, and helping keep the floors clean, though there's always the cost).

One of my host siblings

  Of course, there are ways to use the free time to integrate into your community. Every couple weeks (sometimes even more often), I will visit my host family and spend a couple hours playing with the children (3 little monkeys jumping on the Jay). You also go to bars and have drink, chat with locals, and hang out with co-workers over a beer after work. You may attend a local sporting event, or even play soccer with friends in the town.  Or just go for a walk/jog so people see you. Or, you may just throw a braai (or, if not in southern African, have friends/colleagues over for a meal) or attend a wedding or church.

Latkes, though not in my cookbook, are something
I've taught friends here to make.

So, those are some of the generalities. One great thing about Peace Corps is that it's a great time to start a new hobby. In my case, I got a nice camera before I came here. While I'd done a little bit of photography back in States (even taking a class in high school), Namibia, with it's bright sun and beautiful scenery offered me a chance to really...um...develop some skills as a  photographer. Walking around town with a camera, traveling, just sitting watching my host kids play with their friends, there have been many chances for me to take pictures and work on taking good ones, rather than just simple "point-and-shoot" "Facebook" style pictures. Another thing I've been working on is a cook book, which is currently close to 100 recipes (those are done being tweaked and I've confirmed all the ingredients are usable in my town). I'm also a musician. Those who know me know I've been playing the drums for about a decade now. I brought my drumsticks and a practice pad, but realistically, there is only so much I can do to improve here without regular access to a drum kit. So, over the weekend, I went out and got a guitar, and
am taking the time to try and learn to play. So far, the going is slow, but I have the afternoons free most days, so I'm able to find at least 3 hours a day to practice, and can already see some improvement (not hard when starting from ground 0) over the 3 days. Thanks to my iPad, I even have it in tune. Every couple weeks sometimes more often than that), Grace and I will get together with Konako, a volunteer in our town from Japan, or with some friends of hers, and just cook a nice dinner together, listen to music, enjoy some "hubbly bubbly" (hooka, nothing illegal, I promise to any PC staff or family members reading this)

Showing off a little of my photography in this post.
Many of the photos have appeared in previous posts as well.

  Of course, when all is said and done, there is still a lot of down time that doesn't get filled. Much of it is just spent wrapped in thoughts, lying in bed, or out in the sun, maybe some music playing, just relaxing and getting comfortable with yourself. So, to any future PCVs who may be reading this, my advice to you is simple: find a hobby, go out and socialize, read, travel, explore your country, but most of all, be ready to explore what's inside you, and embrace the alone time, since you may never have this much of it again without the distractions of life in America.

My new guitar and the drum I bought here.
Sticks are jut an artistic presence in this picture

Gifts Will Keep On Giving

  Gifts! They're something that many packing lists mention bringing, but many people consider an afterthought when packing. In Peace Corps, one thing that all PCVs have as a common thread in our experiences is the homestay. Whether during training or during your service, one thing Peace Corps likes for their volunteers is for the PCV to live with a local family. It helps with language, it gives the PCV a family/direct connection to the country and community where they're serving, and they can teach the PCV about local culture/traditions/cooking/living techniques. In many cases, these homestays will involve children. As a result, I am making this list a little longer than the last 2. Of course, gifts aren't only something for the host family. Small gifts are a good way to make friends in the community and teach people about where you are from. A good gift will be something the person will enjoy/be able to use AND which will have a meaning beyond just being nice. For the record, this list is the reason I wrote these 3 lists, figuring it would be a good holiday themed post, without doing a cliche "how they celebrate the holidays differently here" or "what I did over my break" posts, though, I assure you, the latter will be coming, once my break actually ends.

