So were on the road to Opuwo, about 4 hours in lunch time is calling, so we stopped for lunch, Who would guess in the middle of Africa a KFC ??? I know I thought it too, That's a stereotype, Were in Africa not the U.S.A. The menu was different but the same premise, no bucket family deals, All set combos with no substitutions. About 50 ran per combo give or take a couple, No wedges only fries or chips as they called them, Oh and 50 ran is about $7.15 U.S. But no biscuits, Mack n cheese, mash with gravy, Just chicken original and extra crispy, on a roll or in a wrap, The special African one was called the Master-box, I got this for a more culture experience, It was a chicken strip with a fish strip on a wrap with lettuce tomato cheese and spicy mayo. All orders came with chips, red vinegar,tomato sauce and a soda, they also had no deserts, even though they had a soft serve ice cream machine BUT said it was broken,,, We thought it probably has never been used
This next portion I got to drive for about 300K's This was a nicer scenic drive, we were in cattle country, goats, cows, huge bulls and donkeys just roaming free, across the road when ever they want, I had to be on my toes. The lady tinkle breaks were just getting even more funny the Bush was less available, This trip will get the prissy out of any one of them, Next time we will be in Opuwo, see you then !!!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Mission trip to Namibia Africa: now the road trip, let the rubber meet the road
My job in the Comb-bee (Van for you Americans) Map reader navigator, So let the rubber meet the road, woo hoo !!! 1000k's ahead, First stop ladies bush potty break, That's right in Africa the rest stops are in the bush no real privy's for you weaklings, The ladies will really learn about ruffing it, just watch out for the thorns, scorpions and black mambo snakes ladies, Hey when in Rome right, It was actually funny knowing the bladder's one against the squeamish fears, Second stop Okahandja, This down has a real gas station rest stop, so those who wouldn't hit the bush used the toilet, But I think the bush's were cleaner and had less germs, snacks our first in Africa, Soda's no Pepsi, only coke or Africa brands, Most chose a ginger beer, which is like ginger ale without the ale part, Also this town is know for BILTONG, which is there version of beef jerky, except that they have it in every eatable African animal, real soft lightly salted, no spice or teryaki
We were on the road again, next stop Otijwarongo, never know if I'm spelling it right, but I have learned the W sounds like a V, we got gas here, the attendant pumps it, it is illegal for you to do it, 11 liters $340 ran, translation 4.5 litters are 1 gallon and $340 is $48.50 U.S. I got a strawberry cream-cycle at this stop, caught sight of our first sunset and know It was my time to drive so no writing for a few hours
Once we arrive at the missionary's house at about 9:30pm I drove for about 3 hours, what a trip, driving on the wrong/left side of the road, gear shifting with my left hand, all the controls reversed and in the dark, boy o boy they where trusting, Every time any of us men would go to signal we would turn the wipers on so that the oncoming traffic knew we we foreigners, The two things that really made it uncomfortable was not having the window sill to lean your left arm on and the seat-belt reverse rubbing you while you drive, Very very wild and fun
The meet and great was great, Mrs Shalley had pizzas waiting for us, She knew how to make us Americans feel at home, coffee and chocolate nut cookies for desert, We then unloaded and sorted all our trinkets and art supplies for the people, we also had our meeting to set our kinda sorta plan for the work, brief internet to email home and update FB, Then bed time at 2:30am alarm set for 6:30am, we got work to get too, sleep is for the lazy !!!
