At the moment, my job is very heavy. Unfortunately, I have very little time for a commitment to photography. I would also like to apologize to the many kind people, who leave me so nice comments and to my dear followers, whose wonderful and enthusiastic designed works I comment so sparingly with lines. I am confronted with limits. So I decided to share some travel photos with you.
You can see the route on the map I took on a trip through Namibia four years ago. In the following photos I would like to show you some pictures I took on the road. I hope there is something interesting for you.
Originally, I planned to take over my rental car after my arrival in Windhuk and head for my first destination, the Namib desert. The dunes must be very impressive and I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I did not get the rental car - as agreed - as soon as I arrived, but on the third day. The accomodations were pre-booked and I had to cancel the journey to the desert with great regret.
My way took me to Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast, to Omaruru, Twyfelfontein, Etosha, Waterberg and back to Windhuk.
Some remarks to the country:
The Namib desert gave this country its name. Namibia is considered one of the oldest parts of the Earth's crust, Namib is the oldest desert on Earth.
Before the First World War it was a German colony. Many names of cities and streets recall this time. There are also many descendants of the German settlers in Namibia. They speak - as I have experienced - perfect German without any accent, even in the remote hinterland.
A pleasant travel time is in July and August, the coldest months in Namibia. During the day temperatures rise to about 25°C, but it can get very cold at night (one night I spent in a tent and I froze pathetically). Rain can hardly be expected. In the areas I visited, the last rain fell two years ago.
Caution is advised in the cities: It is not advisable to walk and to go out in the dark. In remote parking spaces should not be stopped. The doors of your car should be locked and the windows closed during the journey. Several times, locals made me aware of these basic rules. I noticed them. By and large, as a single traveller I had good experiences with all people I met in Namibia. In the cities some street traders can be obtrusive.
The beauties of Namibia leave lasting impressions. They can be best explored with a rented vehicle.
I look forward to seeing your pictures of Namibia. It is a beautiful country and I have been lucky enough to do two road trips there - sadly before I took up photography so not many pictures to show, plus it was before digital cameras so you had to be careful with your film!
Tatsächlich gibt es viele deutsche Namen. Und auch einige holländische wie Twyfelfontein ('Zweifelbrunnen') und Grootwaterberg . Südafrika war ja längere Zeit eine holländische Kolonie. Das Wort 'Apartheid' hat einen niederländischen Ursprung; nicht etwas um stolz zu sein. Ich bin gespannt auf deine Fotos.
This is going to be an amazing journey for us all. I certainly wouldn't envisage travelling on my own, but will thoroughly enjoy seeing Namibia through your eyes. Such a contrast to Austria :)
Real life gets in the way of photography some times, unfortunately! We'll still be here when you have time. In the meantime, I look forward to your travel pics!
We'll still be here when life calms down a bit for you Jerome. In the meantime I'm really excited that you'll be posting shots from Namibia, I'd love to go there, but am too old and unfit to contemplate that trip. What a shame about missing the desert, I've seen such stunning shots of huge dunes.
You are so thoughtful in the way you present your photography to us Jerome and I am looking forward to this series very much. Cant think why you are apologising - you share so much with us all, it is such a privilege to look on in awe. I only picture you out in the mountains and working on your masterpieces - the idea that you have a job to go to is really strange!
I am looking forward to seeing your photos of your travels to Namibia. I have never been to that country although I have been to a few other African countries and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
I am anxious to see your photos as I'm sure I will never be fortunate enough to travel to Namibia. Try to relax a little during all that work and we will see you when you return, Jerome. Thank you for all the amazing photos thus far.
Ja, du hast recht. Natürlich finden sich in Namibia auch sehr viele niederländische Namen. "Twyfelfontein": Die europäischen Siedler fanden eine Quelle vor, die manchmal versiegte, deshalb nannten sie diesen Ort "zweifelhafte Quelle".
Die Geschichte dieses Landes, was ihm und seinen Menschen widerfahren ist - das ist gewiss ein eigenes und sehr ernstes Thema.
@golftragic Thank you, Marnie, for your nice comment! I also gradually feel the age. At some point I will not be able to do my way of traveling.
I am really happy when you accompany me with my pictures.
@salza Thank you, Sally, for your nice comment! My photo equipment at that travel was not as good as today, but it was already digital. :)
And I have not photographed as I do today. You just learn.
@jerome I missed this one before, thanks so much for sending me to this page! I am really enjoying your photos from this trip. I hope your job gives you more time again soon. All the very best to you.
You've explained perfectly what so many of us need to do once in a while...it becomes necessary to step away and deal with home and work activities. You've goner the extra distance to show us more of your beautiful photography from the South African region, and I, for one, couldn't be more pleased! Your ability to take a striking photo is a real gift to each of us, and I'm delighted to see your trip mapped out here! No need to leave replies for me...I'm just happy to come by for the gallery show!
Thank you for sharing this Jerome - You've definitely put Namibia in my bucket list as well (ps- I also am from Austria but came to Canada when I was 7 yrs old :)
@pdulis In Austria you were born and spent your childhood there! - This is a nice surprise, Peter! In which city did you live in Austria? Do you remember a few German words? Why are your parents emigrated? How are you, now?
You understand the difficult balance between work, photography and 365 commenting. This is why I save shots to post later and often just fav without commenting and then spend, probably, once a day a fortnight or so on a day or evening updating my commenting. Life, as they say, gets in the way. We all know the difficulties and we are all, hopefully, understanding of those problems. For me, and I'm sure many others, I just thoroughly enjoy viewing your artwork. Enjoy your travels and enjoy your photography when you get the opportunity. Best wishes xx
@psychographer Thank you for your dear lines! Yes, sometimes it is not easy to take time for photography and 365 comments. Also I often give only a fav. Thank you for your gentle and understanding words. Lovely wishes!
April 2nd, 2017
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My sincere thanks for your hearty and kind words. I have still not got used to how cordial the tone and atmosphere is in this forum. It is and always remains something very unusual and very special to me.
Ja, du hast recht. Natürlich finden sich in Namibia auch sehr viele niederländische Namen. "Twyfelfontein": Die europäischen Siedler fanden eine Quelle vor, die manchmal versiegte, deshalb nannten sie diesen Ort "zweifelhafte Quelle".
Die Geschichte dieses Landes, was ihm und seinen Menschen widerfahren ist - das ist gewiss ein eigenes und sehr ernstes Thema.
Helen, thanks for your so dear words. They come from a noble and generous soul.
I am really happy when you accompany me with my pictures.
And I have not photographed as I do today. You just learn.