A gestating city pulsing with potential
When I travel, I tend to lower my expectations. Comparing prices, portions, tastes, sights, and sounds is a nasty habit I picked up on family vacations to America. You see, we visited the USA because my father spent a few years studying there, becoming very close with the foster family that hosted him. So every 6 - 10 years we’d fly to the land of the free, making mandatory stops in Washington, New York, Miami and Orlando (because what child is going to want to pass up a day in Disney World), and I would convert prices from ZARs to USD or comment on how different their coca cola tasted.
‘The forestry in the Eastern Cape looks exactly like this if not better’ I remember thinking in a shuttle from Leonardo da Vinci Airport to my hotel just outside Rome. ‘Brits like bragging about their first-world status but these buildings are filthy’ I scoffed while wandering through Edinburgh during my gap year. Paris, London, Greece, Monaco - it was all the same - and you don’t want to get me started on the complaining my family suffered through in China.
To avoid cheating myself out of once-in-a-lifetime experiences I learned to say yes to any adventure, and travelling immediately became more enjoyable.
In February, I landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport. A dehydration headache and misspelled name card greeted me enthusiastically. I could feel the unfair judgement creeping in, but I gathered myself. Channeling the sternness of my mother, I scolded myself with the ‘be grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given’ speech for the 45 minute drive to Windhoek.
By the time I arrived at my accommodations, my headache had been disciplined into submission and I was ready to take in everything Windhoek had to offer.
Namibia’s capital city has an undeniable familiarity to it. Contrails of an oppressive history South Africans share with the locals me thinks; yes, Windhoek feels like an old friend who has been working at their success and it about to be awarded their dividends. There is very little you need to do to feel at home, but there are some fun activities you should'nt leave without doing.
Monday
I highly suggest you begin your stay at the Stellenbosch Tasting Room. Namibia has a decent offering of locally-made wines that you can sip and swirl. The hot dry climate provides the perfect conditions for getting a little… erm… festive and the location can easily accommodate groups either inside or you can opt for alfresco-style experience. Pair the tasting with complementing nibbles or cross the courtyard to Stellenbosch Wine Bar for a delicious meal at the popular bistro.
Tuesday
The story of how Namibia gained its independence is a sobering one. Spend the day walking through the horrors, trials and triumphs of the friendly nation’s people at the National Museum of Namibia.
After you’ve experienced the multi-level exhibition, continue walking along Robert Mugabe Drive. You’ll pass Namibia’s National Council, as well as the Parliament Gardens on your way to the National Art Gallery.
A display of interactive installations and delicately woven traditional tapestry, made by local hands, are available to purchase at the gallery. If you’re an art lover on a budget, you can enjoy the in-house library of creative literature.
Wednesday
Joe’s Beerhouse is a local institution that has been serving pork knuckles with traditional sauerkraut and mustard for over three decades. The quirky eatery is decorated with scrap metal knick knacks and empty Kleiner Keiler bottles hidden about the restaurant - a first-timers tradition. On most Wednesday evenings, you’ll find a drum circles of both locals and tourists jamming an impromptu performance ‘round the lapa.
Thursday
Windhoek’s CBD is a playground for the youth. There are a number of curious locations locals have turned into popular spots. The Kitchen has been open for a year, and it has already become one of the best places in the city for sundowners. To avoid frustration, exercise extreme patience as the service is terrible - though its become a running joke for the locals who frequent the eatery.
Kramers is another unexpected fine. The ice cream shop that is always buzzing with activity closer to the weekend hosts regular kizomba festivals or deep house parties where you can order a double-scoop with a shot of tequila.
Friday
Every Friday, a festival of food trucks spread out across the country club’s lawn for the Windhoek City Market. Traditional bratwurst, mopane worms, burritos, thai food, biltong, tacos, and so much more is on offer for the flurry of people who attend. Local brewers set up educational beer tastings that are sure to please any beer fundi’s travelling to Windhoek
You’ll want to line your stomach because the next stop is The Gin Room for a Local is Lekker tasting. Not only are the tonics and accompanying garnishes perfectly paired, but it is clear that the chic bar has carefully curated a tasting that reflect Namibians landscape and climate effortlessly.
Saturday
Nothing cures a babelaas quite like an ice cold beer in one hand, and a plate of piping-hot greasy food in another. And while South Africans have shisanyama, Namibians enjoy their Capana. There’s no better way to eat it than to pile into the township of Katutura for vleis by the Goreangab Dam.
Once you’ve got yourself feeling human, head to The Warehouse to do it all again. All weekend, you can groove to the creative medlies mixed by the local musicians on-stage. Oliver Mtukudzi, Bongo Muffin and Bruno Mars are all honored at this electric venue.
Sunday
If you’ve survived a week of gallivanting around the city, you deserve to wind down at Krisjans. The quaint eatery is the ideal choice for a slow breakfast of lazy lunch.
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