Things That I Found Make Good Gifts

• Playing Cards. They're small. They're something you can use on the flight over. Children love them (at least from my experience). You can play games. You can impress the host family with a simple magic trick or 2. And, rather than buying a generic pack, there are novelty packs out there, so you can have something that actually reflects where you come from or an interest you have.
• Balls. Soccer is huge almost everywhere in the world. American football is a nice cultural thing. Both of these can be deflated and fit nicely into a suitcase (the problem with basketballs is that they need a net/hoop, and they tend to be a little heavier). If those are too big, a baseball is as American as it gets. In all likelihood, the ball won't last long. However, children love them. I keep mentioning children because, at least in my experience, they're a key to integrating quickly. They're more likely to be learning English, so they can help as translators. And, if the children trust you, so will the adults. And, like the playing cards, you can get balls with logos of teams you support, so that the gift is more of a reflection of yourself.
• Hats. Again, something that comes in a variety to reflect something of your background, while also being functional. These make good gifts fr both adults and children, but it's good to now about local customs regarding headwear, so you don't offend anyone.
• Pictures. Look around your house/your parents' house/your grandparents' house. You'll see family pictures. Guess what, you're going to be part of the family now. Act like it. A nice photo of yourself, maybe with your parents and/or any siblings you have makes a nice gift, and is a way to teach your new family about the people you left behind. It's also a good way to practice your new language, getting comfortable with describing people (at least "family" terms, and maybe even clothes and colors to point to the people in the photo).
• Food. Preferably something that reflects where you're from. For example, from New Orleans, maybe some creole seasoning, or beignet mix, or hurricane mix, or Tabasco. Or, for Maryland, some Old Bay. Or, if you want something American, but not area specific (or just something you can grab at the airport because you didn't plan ahead), chocolate. Hershey's is quintessential American. Children and adults alike all tend to love chocolate. Just be careful, because melting does happen.
• Flags. Shortly before I came here, I attended President Obama's second inauguration. While I was there, I bought a bunch of American flags, the cheap ones we give to children to play with on the 4th of July. It's something American, so they'll always associate it with you.
• Coins. Okay, so, say you didn't think to get a gift. But, maybe you got a cup of coffee, or some chewing gum, maybe a magazine at the airport. Or, maybe you just never took the change out of your wallet/purse/backpack before you left the States. Well, you're in luck. Because those coins can mae a nice gift. Yes, it's a bit cheap. But people do collect them, and they're certainly something American. But seriously, if you plan on giving coins, make sure you have a complete set at least, and it probably shouldn't be the only thing you bring. This tends to be better for adults or for co-workers, because I gave some to my host children, and immediately found myself being pulled towards the gas station to buy candy with the coins (sadly, the store doesn't take American money).

Give With Caution

• Clothes. T-shirts are a common gift. Problem is whether it will fit the recipient. If not, you can always find someone else. Of course, the other problem is whether people will wear it. In Namibia, they would. In fact, I have people begging for my American clothes, which is thought to be of higher quality. But, in some cases, it may be something that doesn't fit with traditional dress or local trends. So, just be cautious with giving clothes.
• Shot glasses. An easy gift if you want something to reflect where you're from. However, if alcohol is not a thing in your community (even if it is drank elsewhere in the country, in some communities, booze is a no-go, or at least shots), it can be offensive. Granted, if you don't give it, you can use it for yourself. One of the bigger risks with giving shot glasses as gifts is breaking, so plastic ones might be a better choice.
• Anything that has even a remotely political theme. Beware: Not everyone likes the same politics you do. At the inauguration, my mom insisted I get a bunch of Obama things to bring. Truth is, many people in Namibia like Obama (you can even get hats from street vendors with his face on them). But not everyone does. Just make sure that if any of your gifts can in any way be associated with anything political, you know the person you're giving it to.
• Maps. Okay, so, this might not seem like too risky a thing off the bat. And they're not something too bad. But they're ind of hokey and less personal. That doesn't mean they're bad gifts. But, if you're going to give one, at least make it a nice one.

  Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list. For instance, I gave a lot of people Mardi Gras beads. Something that truly reflects who you are, where you come from, what your interests are, etc., are great. This is just meant to be a bit more of a generic gift. While gifts tend to be more of an afterthought in the packing process, they can make a big impression, so put some thought in it.

