Saturday mid-morning at the mall

It's my first weekend in Windhoek. From what I've been told the city pretty much shuts down on the weekend because most people go home to their villages. Luckily enough for me, my hotel is close to the mall so I am hanging out here. I took a tour of a gym earlier this morning. There is a movie theatre in the mall so I'm thinking about seeing 'UP' later today. I also brought a jump rope and some resistance bands so perhaps they will be utilized at some point.

My first week of work went well. There was an embassy meeting which was rather interesting. All of the various PEPFAR funded agencies were there; USAID, Department of Defense, PeaceCorps, etc. The discussion basically centered on all things COP related. (Country Operating Plan) The rest of my time this week was spent doing COP work. Technically this Monday is a holiday so we are supposed to have off (we observe US and Namibian holidays), but with the COP being due on Friday (10/16) we will be going into work. And, since I don't know my way around yet or really know anyone for that matter, I was quite happy to hear of this. There was a birthday in the office yesterday so we had a lot of cake and sweets in the birthday girls' honor. That was also quite exciting.

It seems that finding an apartment might be slightly more difficult than I had imagined. I contacted about five different realtors in the area. Thus far it seems there is only one apartment available for rent. I am going to see it on Monday morning. The Namibians I work with told me it's a bit out of the way, so I guess I'll see. I have been digging through my duffel bags on a daily basis trying to find various items, so it will be nice once I find something more permanent. On the car front I really haven't done much research. The apartment has been the more pressing matter. The CDC driver's said they would keep an eye out for me. Another girl in the office mentioned that if I learn how to drive stick shift it will make the cost of the car substantially cheaper... so I am debating this.

Right now all the flowers are in bloom so it's an explosion of color. I had better take some pictures before they fall off.

General things people have asked me.... during the day it's about mid-80's with plentiful sunshine. So far all of the food I've had is very good. I usually eat a huge breakfast at the hotel consisting of an omelette with cheese and mushrooms, fruit salad, weird type of granola with yogurt, muffins, coffee, juice and then sometimes cake. Yes, HUGE. Generally, after this, I don't really need much else. If the office orders lunch out I'll get something. There is this meat called biltong which I've had on a salad. I don't know what it is, but it's pretty good. Maybe I don't want to know what it is?

Other exciting news is that Luke will be here in about a week for a two week visit!!

My internet time is just about over. The hotel I'm staying in hasn't had internet vouchers this week so I haven't been able to jump online when in the hotel. Therefore, I haven't been able to be on skype when others would. I will likely be on skype later this afternoon if I come back to the mall. Otherwise, hopefully I'll be able to talk to people soon!

Love you all.