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I saw an ostrich today during breakfast as I was looking out the window.Pretty cool, but ugly up close.We didn't end up visiting our friends in Pretoria…we'll do that on our way back through Jo'burg in August.The flight was only two hours.I'm so glad I won't be on an airplane for at least a few weeks.They never trusted my baggage.Security went through both of my suitcases between DC and Jo'burg and between Jo'burg and Windhoek.Crayons are apparently very hazardous to planes…they ripped open my crayons that were packaged in brown paper that I had brought for my students and the kids at the orphanage.I also saw wild boar running across the road on the way "home" from the airport.
We're living at 9 Chateau St. Windhoek, Namibia in case I forgot to tell anyone.It's actually a very nice place in the center of the city.We have a fence around the outside of the property and gates in front of every door.All of the houses have fences with barbed wire or electric wiring along the top.Once we put our luggage in we went to get a wireless card and groceries.Malls and grocery stores in Namibia are the same as malls and grocery stores in America…except for more exotic food and fish heads.The city is very flat and pretty at night!I have an excellent view from my bedroom window.There is a mountain range around Windhoek…however I don't think anyone at home would call them mountains.Oh, I'm apparently not supposed to say I'm from the States here because they refer to themselves as the United States of Africa.I thought that was very interesting.
My bed is on a little wooden thing on the ground that reminds me of China.I don't know if I will sleep well the first few nights, but hopefully I will get used to it.One thing that I really really miss here is heat!!!No one has heat here including hot water.However, Windhoek is warmer than Jo'burg since it's further North.During the day it is actually very nice out…there is no need for sweaters or jackets.But it gets dark around 5, 5:30 and then the temperature drops very quickly.
We had dinner at Dr. Hopson's friend's house.They cooked us a traditional welcome meal…Oryx steak.Oryx is a type of antelope I guess and it is a game meat here.They cut it into slivers and then dip it in mustard and then salt.It was surprisingly very good.We also had something that has a German name, but translated means Farmer's sausage.It's a type of beef that you're supposed to eat on a special bread roll.That was also good, but I preferred the steak.
Tomorrow I will be meeting with Peter Omura, the teacher going on paternity leave.His first son was born July 4th.I will not be starting the afternoon program until next week because the guy in charge of it is in London.FYI Some of my messages will be posted at the same time when I get internet.
They have boards here with their president's face and President Obama's face on him.A lot of people here feel he is the next Nelson Mandela.They are very excited for his coming trip to Africa and have taken the opportunity to write emails to ask questions prior to his visit.I could also watch MJ's memorial in South Africa.Very cool.I'll write soon.Bye.
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