From Okahandja to Kamanjab

After a long and stressful week, one where there was an oral exam/interview (passed with flying colors) in Afrikaans, I have finally learned my final site for my 2 years of service once I’m an official PC Volunteer. There is a town in southwest Namibia called Kamanjab. (Kah-man-yab) I wish I could tell you much more than that, but I don’t even know. I can tell you, assuming my sources are correct, that I’ll be doing income-generating projects for women. Next week, I’ll know more and can give you all of the details. What I can tell you is that I should have all of the amenities, while still being quite rural. I’ll be near the Himba, Herero and Damara people. Google those three people, they’re amazing. The Himba were featured in the documentary “Babies.” The Damara speak a language that is based on clicks! I wasn’t designated to learn that language as I am Afrikaans, but I will get a chance to learn some of it and Otjiherero, the language spoken by the Herero. I am really excited about this site. I didn’t think that this would have been an option, but I am really excited! I’m also near the picturesque Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast. Not to mention I’m near the Angolan boarder, which has many pretty waterfalls.

Next week I should know more and on Friday I’ll actually get to visit for a week. I’ll have transportation provided to Kamanjab, but will have to find my way back on the 31^st of March. I am surrounded by other volunteers, both in my “class” and not, but those in my class will meet up along the way and travel back. Wish me luck!

I would totally be a better Spider-Man …

During the routine events here in Okahandja, which seems like are becoming more and more often, I’ve kept my sanity by surveying the living creatures around here. While I’m miles, or perhaps I should say kilometers, from any of the big animals, I’ve been observing birds and insects. My Evo/Devo (evolution and diversity, not the band) and field classes helped me appreciate the life unseen: the sheer numbers and the different species you don’t see when you’re not paying attention.

From these observations, I think I’ve noticed two things: 1) the life here is very similar to that of Utah and Nevada, and 2) Okahandja, Namibia has a TON of spiders (plus a lot of moths and butterflies)! Not to mention, the spiders seem to love me!

1) I’ve been trying to compare the creatures here to the ones back home, wondering if the ones that are similar are related on any taxonomic level. There are insects and birds, especially that share physical characteristics that I would think make them related to ones back home. Ex: there is a spider, (no photograph available) that has a striking resemblance to the widow family back home, not sure if there is any relation or not, but I was sure to keep my distance.

2) There are a TON of spiders! It was probably the first observation I noticed. They were all over the training hostel we stayed at, they’re all over the hills around, and they’re all over my host family’s house. It is interesting, I think I’ve noticed more species than I think I’ve seen in the States and it’s interesting that they all seem to intermingle so well. Currently as I’m typing this blog post, I’ve at least 10 spiders in my room. Most are a long the ceiling, which is really high, but some of them I’ve taken a liking to. In order to not be creeped out, I’ve humanized a few of them. My favorite, Murphy, is a web spider, and she’s literally inches from my head when sleeping. I’m OK with her living so close because she doesn’t leave her web and she’s eaten her fair share of mosquitoes, moths, and other annoying insects. How do I know she’s a she you might ask? Well I’ve noticed a baby spider in the web and I’ve named it Brood, which is Afrikaans for bread. (pronounced Broouit) That’s also not to mention RoRo, a wall spider that lives in the bathroom, under the cabinet and only comes out at night. He’s really cool he’s perfectly round, super flat to the ground, and really REALLY fast! However, the coolest spider I’ve seen so far is the Banded-Legged Golden Orb-Web Spider (Nephila senegalensis annulata). They live in the hills around Okahandja and make for an interesting hike. They tend to make their webs near flowers and other areas with high bug traffic. In between two trees, they string long rectangular webs, and I must say, its really strong, sticky webbing. I would love to watch these spiders make their web. While hiking there were many times I’d literally stop with a spider inches from my face. I was told different things about these spiders by different people and thankfully I can say that these spiders are no more poisonous than a widow. (which isn’t too bad, by the way.) However, their chelicerae (spider’s fangs) are sharper than most and can leave a scar. (according to Google)

Nephila senegalensis annulata- Banded-Legged Golden Orb-Web Spider

I’m not sure why the spiders are taking a liking to me, but everywhere I go there seem to be more than for other PCV’s. There is something about my personality that draws them nearer. (I’m curious what symbolism spiders carry) Maybe it’s the fact my last name is web or maybe it’s the fact that I’m aware of their presence and how many there are. Either way it’s made for fascinating observations. I would like to think that this increase in exposure to spiders also increases my chance for having a unique spider bite me and give me special powers. Cause lets face it, I would totally be a better Spider-Man than Peter Parker.

I’m sure this isn’t exactly the blog post your expecting, but you know me, would you expect anything less? Besides, where else are you going to get these random insights, I know that’s what keeps you coming back.