Awe Inspiring

Yesterday, 26^th, we visited Windhoek after having a very brief history class about Namibia. While there are many more things to learn and in much more detail, it was nice to begin to get an idea of Namibia and what to expect. I want to start off by giving some serious mad props to Namibians everywhere! Between the horrid treatment at the hands of Colonial Germany and the apartheid, there should be more than enough hatred to go around and yet there isn’t! My teachers, trainers and other Namibians I have encountered can speak so openly and honestly about these events and yet almost detached in a very healthy way. They have such forgiveness that they’re able to forgive all of the bad feelings and work towards a brighter future. While I don’t feel qualified to speak about these feelings in America, I definitely feel there is less negativity and more optimism, hope and determination to make a better future.

While in Windhoek, we toured the famous sights as well as the ones off the beaten path. We started with Heroes Acre (pictured) which is a monument to all of the “brothers and sisters” that gave their life to fight for an independent Namibia from both the Colonial Germans and the South African government. We then visited various sites that are remnants of the apartheid in Windhoek. We also had the opportunity to visit some of the rougher sides of town to really get a full picture of Namibia and all of its problems and attributes.

One of the biggest problems in Namibia is alcoholism and during this trip it was apparent. Scattered through out the poorer neighborhoods, are places called, in Afrikaans, “shebeens.” They are make shift bars that are literally a shack make of tin paneling, that’s probably 30’x40’, at least in the neighborhoods in Windhoek, and has only a few tables and chairs. They are also easy to spot because they use a generic sign that has either a Windhoek or Tafel Lager picture and a place to put a name. On one notorious road, there was a shebeen literally every 100 feet or every other shack/”business.”

The trip was extremely insightful and helped us to begin to see the past and present of Namibia to better understand how to help the future.  

Goeiemôre from Namibia

I won’t know where my “site” will be until the 18^th of March, but I am one step closer to getting there! I’ve learned that I am going to learn Afrikaans. I am excited to learn this interesting language and I am excited that I will be able to use this outside of Namibia as it is also widely spoken in South Africa and a little bit into Botswana.

I’m also excited to learn this language because it is based off Dutch and there are many words taken from English, so I can already read it and get a rough idea what’s going on. (Speaking/hearing it is a whole ‘nother story!) It will still be a big challenge though! There are many sounds that I’ve never made before and, to quote my Afrikaans teacher Zorro, it’s not good Afrikaans unless EVERY “R” is rolled! (For those who don’t know, I CAN’T roll my “R”s) One of the most common sounds that I’m not used to but can at least make is that throat clearing sound.

One thing they’ve done to help me learn the language, for the  remainder of my time in training before I’m sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer in April, is to spend the time with a host family. I’ve moved in with a GREAT family that speaks both Afrikaans and English very well. They are amazing people and really have taken me in and made me a part of their family. I’ve only had a few lessons and I’ve been making good progress. My host mother is a primary teacher and she expects me to be the best in my class. It also helps that I am the 8^th volunteer they have had. They still keep in touch with their previous volunteers and still see them occasionally.

This weekend, I’ll be going into Windhoek to get my cell phone and internet! We are also going to sight see and learn more about the city. Tomorrow (Friday 26^th) We’re going to have a brief history lesson about Namibia. It will be nice to know the history to better understand Namibia.

Getting down to business

2/22 Thankfully we were given time to relax and lounge a bit to get off the jet lag and get used to Namibian time, which by the way is 7 hours ahead. (You can also see the time and weather in Windhoek (the capital, pronounced Vindhuck) We’re now finally starting to prepare for service and learn things that aren’t boring admin stuff.

We’ve been staying at a hostel type place that also has places to learn. It’s a really nice facility. It feels like I’m in California due to the weather and the overall feel of the place. I am ready to leave the training center though. We’re feeling rather confined and isolated since we don’t get to leave much. The town of Okahandja is nice. On the way in, we saw all kinds of animals including Giraffes and Baboons all while driving on the highways. I really can’t wait to see Etosha National Park.

Things have been going really well. I know that the grass isn’t always greener, but due to the rainy season, it’s pretty damn close :P I hope all is well with everyone. Instead of snail mail feel free to email me, radchad@me.com

Blog number one

2/20/2011 So this is the first post I’ve been able to do on this part of the world. I hope everyone is well, I haven’t been able to be on the internet, much less hear what is going on outside of Namibia. This already has been quite the adventure. We figured out that it took us 38 strait hours of traveling and went 60+ hours without any sleep. There are less than 25 of us and only 4 (including me) are guys!

Namibia is such a beautiful place but nothing could have prepared me for this. (My travel book from my best friend, Chiara has been a big help though) A lot of times, it’s difficult for me to keep in mind that I’m in Namibia, let alone Africa. Before Namibia gained it’s independence from South Africa in 1989, South Africa put a lot into infrastructure and Namibia has done a great job keeping it up and expanding on it. It’s also very strange to see the Western influence. There is also a lot of western amenities that I can’t believe I’ll be having. In two week’s time, I’ll be able to have a cell phone and a USB modem with 3G internet that covers 95% of Namibia, even in the most remote regions of the county. I’m still trying to get a basic concept of the Namibian Dollar (as I am still trying to switch to military time and use the metric system) but they seem to be much more affordable than anything in the states. It’s cool cause they are both prepaid, with the credit being reloaded by these little blue cards. They’re about the size of a USB flash drive and even little kids sell them to try to make a quick buck.

Probably two of the biggest convinces I am enjoying right now is the fact that the water in Namibia is CLEAN, and Coca-Cola! Namibia has done an amazing job with the water! Any water that comes from a tap is clean and drinkable without any work! The only water that isn’t safe is a few rivers up north where you can’t swim. Now for my favorite thing in the world, COKE! I knew that they would have Coke here, but I had no idea how great it would be! It’s AMAZING. I’m sure my dad’s scoffing at this as he reads it, but it is so much better than American Coke. It’s made with real sugar and I swear the recipe is slightly off but in a good way.

Philadelphia

This is my first blog post so bear with me. I'm going to start off with a disclaimer: I may or may not spell and or use the correct word. Now Back to the blog... I was fortunate enough to come to Philadelphia early and visit with my mom before reporting to the Peace Corps. It was an amazing experience. I knew very little about Philly before coming here, mostly the Rocky statue, Cheese steaks, and some of the Historical sites. After leaving I feel like I know more about Philly that Salt Lake.






























I don't know if I believe in signs, miracles, etc... but when I first landed in Philly, there was a Peace Corps sign within 100 yards of the gate! It was extremely reassuring that the Peace Corps is a good move. I was also fortunate enough that my bag broke on the flight here. Although it was a hassle, I'm glad it happened now and not on the flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. It also gave me the chance to see UPenn, which looked like a nice school.

If you get a chance to make it out to Philly some time soon, you really need to see the U.S.S Olympia it is a real gem! It's one of if not the last boat of its kind and was one of the flag ships in the Spanish-American War. Her fate is unknown and maybe sunk in the near future. I was extremely honored to have the privilege to see this amazing ship! (It was also amazing to see the U.S.S Becuna WII submarine)

I'm not sure when I'll have the opportunity to post next, but I get to look forward to 35 hours of continuous traveling YAY! *sarcasm*