mercredi 7 janvier 2009

Namibia

To state the obvious: Namibia is a big country and we cover long distances between interesting sites. But there are plentiful. Here a little selection. Geographically, Namibia crosses the tropic. This should remind the reader that the temperature here is set on "hot". However, it is far from being too humid.
Secondly, a lot of meteorites have been recovered in Namibia. This one near Grootfontein is the biggest piece yet discovered on earth. It is a mix of iron and nickel and fell on earth around 100000 years ago. Too late to be responsible for wiping out the dinosaurs.
Thirdly, Namibia has a rich pre-historic period, in particular with the Bushmen. Near Khorixas, there is a very interesting site with numerous engravings. On this one, we can easily recognise a lion and a giraffe. On others, there are even pinguins and seals, whereas the sea is more than 200 kilometers away. Some animals are depicted with a 5 fingers-paw (like the humans), which is a signature by the drawer. Apperently, these drawings were used as some educational tool for the kids.
Fourthly, Namibia has a troubled colonial past, with a short but still very pregnant German domination. In a few towns, houses have been built by the Germans, such as in Swakopmund. In shops and caffees, we still hear locals talking in German, and the local newspaper "Allgemeine Zeitung" proudly states that its article are written in pure German. Fifthly, Namibia is independant since 1990, while the ruling SWAPO party having ruled ever since. The party still very much dominates the political landscape.Sixthly, local customs are still in use, especially amongst the Hereros. One can often see Herero women in their traditional dress.Finally, economically, Namibia relies mostly on minerals (uranium, diamond, gem stones) and on agriculture. We visited this crocodile farm. The owner - a white - told us he had to sell his farm to the government (for redistribution) and decided to move into this new line of business. He now sells the meat to restaurants and the skins are exported to Asia.

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