Making Friends & Acquaintances

Travelers are a special breed of people. I have been reminded of that the past few days at Puccini Guest House, where I am residing during my stay in Windhoek. I have met fellow travelers and volunteers from Brazil, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Uganda. And they are kind -- sharing traveling tips, funny stories, meals, and warm seats by the fire at night. When it gets lonely, these people remind you why you travel in the first place. I made acquaintances with three gentlemen from Rio de Janiero, Brazil -- Rodgrigo, Marco, and Luciano. They are filming a documentary about 13 Brazilian women who left their homes in Brazil to live in other parts of the world. These men are funny and kind, and they loved to dance! I think I most certainly made a fool of myself on the dance floor trying to keep up with them. But they have moved on to their next filming destinations -- Kenya and Sweden. It is already quieter without them around. But, having never been to Brazil, or South America for that matter, we have received an invitation, so Chad pack your bags!! If you are interested in seeing a clip of their documentary you can go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw8_Gw8NiAo (it is in Portuguese!) Here is a pic with Amanda (my neighbor at Puccini), Rodrigo, Marco, and Luciano.

I also made acquaintances with a lovley French-German woman on Friday. Anne has been living in the United States for the past six years completing her PhD in Genetics. Having already completed a doctor of veterinary medicine she is now in Namibia setting up a lab at the Cheetah Conservation Foundation (CCF). When Chad and I visit the CCF in Otjiwarango we will have a lovely guide and maybe even a chance to pet the big kitties!

My other new acquaintance really makes me feel right at home. He is a wire-haired daschund, named Morris. Morris is particularly rambunctious (almost rivaling Tuc) as he is 6 months old. Morris has been visiting the guests of Puccini House on the dining room tables at breakfast in the morning and running away with food, sandles, and sweaters. He loves to give kisses right on the mouth too. Morris needs to learn some manners. Here is a pic of Morris and I, but don't show this to Bella--she would be very jealous!

Gwen and Reid took me out to dinner again on Saturday night and introduced me to their friends Larkin and Kelly. Everyone but Gwen has midwestern roots and grew up in Iowa. They took me to a popular restaurant/watering hole, called Joe's Beerhouse, where different kinds of game dominate the dinner menu. I have been impressed by everyone's willingness to try different meats -- oryx, zebra, gemsbok, springbok, and crocodile. I learned that Gwen and Kelly have been visiting a local orphanage and taking the kids to activities. I am excited, and quite nervous, to visit the orphanage with them. Gwen and Kelly said that the kids mainly want to be held and that they are very excited that someone is willing to do activities with them. I fear that this will be harder than seeing the kids at Mount Sinai Centre.

Tomorrow I visit the University of Namibia's School of Social Work. There I will meet future University of Minnesota, School of Social Work PhD student -- Evaline. I am excited to see the School of Social Work and meet some of their students. I would love to sit in on a class and see if there are many differences in curriculum, teaching style, homework, etc. A new friend of mine whom I met through Professor Lightfoot, Joy, drove me out to the University of Namibia (UNAM) the other day. It was kind of out in the middle of nowhere, yet many people were walking there. The entrance to the school was gated and monitored by guards. Taxi drivers lurked around the gates waiting for patrons to fill their car, talking and gesticulating quickly. I am excited to get a closer peak at the school tomorrow.