Godhirde
Trip Start
Dec 17, 2007
1
15
26
Trip End
Jan 19, 2008
Brandberg Whitelady Camp,
Namibia
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Meeting Godhirdine
Keywords - Ancient paintings, Martian Landscapes, Pregnant dolls, Hike into Brandbergs, Godhirdine Garoes, Clicking language, Upgrade.
The landscape of Damaraland and Brandberg Mountain range is an inspiration to me. I love this place for its arid beauty, red sand and vastness. We set off to view some ancient rock paintings in the morning cool. Here I get to shoot some landscapes ... can't wait to process the panoramics!! ...
As we drive towards the Brandberg mountain range, the highest in Namibia, we stop off at a roadside Africrap stall ... I find a pregnant doll with a matching breast feeding doll ... handmade by Himba ... I had to buy them for a present ... just who would want such a present ?
Later we arrive at the Brandberg White Lady camp ... after a drive through a stunning landscape that I won't even attempt to put into words ... It is unbelievably hot .. so for Eur25 I upgrade to a chalet ... a very nice one at that ... ensuite and complete with tiger bedspreads ... strange for Africa?
Later we go for a hike into a valley at the foot of the Brandbergs ... our guide is Godhirdine Garoes ... her inital comment to me was a joke asking me when the baby is due ... so I have to admit I am a little miffed but I bite my tongue ... The white lady is one of the most significant and ancient wall paintings in all of Africa. Apparently some twit of a European explorer priest tried to take it as evidence of Mediterraneans in this region ... and while he called it White Lady it is in fact a man .... The hike is easy but the heat makes it a challenge ... I walk with Godhirdine ... who can talk to beat the band ... but she is lovely ... so full of life and very intelligent. She has a wonderful way of telling the local stories and history ... and a sense of humour to match. I find spending time with her quite uplifting. She has 2 young children and a very caring attitude. Her little brother is walking with us ... he has ambition to be a guide some day also. She teaches us some of the Damara clicking language as we walk along and here and her brother even sing happy birthday in clicking for Hiske.
That evening I opt to get some solitude and head off to my chalet early to gaze at the stars and nod off ...
