Walvis Bay and Swakopmund

Today began with a quick breakfast and on the road by 7:40 to go to Walvis Bay for our scheduled boat trip. The trip leaves at 8:30 and we thought we were leaving plenty of time. But we got stuck behind some very slow trucks and I thought Josea was going to lose it. We arrived at 8:29. Fortunately others were also late and so we got on the boat and departed for our morning excursion. We began with our “Namibian coffee” which was sherry. Not sure when I last drank sherry in the morning- but it was not recently.
Then Spottie, one of the two local seals, climbed on board and visited with everyone, in exchange for fish. Then we went out into the bay and began looking for the dolphins. They were all over the bay – unfortunately, our camera was never where they were and we just deleted a whole bunch of pictures of water. We also saw a seal colony and a “guano factory” (bird droppings on a large platform that some American makes $300,000/year by collecting and selling.)
The most entertaining part of the morning was the pelicans and cormorants who accompanied us. Our boat captain told us that the pelicans are often called the Namibian airforce. They are a very delicate pink color and flew alongside the boat, eating fish out of our hands.
Then we pulled into quiet water to have our lunch that consisted of champagne and oysters along with mini sandwiches. Those of you who know Phil well know that he finished off all of the oysters. He was truly a happy man when we disembarked.
Josea met us at the dock (with lower blood pressure) and we drove into Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to do a bit of shopping and looking around. Swakopmund has traditional German architecture – which sure looks out of place in Namibia. We also made reservations to eat at The Tug– reputed to be the best restaurant in the area. Along the route home, we saw Long Beach (Langerstrand) where Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had their first baby. Then we returned to our beautiful villa and walked down to watch a “sundowner” on the beach.
The sun looked remarkably like our sunset in Michigan except for the rocky shore.
Tomorrow we drive north and leave the shore again. While it may have seemed odd to step out of the Tsuachab River Camp, it now will seem strange to leave the beautiful seashore at Swakopmund. We have discussed the wisdom of retiring here. We know it would be wise to invest in real estate here. Josea could maintain the house until we return. (Now you all know we drank too much champagne this morning).