I had time aside from the transformational development workshop to explore Rundu a bit. It was nice to catch up with Margaux (and to sleep in her air-conditioned room!). I also got to visit the OVC project in Kaisosi Village. The children were just as precious and rambunctious as the children here in Windhoek. And it was great to walk through a traditional African village, filled with mud huts and family gardens. (The mean, biting ants, however, were NOT enjoyable!)

Inside one of the mud huts in Kaisosi Village.

Pounding maize or grain or something. The locals got a kick out of me trying. Apparently I was doing it all wrong.

One of our last nights there, we all took a boat ride on the Kavango River. It was quite beautiful, and reminded me of taking a swamp tour down in Louisiana. If you cross the Kavango River, you’d come out onto the shores of Angola. (There were several people we saw on the Angola side bathing and doing their washing.) I had my eyes peeled for crocodiles, but none were found. We were, however, graced by the fleeting presence of a hippopotamus! I was one second too late for a photo as it dove from the bank into the river, but was glad that I can at least say I saw an African hippo!

Sun setting over the Kavango River

The next night, several of us ladies went to the Kavango Lodge for dinner. The dining area sits above the Kavango River and yields a spectacular view! We were there just in time for a beautiful pink and purple sunset, and I must add that the food was incredible! I ordered a beef fillet (they pronounce it “fill-it” here) that practically melted in my mouth.

I even had a bit of time to shop at the market. A popular souvenir item in Rundu is called a “tanga”. It is basically a big piece of colorful fabric that many women here use as a wrap skirt. Others make dresses or use them for carrying their babies on their backs. I bought several for the cheap price of less than $3 each, though I honestly don’t really know what I will do with them. Amy plans to make purses out of hers. I’ll stick to jewelry making…

Oh... and on the way to Rundu, we stayed overnight at what everyone I know here refers to as "Mufasa's". It's a quaint bed and breakfast with wild animals everywhere... the most popular--Mufasa the lion. They've raised him since he was a cub. He used to run around inside the house. They were told they must better contain him once he got older (and started chasing the horses), so they now have him in a sturdy fence enclosure. But he's still as tame as a cub. You can reach your hand inside the fence and pet him. I touched one of his paws and his mane. I hear rumors that Mick once stuck his hand in Mufasa's open mouth. I couldn't get over how huge of a beast he is. I mean... everyone knows lions are big, but until you are that close to one, I don't think you truly get the full grasp of that reality. Some of the other animals at Mufasa's included warthogs, meerkats, cheetahs, ostriches, other small but unhappy wild cats, a bunny, and an adorable baby dik dik.

Mufasa! Mufasa! Mufasa!

Is this really my life? Petting lions, crocodiles and warthogs? It's all a bit surreal... and perhaps a little strange.

This little guy truly was adorable! He (or she) followed me out to the yard and rolled over to lay in the sun and let me pet his belly. Too cute. Although... if you've ever petted a warthog, it's an interesting experience. It's like petting rough leather.