The topography is so very similar to Scottsdale, it's uncanny. I felt like I was driving by the McDowell Mountains as we left the airport, and then we landed at our hotel for the first night, and I truly could have been plopped back in Paradise Valley. Food, wine, and all.
People here are friendly, and the German history provides a nice European influence to everything. The street names range from Nelson Mandela Avenue, to Robert Mugabe Ave, to Fidel Castro Street, and then Thorenstrasse, John Ludwig Strasse, etc. ... only in post colonial Africa!
Over Saturday and Sunday, we went to Goche Ganans, a lodge about 40 kms south of town, and spent some time watching some animals our on the range...it's fun to see giraffe climbing up what would be the east side of Camelback Mountain from the breakfast table, while baboons and warthogs run around below.
Goche Ganans was a beautiful accommodation but with really bad food. I got a little food bug, so we won't be going back... But it was a fun experience, and if they could tighten up their food menu, then we could recommend this place to others. The best part of our weekend there was when were driving down the dirt road back to GG after a lovely dinner in town, watching the sun go down painting a desert sunset and remarking "my, this IS just like Arizona... " until a couple of oryx jump out in front of your car and you scare off a smattering of zebra along the drive too. Nope. We're in frigging AFRICA!
Speaking of driving on an unfamiliar side of the road... Paul had a few near misses the first day, but as a team we were able to navigate fine and got used to looking in opposite directions pretty well... Except for the curb that Paul loved a little too much on the left side of the car, we ended up okay.
We also did some shopping..we picked up a beautiful set of polished Kudu horns and some other goodies for the home. I am still tracking down the ostrich eggs that I would like best.... I came close this time, but not quite. Some eggs are very intricately carved, and they are lovely, but getting them home this time would be a bit of a bother, so we are holding off until the next voyage.
I also picked up some very reasonably priced casual jewelry, such as some bone and horn earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Everything was a bargain in the world of KC, so it made decision making quite easy; just get both. :-)
Paul and I decided that this is a good weekend retreat, and that we could spend one weekend out of every 6 or so weeks out here. It gives us a little more sense of structure and casual comfort.
There were a few lessons learned along the way... This is probably a three day weekend place, not five.. We need to remain diligent about security, a couple from Germany was parked beside us by the main church in town, and their window was smashed in and her purse had been stolen (we had all our luggage hidden in the trunk)... Meals are leisurely here, so plan to take your time. Taxis are also inexpensive, so just take one if you are planning a night out (we did, and it was great). The town is small and getting around is easy... Just remember what side of the road you are on.
Pictures and a little video are attached (once we get home and I can load more) and food and hotel info is below.
KC
Details on Food and Hotels:
Perhaps it is because we are slightly limited in our restaurant choices in Luanda, but we have really enjoyed dining here. Our favorite restaurants have been the Gathemann (Paul is in love with the venison schnitzel), Am Weinberg (probably the best soup and pasta I've ever had, and Paul loved the filet), the Olive, which is a part of our hotel and ranked highly for its restaurant too...Gourmet - good for a casual lunch (and oysters! ohhhh how lovely!), and Stellenbosch, (more for atmosphere than food quality, and plenty of yum wine).
As far as accommodations go, there are a couple different hotel alternatives here that are great too. We are staying at the Olive Exclusive, which is just wonderful, and then there is also an Olive guesthouse right next door, which is a little more casual, but due to a wrong turn direction, we ended up there, and it checked out too. We also have friends at the Hilton, and it's just fine as well - we spent some time in the pool there, and that was a nice way to while away the afternoon.
The Olive Exclusive: Our rooms (we stayed in two different suites, on on Friday night and one on Monday night - both awesome) were designed with excellence. The first had a little dipping pool to cool off in, and this one has more of a plunge pool, which is super private. The rooms are set up for elegant comfort. Crisp bed linnens, a laptop in each room to connect, a big living room area, lovely bath set up, etc.... This second room has a fountain and koi pond outside its door, the design is amazing, and, in case you just want co hide in, the minibar is well stocked with all sorts of goodies (and priced like a normal place, not some exorbitant $6 diet coke.) Pictures are attached. I think if you are coming to Namibia, and you planned some time in Windhoek, then this would be the place to stay, but the other recommendations are nothing to sneeze at either- they looked great
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