If Only I'd Brought

  So, yesterday I posted about things I'm glad I'd brought with me. Those were some of the more useful things (given how easily that list could've been expanded, I might've exaggerated a bit when I said "Most Useful Things"). Today, we're looking a little more into hindsight. While it's not quite 20/20 yet (I am still less than a year in), my vision is getting a lot clearer on this one (certainly more so than with how useful things I brought were). Some of these things were things I didn't think to bring, some were things I just didn't have room for, and some were things I brought, but wish I had more of. Like yesterday's list, I could easily expand this to 10 items, but limiting it to 5 forced me really to thin about it a lot more.

Things I Wish I'd Brought

• Soccer cleats. I really wish I'd brought mine. They're just great to have. I play a lot of soccer, and occasionally rugby, and not having cleats really puts me at a disadvantage, and while I can get them here, finding a pair in my size and price range is tough, especially if I want them to be durable. These were the "last thing out" when I packed, and probably my biggest regret.
• Phone. Some people in my group were smart and brought unlocked phones from the US. When they got here, all they needed to do was go to a corner shop and get a SIM card. I was not so smart, so I didn't have a phone for the first few weeks, which made contacting people about meeting places tough. Also, if you want a smart phone, they're super expensive here (I'm fine with my simple phone with internet that can tell me football/soccer/hockey scores and let me check Facebook/Gmail, but if you want a phone that can use Whatsapp or similar programs, get it before you leave the US)
• More memory cards. Okay, maybe I take more pics than most people, but I don't think so. I've already filled the smaller of my two memory cards, and the second is almost half full, and it's been less than a year. Yes, I can go through and delete pictures, but to go through a few thousand pictures is super time consuming. Also, an SD card is almost as versatile as a USB stick for transferring and transporting files, and often can hold more memory in a smaller size.
• US cash. Like the memory card, yes, I brought some. However, my Namibian money is pretty much worthless if  travel outside the country. US dollars are great because you can use them in any country, and exchange rates for cash tend to be lower than using an ATM, where you pay both transaction fees and exchange rates.
• Maps/flags/posters. You're going to be there for 2 years. It's nice to have something to remind you of home. I had a few things from sports teams (Tulane banner, Skins flag, and Nats #Natitude towel), but things like an American flag (or, in my case, New Orleans, which my mom shipped me) you can hang up does give your home that little "home" feel of being a small haven of America. Also, if you have windows, flags and posters over them work as curtains/blinds, on top of their decorative value. Maps are also good, especially large ones, which can be hung up on the walls. I'm interested in learning about Namibia. Namibians are also interested in learning about my culture. A map is a good tool when trying to teach people about where you're from.

Useful Things

  I brought a lot with me to Namibia. for the most part, the packing lists from Peace Corps were good. Some of the things were more useful than others. Some things were less useful. Some things were not included, and were therefore left behind, even though they would've been great to have. I'm working on a more comprehensive list, which I will have as a Page, which I hope can be a resource for those considering the Peace Corps. However, here's a short list of the most useful things I brought, things I wish I brought, and things that made/would've made good gifts for people here. I'm going to limit myself to 5 items for each thing. I'll be giving each category it's own post, spaced out over the next couple days, so be sure to check in. Please note, I'm using bullets, rather than numbers, because the orders of my list are not arranged in any order. Also note, these are based on who I am, so another person's list may vary greatly. For this reason, I'm actually asking various friends here for their input on the larger list.

