To say that the names of places in Namibia are difficult to pronounce is an understatement. Try these on for size... Otjiwarongo, Maltahohe, Okaukuejo, Nkurenkuru, Trekkapoje, and Ombalayamumbweng. I've learned that most w's are pronounced like v's as in Windhoek (VIND-hook), and some x's and some g's are pronounced like h's as in Khorixas (KOR-ee-has) and Gobabis (ho-BOB-is).

From Etosha we headed to Twyfelfontein (pronounced TWY-fill-fon-tane). Twyfelfontein means "doubtful fountain" and got its name from the first white farmer in the area who was unsure whether the fountain would be strong enough to provide enough water for his family and livestock. But we didn't drive all that way to see some water trickling under a rock...

Twyfelfontein has the one of the largest concentrations of rock art in Africa. There are around 2,000 rock engravings at the site, the majority of which are between 3,000-6,000 years old. It was very interesting walking among this important piece of history and learning a bit about the culture of the people who made these engravings.

Two other attractions in the Twyfelfontein area included Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes...

Aside from visiting the rock engravings, we stopped by the Damara Living Museum. This museum has been created to teach Namibians and others about the traditional culture of the Damara tribe. The Damaras were traditionally known as hunters-gatherers and shepherds. They of course lived off the land, knowing what trees, seeds, and plants were good for certain ailments and other uses in their villages. Our tour included learning how they made fire, how they used certain herbs for healing and perfumes, how they used goat hide for a variety of purposes, how they made jewelry out of ostrich egg shells, and more. They also demonstrated some traditional dances and songs. The children were precious as always. I wanted to bring the first little naked toddler I saw home with me. His name was Breddi and I could have stayed and played with him for hours!