hello from Africa!!!

This morning we arrived in Namibia, Africa! My first sights of Namibia included lots and lots of fog, a pier covered with stacks of huge storage containers and a seal swimming behind our ship... :)

Here are some random pieces and pictures of my first day here-

There is a new stamp in my passport, sand in my face, and such a strong wind that we can barely walk upright and Frisbee is definitely out of the question. Roy next to me is walking backwards so the sand in the wind doesn't get in his contacts. I am walking into town with him and my friend Jennie, the rest of the group we usually hang out with are off on tours and stuff. We visit four different grocery stores and one twice; there are lots of interesting things to look at! For 4 Namibian dollars (about 50 cents) I buy funny colored lolly pops in some strange flavor that I can't pronounce. We have to stop walking as a train goes slowly by with two workers hanging off the back...it makes me want to jump on too. *grin* We see "China Shops" on every other corner and they sell things that you might find in a pawn or outlet shop. We eat ice cream and "chips" or French fries at "Wimpys" which seems to be Namibia's version of a Friendly's . Short, fat palm trees line most of the roads and we argue about whether they are date trees or big pineapple trees. They keep blowing in the wind and attacking Jennie but so far we are all still unscathed. We watch the sun set from the ship and it is beautiful, in the distance behind the city we can see the sand dunes... we will go climbing and sand boarding there soon. When I return at night back to my sand free room I find letters from home waiting for me- thank you!!! I feel very loved.

I still can't believe I am in Africa! It is all very insane... I will post more soon and try to get some pictures to you when I can! Sorry this update is somewhat scattered... hope it made you smile anyway :)

Love you all! I think of you often- let me know how you are doing and what crazy antics you have been up to! :)

With many hugs and smiles I remain yours,

-Bethany