Sossusvlei to Windhoek
October 26, 2000
Windhoek and Weaverbirds
One last early morning drive remaining, we gathered up our tents for the last time and
headed out! It was a fairly long drive back to Windhoek, so most of us just napped
in our seats.
We did make one pit stop on the way. Susanna had spotted some weaverbird nests, so we got out of the bus and had a
look. Weaverbirds make communal nests, but I
didn't see any of the birds themselves. Must have been still sleeping.
When we finally arrived in Windhoek, most of us were staying in one of the larger
hotels (Yes! Soft beds at last!), but Geraldine and Jan had to make their own
arrangements. We would see them later that night for dinner.
The gang was reunited, however: we met up with Joanna at the hotel! She'd had
some room trouble, but was finally settled in and ready to go!
Last-Minute Shopping
There was a regular shuttle service to downtown Windhoek, so I took the opportunity to
do most of my shopping for the trip! There were some amazing painted ostrich eggs
I had seen, as well as some other pieces that I found as gifts for friends &
family. It was nice to be able to relax!
Later on I ran into Katja and Martina, and we treated ourselves to some junk food in a
local KFC. Ah, nothing like a little fast food to bring you back to civilization!
:-)
Joe's Beerhouse
Susanna had made reservations for us that night at a place called Joe's Beerhouse, a
fairly popular restaurant. Unfortunately, at the last minute she couldn't make it
due to another commitment. We missed you, Susanna!
Calling up some cabs, we headed over to the restaurant. I was with Katja &
Martina, and our cabby was quite a character! He also drove like a maniac: zipping
in between cars, missing others by inches. Quite a little adventure!
Joe's Beerhouse had indoor and outdoor serving areas, and lots of stuffed animals
decorating the place. 
We squeezed into a corner booth and
exchanged personal info while we waited for our grub. Unfortunately, the place was
EXTREMELY crowded, and that (on top of wanting separate checks: in retrospect another Bad
Idea(™)) made service very slow. The food was decent
for the most part: the zebra that I ordered was a little undercooked, though (had to send
it back for a little more barbecuing). The escargot was great!
It was a fun night, nevertheless. Everybody talked and laughed. I got
everyone to sign my little notebook. And we discussed where we were going
next. Martina actually had another week or so up in Kenya, with even more primitive
camping equipment and was a little apprehensive about that! Katja was going to spend
a little time in Capetown, as was Chris. Most everyone else was heading back home.
I'll Drink to That...
After dinner (and another adventurous cab ride) we headed back to our respective hotels
for a well-earned rest. But before that, we wandered over and chatted some more
in....
drumroll please...
the lounge. :-)
