Tsumeb

Im in an internet cafe in Tsumeb, one of three towns known as the 'golden triangle', along with Otavi and Grootfontein. The surrounding areas are relatively industrialised and there is mining equipment everywhere. The streets are busy with markets and people earning money. There are surprisingly few beggars.

Our attendant at the gas station, Johannes (black), is from Rundu, our next stop. He talked about the great river and its hippos and crocodiles. He has been to South Africa and did not like it; that country is 'not ok', neither is Angola. Namibia is 'ok' he says, and by that he means great. 'Too much' security, and by that he means a lot of security, and he loves the people of Namibia. When we told him about our lion sighting this morning he exclaims 'is it?!'.

This morning we left as the gate opened at dawn and went to find last-evening's lion pride (the one with the carcass). They were in the exact same place; this time two adult females, two adult males, one sub-adult male and 8 cubs. We watched for an hour as they played around and drank from the water. The rising, golden sun was perfect for photography, and the dust kicked up by the cubs reflected it.

We drove around the eastern edge of the Etosha pan. Still filled with water, and reeds and water birds it reminded us of the wetlands back home. It is amazing that this occurs here in one of the driest countries on earth.

On the road to Tsumeb we passed two construction crews. They camp at the side of the road and fix potholes, and then they move on to the next one. A tough job. We waved and they waved back.

I am taking a lot of videos but cant upload them from Namibia. Everywhere we go the internet is slow!