The Overland Tour begins!

HELLO FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I am alive and well!

I am writing to you from Swakopmund, Namibia but alas I get ahead of myself. Let's start from the beginning....

Sunday morning 12 of February I caught a taxi down to the Nomad tours office where I would be meeting my group and guides. Little by little the people came trickling in. All in all we were 20 + the two guides, 22. We came from Argentina, Ireland, Holland, England, Japan, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada,US, and Zimbabwe. The countries we would be visiting in 20 days would be South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. We would be camping the entire way riding in a monster of a truck but fully equiped. We headed out leaving Cape Town behind. We stopped to get water and snacks for the road. Today would not be a very long time driving,only 3 or 4 hours. We camped at the Geckos Backpackers Lodge for the night. Not too shabby, beautiful area, orange groves(not in season unfortunately), mountains and a pool to cool off in. We took it easy today because the time spent in the truck would grow considerably and we wanted to get to know one another and learn how everything would work. We sorted ourselves out as far as finding a tent mate and setting up. Eva from Holland and I would share for the trip. Fortunately the tent was an easy set up so we spent the day getting organized and ready for lunch. Our guides were Pilile, from Zimbabwe, married and father of two. He would be our driver and guide. Casidi, also from Zimbabwe, married and father of one. He would be our cook. Tabani, he was with us for only a couple days, we would drop him off at the Namibian border to pick up a truck. He is from Zimbabwe, married and with kids. These guys work so hard and don't see their families very often though most of them call them each night when there is reception.

It was nice to have the afternoon to get settled in and hear what the plan would be. As far as chores go, we all take turns helping Casidi to prep meals and then do dishes. It goes a lot faster and nice for everybody to pitch in. Good afternoon and evening as well, sitting around the campfire. Unfortunately for me, I got very sick right after dinner and that first night was spent not feeling well. It is expected that at some point you will get sick due to changing environments, food and water. Lets hope this is the only time it happens. Day 2 would be spent on the bus for about an 8hour drive. So I could sleep and rest, hoping that it would pass quickly. We were headed north through the Namaqualand towards the Gariep river. Now I am going to stop here but I just wanted to let you all I know things are going well. I am not sure when will be the next available internet, so be patient once again with me. I am on day 7 of 20 and tomorrow we leave Swakopmund for Spitzkoppe. Talk to you all soon, love you lots! Angelique