After a long 10-hour drive, we finally arrived in Opuwo (A smaller town up north). As we were driving in, Paula said to us, “We are not in Windhoek anymore,” we asked why and she said, "You will see"…
We did see.
It was an amazing experience, but one that made me think about different cultures and people at a deeper level. As we drove through town there were small huts and market areas everywhere.
There were lots of people walking up and down the streets as well. We were told that once we get out of the van we shouldn’t take pictures without asking and many will want you to pay them to take their picture, especially the Himba and Herero people. It was amazing to see the traditional/tribal people all around.
Himba woman
The Himba cover their bodies in this red paste stuff, which they use for beauty and to keep their skin oily and moisturized. They wear traditional clothing and various kinds of jewelry. Their hair is also covered in the red paste and some have very distinct and beautiful hairstyles and headpieces.
The Herero wear very beautiful and traditional dresses with a headpiece that looks similar to cattle horns. I would have to look more into the meaning behind why the cattle horns are so significant, but it was very interesting to see.
Once we got to our hotel a few girls and I wanted to go to the store across the street to get some things, so we headed out having no clue what to expect. This is when I began toexperience why Paula said what she said…As we walked out of the store, there were some women wanting us to buy their things they made. We said no thank you and began to walk away, but the women kept putting their baskets against us and saying, “Please, for my baby.” We continued to say no and walked away, which was so hard to do. Then as we walked down to another store, we realized that these women and others were following us and I’ll be honest, at first it was really scary and made me feelreallyuncomfortable. As we walked by a gas station Uanee, our driver, asked us where we were going then offered us a ride. We took the offer and he drove us there and back. As we were driving we talked with him and I realized then that He was from this town and knew everyone. Things were said that made me feel bad for beingscared. After a long timeprocessing and talking with others, I realized that it is ok for us to be on our toes and aware of what isgoing on around us, but there is no need to be scared. These are people, God’s creation, God’s children and so am I. As the 3 days we were there went on, I became much more comfortable and I actually loved experiencing this new culture. I bought many bracelets from various women and learned a lot. Although still a heart wrenching experience, Opuwo is a home for somany people and I loved being a part of it for the 3 days we were there.
Mobile school that is now a perminent structure and changing to a government school.
We also went to two mobile/tent schools while in Opuwo, one of which was a school that is a now permanent structure. Learners sang and danced for us, we gave supplies in which they loved and used right away, and we just got to see how education works in and around Opuwo. It was amazing. The tent school we went to actually wasn’t in session at the time because there was no food, but as we drove up kids followed and joined us in the tent. I learned thattheteacher lives on the site of the tent school and that these schools start and end according to the needs of the community around them. Some learners have morning chores they must complete before attending school so school starts later. The schools also move according to theparents/families mobility. There is so much to say about the schools, but if I shared it all now this blog would be the longest ever.
Tent School
New Supplies!
Overall, the experiences in Opuwo were eye opening and amazing. They were much different from the ones we had had already in Windhoek. People were much more aggressive and traditional wear was everywhere. It was obvious that Opuwo was a much more rural town then Windhoek. I am so thankful for the experiences and all the things I saw throughout the three days there.
Small huts that are all along the roads up north.
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