Africa: Day 8 (Windhoek, Namibia)

You’d think I’d have learned to expect the emotion that comes with the last day of traveling the world…but the tears in my eyes catch me off guard each and every time.

Today was our final day in Namibia. We woke early to have breakfast with and say goodbye to the group that was traveling on to South Africa. If you know me, you know I prefer the Irish goodbye. Drawn out goodbyes are often met with emotion and sometimes, I think I’d rather dodge having to watch someone, or something, walk away…but we’ll come back to this.

Elated that a few of us were not getting on a bus today, we spent the late morning and early afternoon wandering Windhoek. A heavily german-influenced city (Windhoek, meaning windy corner), meant beer gardens and giant pretzels. We found our way to Joe’s Beerhouse on the Northside of the city center. Our cab dropped us off at 11:20, only to find out that they didn’t open until noon, but magically, they opened their gates early and welcomed us in. What. A. Spot. Was I in Germany? Somewhere tropical on a beach? In the heart of Africa? Who knows, but the Hefeweizen was cold and they’re known for their local game meats. I opted for the Oryx (antelope) and I can’t lie when I say it was best red meat I’ve ever had in my life.

Popped around to the local craft markets, rested at the hotel for a bit during the heat of the day and ultimately closed out the trip in the most perfect setting. In the garden of the hotel. During a thunderstorm. With an African wine tasting. Add blankets and live acoustic music and it’s almost like Africa knew we were leaving and decided to craft the perfect farewell.

Rewind to my distaste for goodbyes. Today, I embraced it. We all hugged last night after dinner…and again after breakfast. There’s something special that happens when you experience this kind of week with a group of people from all over the world that you’ve never met before. You connect much faster, and on a much deeper level, than you do if you were otherwise home and in your normal routine. You’re eager to learn about their cultures, excited by the uncomfortable, willing to ask questions about what you don’t understand without fear of criticism and in our case, thrilled when someone wants to go ‘bushy bushy’ with you in the middle of the Okavango Delta at night.

We leave tomorrow after breakfast. 24.5 hours of travel home, but I have no doubt, some of that will be spent reflecting on this experience. ‘Final thoughts’ to come.

All for now.