I allowed my thoughts to wander, like I do most of the time when I am on my own, except this time, I was surrounded by amazing women, enjoying an amazing view of Table mountain, a beautiful sunny day and champagne. I brought my attention back to the mingling souls around me and to the bustling conversations about plans for the future and aspirations. I felt that our roads were diverging, that we were sharing a lovely intersection and that we would disperse and head in different directions later that day and perhaps for a few more years. I aspired to delve deeper into myself, follow the rabbit hole and hopefully connect with the force that was driving my seeking, and at this time, the arrow was pointing to Namibia.
I had not planned to travel but I had fortunately brought my passport with me. I found myself at the InterCape bus station at 6:25 A.M. and while I was waiting, I remembered the souls who inspired this trip.
During my time in Peru, I met someone who, at the time of our meeting, I did not know that I would love like a sister. When she found out that I am from South Africa, she showed me photos that she had taken during her Sothern African safari. When I asked her to share the highlights of her trip with me, her face lit up as she told me about her time in Namibia. The screensaver on her laptop was of a zebra that was photographed while grazing in Etosha. I promised her that I too, would visit Namibia especially since it borders the country of my origin.
Less than one month after this incident, I met yet another beautiful soul at a Spanish school in Montanita, Ecuador. As it is customary on the first day of school, we were asked to introduce ourselves in Spanish. I couldn’t believe what I heard; she stated her name and her country of origin and she went further to explain that it was in South West Africa. When it was my turn to introduce myself, I explained to the group that I share a border with the beautiful lady from South West Africa, Namibia and everyone smiled. Friendship developed between us and when we parted ways, I promised to visit her, if she ever returned to the country of her birth.
Three days prior to my arrival in Windhoek, I messaged my Namibian friend, who was living in Germany at the time. I mentioned to her that I was going to visit Namibia and asked for travel tips. She gave me some recommendations and more. She organized for me to stay with her stepmother in Windhoek. I was overwhelmed by her openness and kindness and I didn’t realise it at the time that somehow, we were connected by an invisible thread and that our meeting in South America was no coincidence. I traveled to Windhoek during a rare blue moon event, a phenomenon that occurs when there is a second full moon in one calendar month. The moon seemed brighter and bigger than usual; it was beautiful to watch, as we waited at the border for mandatory bureaucratic proceedings. We arrived in Windhoek, on the following morning at 5.A.M. and when my friend’s her stepmother, who I call “mama”, picked me up from the bus station and held my hand, I knew that I was “home”. What I felt then was pure love, and it stayed with me during my stay in Namibia and beyond.
Later that day, I met my new mama’s housekeeper and we exchanged smiles and mumbled greetings. We didn’t stay in Windhoek that night; we traveled to Swakopmund and spent the weekend with her second stepdaughter. I experienced my first “sandstorm” but it was on a very small scale. I went on a solo walk on the beach during the afternoon and collected stones and driftwood. The sand dunes that were visible from the beach were quite charming. I should mention my playmate, an adorable 2-year-old girl who radiated love. We played drums together, danced and during one of our breaks she babied me and fed me peanuts and raisins. I had a heart-opening experience. At times, I found myself crying for no logical reason. And then it dawned on me that I am in a magical place that resonates deeply with me. I was letting go of past pain and trauma that had not come into my awareness yet; and something within my body knew how to gently lift these burdens off me. I was at the perfect place, at the perfect time. And I was surrounded by perfect souls for they knew exactly how to be there for me during this time. Our time in Swakopmund came to an end and we returned inland, to Windhoek.
My first day back in Windhoek was uneventful. My body decided that it needed to retreat and rest from the weekend’s activities and I stayed in my room for most of the day. I enjoyed my time of solitude and I allowed myself some needed reflection on the events that had occurred during the weekend. On Tuesday morning, I spent some time outside, in the garden and it was then that I discovered that chewing on lavender leaves cures mild headaches. I started reading a book that had been recommended by a spiritually attuned lady (a Shaman) that I met in the mountains of Wintershoek in the Western Cape. She has silver hair and blue eyes, when I shook her hand, I knew that she was no ordinary person, she is a light bearer and she glows and emanates great love. The book is about the mystery of white lions. It captivated me; I could not put it down.
I did not feel the need to go sight seeing but at the same time, I felt that I needed to visit at least one place, so I dived into the inter webs in search of tours that were suitable for my taste and budget. Sadly, I found none. I accepted it and continued reading my book. To my surprise, the author mentioned a site that is known as “The White Lady” which is in the Brandberg Mountains, Namibia’s highest mountain range located in Damaraland. Since, I do not believe in coincidences, I decided to research this site and possibly visit it. I discovered two things; firstly, finding accommodation in that area was a challenge and secondly, I didn’t know how to reach this place on my own. I hung my head in disappointment and shared my travel troubles with mama’s housekeeper.
I couldn’t believe what she said next. She told me that she owns a farm not too far from this area and that I could stay there if I wished. She also mentioned that she would be happy to travel there with me over the weekend and that her son is quite familiar with the area since he sometimes works as a guide. I was gob smacked!!!!! I didn’t hesitate and took her up on her offer, immediately. This was a sign from the Universe that this was the path that I was meant to take. I made plans to leave with her on Friday. I could not contain my excitement! My soul’s web was growing and I looked forward to seeing what would happen next.
My second mama made sure that I was packed and ready for the weekend. Amongst the essentials was a sleeping bag, mattress, drinking water and chia seeds. We left Windhoek just after 1 PM and the 6-hour drive to Mooimeisiesfontein farm commenced. We headed north towards Etosha and drove through a few small towns. I took beautiful sunset pictures and couldn’t get used to the wild pigs that occasionally crossed the road. We arrived at the farm after 7 PM. I jumped out of the car, stretched my legs, looked up into the sky and gasped. The Milky Way galaxy, in all its bright and shining glory, drew me in and I melted away into the vast starry night, totally enveloped by its grandeur. I was in a spectacularly beautiful place, far away from city lights and internet connectivity. It was pitch black and my melatonin levels reached optimum levels earlier than usual and I dozed off to very peaceful sleep.
Your painting is gorgeous 😍please send it to me
I will 🙂