Most Useful Things I Brought

• E-reader/books. So, people who now me know I love to read (I know, I gotta update my reading list, which is a few weeks out of date). In my case, it's my iPad. On it, I am able to take books anywhere and it's far easier to download books than to try and find them here, and there is no way I could've afforded 2 years' worth of books in a suitcase. The backlight is also useful at night, and the iPad's other apps and internet capability has made it useful (especially getting to listen to music while I read). That said, there is something for paper books. People bother you less when you have them, they don't need batteries, and they're easier to share.
• Knife. I brought 2 knives with me. One is my old Leatherman Juice J2. Despite it's age (I had it through most of my years in the Scouts), it's been super useful. I never go anywhere without it. I have the blade (obviously), the scissors, and the bottle opener, which I use regularly. However, the pliers and screw drivers have proven more useful than I imagines. Also, a can-opener that doesn't jam is a great tool, if you have the wrist strength. The other knife I brought was my CRKT Thunderbolt, which I got a few days before I left. It's been used to kill chickens and a warthog, it's a good kitchen knife (though I have others), it's a decent tool for protection (not so much fights, but annoying dogs, which get scared off). When I need a cup, I've even been able to use it to turn plastic bottles into cups, in a pinch. In general, both knives are important to take with me, and I'm glad I brought them (yes, I know those are 2 things, but I'm counting them as 1).
• Hot Sauce/spices that remind you of home. Let's be honest. You're going somewhere new. The food is going to be (and I say this with all due respect for cultures) weird. It's going to take some time to get comfortable with it. A bottle (or a few bottles) of hot sauce (I recommend a variety of Tabascos, like the regular and chipolte, so you have options). Yes, you can make your own, or, in many cases, buy some in country. But, just in case, a little hot sauce goes a long way towards making food a lot easier to get down. Same with spices. Old Bay and creole seasonings (like Tony's) just have a feeling of home. During those first few weeks, that comfort is nice to have.
• Camera. Obviously, you don't need to do what I did and buy a nice Nikon DSLR with accessories before you leave. However, a good camera is great to have to chronicle your experiences. I recommend a digital, since film can be hard to find, and you might not be able to develop it before you get back, during which time, the film could get ruined or lost. Memory cards are easier to get in coutry these days (and see below for more), hold thousands of photos, and can be used to store other files as well. And, if you have the money, my Nikon D3200 and the zoom lens have certainly proven to be great things, as I've been able to get more into photography (phone camera and point-and-shoots just don't have quite the options, once you get the practice).
• Sunglasses. Okay, maybe this is more Africa specific. However, sunglasses have been vital. I was debating what to put in the last spot, since I could easily include 10 or more items here, but since I'm planning on a larger list at a later date, I'll keep it to the 5. I include sunglasses because I was the only male in my group who thought to bring them (and, fortunately for them, multiple pairs). They don't have to be super nice. In fact, I'd recommend cheap ones, since they may break, they'll certainly get scratched, you might lose them, or they can be stolen. Bring lots. I brought about 7 pairs, only 2 of which remain. This is less about fashion and more about being prepared for your environment (if you're going somewhere less sunny, you can substitute in any item that can, in theory, be gotten there, but which you'll want right away).

Mandela

  So, as everyone knows by now, Nelson Mandela passed away last night. The man was well loved in Namibia, and I was considering putting out something on my thoughts, but the truth is they would all sound cliche and a bit silly. Instead, I am going to use this post to provide links from local news sources and any photos I take of tributes around my town, so you can get an idea of how big this is. I will be updating this periodically over the weekend, so check in for anything that might interest you (he died around midnight here, so many of the news sources have yet to get things together)

http://www.newera.com.na/2013/10/04/get-madiba-charity-concert/ This one is not about his death, but it gives an idea of how beloved the man was, with a charity concert to raise money for him when he was sick.

http://www.nbc.na/news_article.php?id=11679&title=Nelson-Mandela-dies Statement from NBC. I'll see if I can find any tribute they put out later.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=6958&page_type=story_detail A wonderful tribute from the Namibian (they also had some great Facebook posts, some of which I will include).

