When I was in Nam

Soon it was time for us to pack up and move on to our next destination in  Namibia. Unfortunately this is where the Bowen clan broke up a bit. My sister-in-law, Jo, went off with her family and Mick, Pete’s brother, came with us. We drove an approximate distance of 520kms to Norotshama River Resort, 50kms from the Noordoewer border, on the banks of the Orange River, in the Aussenkehr Nature Park. Once again the campsite booking got mixed up, but management was prompt in accommodating us, to make up for the confusion.

Despite the initial booking mix up, we were all unpacked in no time. The next couple of days were very adventurous. We spent a lot of time canoeing up and down the river (another big moment for me), walked among the vineyards, took a 4×4 ride up to the top of a hill and took in some of the most amazing and dramatic views, did a so called white water rafting experience with an adventure company called Felix Unite (which turned out to be just a bit of bouncing over some rocks. Well, Mick and I bounced over some rocks. The rest of our group did follow the instructions) and we drove through a village, Aussenkehr, made  entirely of straw, which Kyra now calls the pig village because of the second little pig in the fable, The Three Little Pigs, who used straw to build his house.

We saw New Year in with a shower of champagne and much merriment, despite a noisy crowd behind us who honestly thought the entire Namibia wanted to hear their dire choice of music… Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and the day eventually came for us to say our good byes. After many hugs and tears, we all departed. It was a 3 day drive back for Pete and I and by the end of the first day, approximately 650kms later, we pulled into the tiniest town called Groblershoop, where we overnighted at the Grapevine Guesthouse. The quaint guesthouse had an old farm house charm with a subtle modern touch. They served the largest T-bone steaks known to mankind, their service was warm and friendly and Pete and I will definitely return, should we be in that part of the world again. Our second night was spent in Virginia so that I could see my oldest son, which really was wonderful! Thank you to my sister-in-law and her family for having us. We finally pulled into our driveway on the third day at about 17H30. This holiday was truly memorable and it’s all thanks to Rob and Jane. Once again you made it possible for all of us to have the time of our lives! Thank you.