Tweni Talk: Namibian getaway was incredible
The trip included visits to places with strange-sounding names.
Your scribe has just returned from an awesome 12-day vacation, with hubby Arthur and Vic and Elenor Bard. We spoilt ourselves with a ‘fly and drive’ camping trip from Durban to Windhoek and picked up the two self-contained vehicles with rooftop tents and set off to places with strange-sounding names.
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In Swakopmund we were introduced to desert creatures from a horned adder, a skink and various lizards. We saw black-backed jackal feeding on dead seals on the way to Sandwich Bay and camels, springbok, jackal and ostrich going about their business in the dunes. There were flamingos with bright pink plumage hidden under their wings in Walvis Bay and desert roses to pick on the beach outside of Swakopmund.
The coast was mostly wet, cold and foggy – except at midday. We inspected the wreck of the ‘Zeila’ very close to shore, collected pink salt from a salt mine and visited thousands of seals at Cape Cross Seal Reserve – most of them suckling pups.
Great outdoors
The group then headed inland to the beautiful Lichen Fields and spent a night in the Messum Crater – life does not get much better than sitting around a camp fire surrounded by stars. Brandenburg West Mine is huge and we picnicked at the bottom surrounded by cliffs of tin, copper and zinc.
At Strathmore Dead Sea, we camped at Ugab Rhino Camp, drove up Ugab River, visited Doros Crater, Desolation Valley, Gai-Ais Fountain, White Lady, Xaragu Camp and Uis.
We saw at least 20 desert elephant. Some of the camps visited were good and some were lacking.
Small hiccups
On Monday this week, after a delay of two hours at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, due to all sorts of excuses from no plane to no food and fuel, as well as a technical problem, a government vehicle pulled up to the plane and after a single person alighted, we were allowed to board. Whilst waiting, your scribe decided to buy a ‘Milka’ chocolate from the duty free shop – only to be told that because I was flying to South Africa I was unable to make the purchase. I asked two other people (with foreign passports) to buy the same chocolate and they were also turned away? Anyway, everyone arrived back safely and well rested.
Good news
Aloes are flowering and sardines have arrived. And a new Ray Nkonyeni Municipal Nuisance By-Law sign outlining illegal acts and penalty fees has been erected at the Tweni Beach. Please report any suspicious incidents to 039 6825555 stating your name and phone number, request a name of the person you are talking to and an ‘OB’ number. Remember to be very specific about your concerns, they require more detail than suppositions.
Be on the lookout
Some not so good news is that crime is still happening. Cable theft – guys burn the cable to extract the copper; domestic workers are still being harassed while walking to work; and gate lights are being removed.
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Please be vigilant – if you have an alarm system, check it regularly to see that it is functioning. Check the security beams and do get to know your neighbours who can generally see parts of your yard that you cannot and could forewarn if they spot anything suspicious.
Join the group
Kim Jones reports that the inaugural Tweni business network meeting was held on June 15 at the coffee shop at JTV Centre. It was well received by the 23 business people who attended and the next one is already being planned. The criteria for joining is that the business or business owner must be based in Umtentweni or neighbouring suburbs (Sea Park/Southport/Port Shepstone). Any business that would like to be part of the group can contact Kim at 084 5117651.
Attend events
Please remember to support the Lions Show this weekend and the Muddy Boots Market this coming Saturday and Sunday. The Lions Show is always a treat and the market has lots of wonderful goods and goodies on sale.
Happy birthday
Birthdays wishes go to Janet Hess (26th), Janette Donald (27th) and Samantha Gardner on July 2nd. All news to Leila.
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