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=6281&page_type=story_detail An article from a few days ago about opening a center to preserve the legacy of Mandela. While this center is in South Africa, most Namibians include Mandela as part of their legacy and heritage.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Namibian/284922901537221 I highly recommend you read through the postings and comments here. It will really paint the picture for you. Here are a few of their posts:

"BREAKING NEWS

Nelson Mandela has died. 
"This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Our nation has lost its greatest son." – South African President Jacob Zuma addressing the nation on #Madiba's passing

RIP, tata"

In a country where most people have limited or no access to computers with internet, this received over 260 comments, mostly "RIP" comments or people talking about what his legacy means to them. I also recommend reading the "Recent Posts by Others" segment. The Namlish may drive you crazy, but the sentiments will shine through.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/12/05/the-moral-courage-of-nelson-mandela/ Not local (for me), but a beautifully written piece by Desmond Tutu.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/world-leaders-react-passing-mandela-201312522531385658.html Reactions from different world leaders

http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201312060117-0023236 "Upon hearing President Zuma's announcement, nearly 90,000 tweets out of South Africa were sent in less than two hours. South Africans online mourned the leader's death by remembering his courageous contributions to justice in the former apartheid-ruled country. Many shared their grief and gratitude on Twitter:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLbOGCcqdR0 A short tribute video from the Republikein (and Afrikaans language newspaper).

http://www.namibiansun.com/news/giant-has-gone-rest-pohamba.60251# Reaction from Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba

http://www.namibiansun.com/news/south-africa-world-celebrates-mandelas-life.60250# Article for The Sun.

http://mg.co.za/article/2013-12-07-sa-mourns-with-dignity-and-dancing South African newspaper Mail & Guardian

I don't have any pictures, since I wasn't carrying a camera at the time, but while out for a walk this morning, there was a train of cars, all with pictures or flags or messages relating to Mandela, driving around and honking horns. Also, a few children blowing those damn vuvuzelas (courtesy of a promo by Tafel lager at Blue Corner). On Sunday, a day of prayer was held in South Africa. I'm not sure if it was an offical day of prayer here, but if it wasn't it was certainly an official one. I even saw people walking into churches wearing South Africa soccer and rugby jerseys.

A few tweets, from the Facebook page of The Namibian (the first one certainly resonates with me):
@Tau_Amour: Mandela suffered in prison longer than I’ve even lived but he changed the world we live in completely. What a man, what a hero.
@GordonThe_Dime: Nothing could prepare us for this loss. He touched the hearts that ached for peace. The world has lost a jewel.
@BonsaiBoiKeith: We bid farewell to another conqueror of Robben Island. Rest now, you have given us more than we can ever give to you, Tata.
@P_Elago: The best description I can give for Nelson Mandela is that he was heaven-sent…
@YazizaCEO: We lost an African phenomenon who, the minute you think of him, your pursuit becomes a reality!! ‪#‎MadibaMagic‬
@JasonCritic: Telling my four-year-old son about Mandela on the way to school. “Was he a super hero?” he asks. I paused a moment, then said “Yes”. 
@Tjaronda: Started in Qunu (village), now worldwide‪#‎InternationalSuperstar‬
@hafenislice: I am sure they will make him president again in the afterlife…
@JBoyega: Leaving such a legacy... Just simply amazing... It can be done.
@BenKatamila: The comrade has left us and now we must cherish the good he gave to the world. RIP Madiba
@Watitlooklike2u: Heroes never die.
@Nda_mono: Make every day a Mandela Day.

Of course, I would be remiss if I neglected to mention that not everything was positive. I've seen a few articles and comments (mostly from the US, but even some from here) about Mandela being nothing more than a "commie" and a "terrorist" and how honoring him is a disrespect to all the "innocent white people who lost their lives because of him and his terrorist organization/party." There are even people in the US (including a sheriff in South Carolina) who refused to honor him by flying the flag at half-mast. Which is their right. But it clearly shows a lack of understanding of who he was, what he meant, what he represented, and the reality of South African/Namibian history (I include Namibia because, though we were independent by the time he was made president, he still played a major role in the anti-apartheid movement here, which was influential on the independence movement). No, Mandela was not a saint. He did some horrible things, or was at least responsible. So was George Washington. Sadly, there is a cost for freedom and the fight for equality, and it sometimes has to be paid in blood. Is that good? No. Would it be nice if it could be avoided? Yes. But it's also a reality, and these "innocents" were themselves part of the repressive apartheid system. No, they did not deserve to die. Very few (if any people) deserve death, in my opinion, but all things, even death, must be viewed within the context. However, this was a man who, until the last few years of his life, was on the terrorist watch list, and for a reason. http://www.okwonga.com/?p=869

