Professor Kreike and Grace hiking

Maps of the water holes in rock engraving

Today we are exploring the skeleton coast of Namibia.

Life seemed impossible to the colonists when they first arrived at Cape Cross.

From the sand to the water, animals and people negotiate with the vast landscape to survive – a prime example of environmental infrastructure.

Seals at Cape Cross

Deserted land next to water

Portrait of a seal

“It’s living history,” said Professor Kreike. We started traveling around Namibia this week, and on the past few days, we had a chance to meet Ohamba Mwadinomho, the queen of Oukwanyama, and King Taapopi at their homestead.

I’m a rising junior pursuing a certificate in visual art, and this trip has provided numerous opportunities for me to practice and reflect on photography. Understanding the historical context gives me a lens to look at the world, and select the particular moments to release the shutter. What have the culture and people in Namibia presented, performed, shown, and lived for us outsiders to see, watch, look and observe?

Portrait of King Taapopi

Group photo with King Taapopi and the Queen (I managed to set a timer so I can also be in the group picture for the first time)

Group photo of us in traditional clothes with the Queen of Oukwanyama (I’m not in the photo)

As part of the class, we took Oshiwambo for two weeks. We performed two songs that we learned in Oshiwambo classes for the Queen in our traditional clothes.

Portrait of the Queen of Oukwanyama

July 3rd marks the first day of our trip to northern Namibia.

Our first stop is the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

Because of the wifi limitation, I’ve compressed the photos into smaller size files.

We also went inside the fence and watched the cheetah running the next day, but I didn’t bring my camera.

The organization also helps local farmers with dog trainings.

There were 9 rooms in the camp. We did not have any electricity at night.

Group photo around the campfire at sunset.

The professor held a flashlight to spot the animals in bushes.

We toured around the reserve after sunset because the wild animals come out at night.

I’m not a writer.

Global Seminar at Namibia has been a wonderful time.

Windhoek is colorful and vibrant.