The winds, they are a-changin'

I think everyone is aware of the fact that the world's weather is a little deurmekaar (upside down) this year, from droughts to rains to severe winter temperatures, not to mention the horrible earthquakes and tsunamis. Even Luderitz hasn't escaped but it's been for the better. Everyone here tells us that the winds are not what they used to be, that they have died down significantly. Without doubt, it is still a windy place, but maybe no longer the windiest town on earth and not quite enough to blow us over anymore. Also, last week it rained briefly for an unprecedented three days in a row!

Russ has been busily visiting colleagues and former students, and there is a buzz around town with his return. He is well-remembered as he was much loved by many people. For the eight months I lived in Luderitz, most of the people I knew I met through him. One of them was Beverly, the librarian who has continued to befriend every volunteer who comes through town. We are staying with her and her family for two nights before couch surfing with Brad, a current education volunteer from Texas. We met him in Windhoek and we got along quite well.

As delicious as the Namibian meat is, I think I am off of that for awhile. One can have too much of a good thing. Now that we are in Luderitz for awhile, I hope to eat lots of fresh fish. The oyster industry has grown tremendously and the local complain that the price per oyster on the half shell has risen to 80 cents (US $). I say, bring them on!

The cruise ship pulled into the harbor this morning and a horde of tourists descended upon the town. This only happens two or three times a year, so the shops are hopping. It's a great boon to all who live and work here. The ship actually started it's voyage in Florida on a 107 day cruise through the Panama Canal to Southeast Asia around India and now Africa before heading back across the Atlantic. That's intense!

We are looking forward to meeting our friends from Gaborone on Sunday at the Fish River Canyon. It was always the plan to come to Namibia during the first school break and now it will actually be happening.

While Russ is socializing, I am catching up on the internet at the library which is maybe the fastest connection we have encountered in Namibia. It also keeps me out of the wind, which may have subsided over the past ten years, but still leaves me wondering how we ever lived here.