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7059&page_type=story_detail An idea of how big the memorial has been.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7084&page_type=story_detail A reminder of how much he had to deal with.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7085&page_type=story_detail An idea of his impact on Namibia, especially the anti-apartheid movement, and the role education plays in any revolution.

SMS sent to The Namibian

"SWAPO and Zanu-PF of Zimbabwe are just the same. I don’t think there is a future for these small parties in Namibia. You can oppose but you will never succeed. Don’t ever play with the big boys. Allow me to say rest in peace father Nelson Mandela."

"NELSON Mandela was a true leader of South Africa and an icon of the world. May his soul rest in peace." 

"NELSON Mandela showed the world the true meaning of forgiveness. Rest in peace Madiba." 

"OH my heart is bleeding. How on earth did he go like that? I did not even have a chance to see him. Oh he is gone and we all will, but not like him we will die of hunger. My black man, my hero, my great grandpa. May your soul rest in peace Nelson Mandela the great." 

"NELSON Mandela. His greatness is undoubtedly incomparable." 

"MADIBA dead. The world at a standstill. Rest In Peace."

"TATA Madiba. A hero, a revolutionary, a fearless and visionary leader who left an immortal mark in history, global relations and international politics."

"MAY the soul of Tata Nelson Madiba Mandela rest in eternal peace. May his memory live on to light the lives of those that have known his extraordinary but yet modest life, as well light the lives of many generations that are yet to come. Thank you God for the life of this extraordinary citizen of the globe."

"THE world momentarily came to a standstill in celebration of a life well lived. Rest in peace Madiba."

"NELSON Mandela might not have died on the said day. Somebody must tell the truth."

"FORMER President Sam Nujoma, take a leaf out of Tata Nelson Mandela’s life and keep out of politics."

"NELSON Mandela. Indeed, what makes him standout above the rest is not his name, but his humanity, social and all-round humility in all spheres of life."

"THE world is poorer without Madiba! Rest in peace Tata." 

"NELSON Mandela was indeed a powerful figure with personality made of quality fine fibre. It is unfortunate that his fellow African leaders have never learnt anything from his exemplary leadership. They are still engulfed by greed and self glorification." 

"MY Madiba has gone, my heart is broken." 

"NELSON Mandela showed the world that even if we treat each other bad, God is merciful. Rest in peace Madiba."

 http://www.namibiansun.com/government/pohamba-nujoma-join-madiba-mourners.60273 Namibia's founding father and our current president joining the mourners.

http://www.namibiansun.com/international/emotional-farewell-planned-for-mandela.60286 The title says it all. I'm not sure I've seen someone so beloved die since I was in Spain when the pope died (and this probably tops that, too).

http://www.newera.com.na/2013/12/09/mandela-sadly-missed/ Again, just trying to highlight what the man meant to Namibia

December 9, around 8:30pm, The Namibian issued the following press release: 

News Update | National period of mourning for Madiba
President Hifikepunye Pohamba has announced a national three-day period of mourning for former South African President Nelson Mandela.In addition, flags in Namibia will fly at half mast from Friday to Sunday.

http://www.newera.com.na/2013/12/09/world-mourns-revered-icon/


Please, keep in mind, that the main purpose of this article was not to voice my own views on Mandela. Rather, it was meant to give my friends, family, and other readers, at home, and around the world, a snapshot of the reaction here to the death of Madiba. I hope you found it interesting.