We didn’t fall off the edge of the earth. I stopped the blog as it seems so inconsequential compared to the devastating news that my stepdad passed away.
We (and the doctors) thought beyond hope that he would improve once he got “home”.
Michael’s decline happened quickly and thank goodness we were in port when we got the news. With two hours notice we booked flights, packed and jumped ship. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived God had called Michael to His home.
We flew out of Walvis Bay, Namibia after a day of touring.
Situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. It’s the second largest city in Namibia and was once part of South Africa – gaining their independence in 1990.
It is the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa and considered to have the oldest desert (called the Namib Desert) in the world. It was tribal until Germany colonized it in 1884.
Their primary language is English however everyone seemed to be speaking one of their 15 other languages. 89% of the population are Christian.
The town is clumped around the port and beyond that is endless sand and mirages. It was remarkably tidy – zero graffiti.
*click on photos to enlarge
We went on a 4 wheel drive excursion to see “the desert”. I had seen photos of The Namib Desert where humongous sand dunes kissed the shore of the ocean. This is what I envisioned seeing. Unfortunately, it was too far away. With ship board excursion credits we opted for a desert 4 wheel drive experience. The day was beautiful and it was just us and another couple – perfect size. It turned out to be the “Chamber of Commerce” tour. A drive to the Moon Landscape (similar to the Badlands in South Dakota) on graded dirt roads where all the 4×4’s stopped with a break to see the Welwitschia plant – referred to as a “living fossil”. It is found growing in the nothingness of the Namib Desert and Southern Angola. Some plants are said to be between 1000 and 1500 years old.
Walvis Bay is home to gazillions of flamingos – white and pink.
It was fun being off the boat.
Namibia – the vast nothingness of sand was overwhelming as we glanced out the plane’s window on our way to Cape Town for our long journey to the States. The wind etched windrow upon windrow patterns in the sand like waves in the sea. Fog laid low over Atlantic Ocean greeting the desert shore.
We stayed over in Cape Town before the next leg of the flight back to Southern California – 37 hours from door to door.
Now we’re with mom.
Next year we’ll finish our trip…
May the spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.
I’m so sorry, Paige 💔
My deepest sympathies to you, Bill and your family.
All my love,
Veronica
Thank you. ❤️ Miss you. Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
We are so sorry for your loss, Paige and Bill, along with your families. We hope the new year will be sweet for you.
We are ever grateful for your sharing of your travel adventures. We love to see the world through your ēyēs and appreciate how you capture places and cultures in words and pictures and heart.
Big Hugs from our hearts to yours❣️
Cathy and Kevin
Thank you. You’re very kind. ❤️. Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
So sad for your loss.
Thank you. Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
Merry Christmas Paige & Bill
Claudia & Dick
Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
❤️
Have loved this journey and so sorry it ended the way it did. i do not know how you survived the 34 hour tip home…..Dan and I had a very nice visit with Dick today and we thought he was better than last time we saw him.
let us know if you ever come your way again
Merry Christmas
louise and Dan
Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
Glad you got to see Dick. He texted me a week or so ago sending condolences. Can’t wait to get back to Charleston. Miss you.
sorrow and joy reside so close together; condolences, Astrid
Thank you. Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
Christabel and I are deeply sorry to hear about your stepdad’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Thank you. Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
stirring photos!
our best to you and your Mom
Thank you. Merry Christmas 🎄✝️
Oh Paige I am sooo sorry to read this sad news. I was such an idiot when I saw you Thursday. Completely unaware but glad to see you. On a better note, your pictures are amazing. So vibrant and beautiful, capturing life. Big hugs, Laura Kraut 🤗
Thank you. You are so kind. Great to see you again. Hugs to you. 😘