6:30am up and showered with hot water, this has to be the last time for this, Breakfast egg quiche and apple fritters with coffee or tea, grub over and back to the road, Did some vehicle maintenance with tools like Macgyver, They did not expect to be traveling with the world famous "Macgyver JDP" if were lucky 8 hours driving to our base camp Opuwo
We were on the road again, next stop Otijwarongo, never know if I'm spelling it right, but I have learned the W sounds like a V, we got gas here, the attendant pumps it, it is illegal for you to do it, 11 liters $340 ran, translation 4.5 litters are 1 gallon and $340 is $48.50 U.S. I got a strawberry cream-cycle at this stop, caught sight of our first sunset and know It was my time to drive so no writing for a few hours
Once we arrive at the missionary's house at about 9:30pm I drove for about 3 hours, what a trip, driving on the wrong/left side of the road, gear shifting with my left hand, all the controls reversed and in the dark, boy o boy they where trusting, Every time any of us men would go to signal we would turn the wipers on so that the oncoming traffic knew we we foreigners, The two things that really made it uncomfortable was not having the window sill to lean your left arm on and the seat-belt reverse rubbing you while you drive, Very very wild and fun
The meet and great was great, Mrs Shalley had pizzas waiting for us, She knew how to make us Americans feel at home, coffee and chocolate nut cookies for desert, We then unloaded and sorted all our trinkets and art supplies for the people, we also had our meeting to set our kinda sorta plan for the work, brief internet to email home and update FB, Then bed time at 2:30am alarm set for 6:30am, we got work to get too, sleep is for the lazy !!!
6:30am up and showered with hot water, this has to be the last time for this, Breakfast egg quiche and apple fritters with coffee or tea, grub over and back to the road, Did some vehicle maintenance with tools like Macgyver, They did not expect to be traveling with the world famous "Macgyver JDP" if were lucky 8 hours driving to our base camp Opuwo
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Mission Trip to Namibia Africa: still traveling
The b&b shuttle us back to the airport, This part was pretty painless, straight through, not much checking of our bags like the U.S., I didn't even have to take my shoes off again, weird ???
This is the first time I have boarded a full size plane out on the tarmac, I got the isle seat again and An empty row, The big gut has been thinking about my long legs hasn't he :-) well I guess I don't get the whole row, A small African boy came and he gets the window seat, The flight attendant informed me I would have to be responsible for him during the flight, I jokingly said what if I don't want too ? He didn't get me joking, I said it would be fine but thought I guess I can't get some more shut eye, So I helped him with his buckle, trying to ignore him, surely impossible, He was wanting to play And I guess I looked friendly, he told me he was 6, his birthday was yesterday (9-17-2011)He just left his father whom works in Johannesburg, His mom would be waiting when we landed, He proceeded to tell me all the cool things I could do in Namibia, Drink cart came, I got a tomato juice, asked him and he said coke, This is where as a parent I would have said no you must have juice But he's not mine so coke it is, The meal and once again real silverware, At this point I could have a setting for six, they where nice and heavy, Choices chicken, fish, or pasta, I chose pasta, he chose beef but only ate the salad and desert
So we land and exit the plane walking across the tarmac, we must fill out some forms entering the country as non citizens, they have general info questions, who, what, where, how much etc etc , Then you wait in the appropriate line waiting for the custom agent, My turn and she asks first time in Namibia Africa, yes, What are you going to do, Just see the sites, She then proceeds to tell me some stuff I should check out, I told her that's what the boy sitting next to me on the plane said, she said who, I pointed, She said oh he's a brat, I said no no he's just a curios young boy and I appreciated him telling me some stuff, She then told me he was Namibian royalty, the grandson of this guy who's name I couldn't pronounce or spell, I said I'm sorry I didn't know who that was but the boy was no bother, She stamped my passport and said have a nice stay,,, I think the boy saved me the normal travel pat-down,,, Thank you Jesus !!!
We picked up our luggage, mine was gone through some where on this journey, I'm a neat packer and it was mish moshed, Now we had to play the rental game which was setup before we left, we get not what we had planned but a 13 passenger van and a trailer, Fine Paul and I load the trailer and away we go
This is the first time I have boarded a full size plane out on the tarmac, I got the isle seat again and An empty row, The big gut has been thinking about my long legs hasn't he :-) well I guess I don't get the whole row, A small African boy came and he gets the window seat, The flight attendant informed me I would have to be responsible for him during the flight, I jokingly said what if I don't want too ? He didn't get me joking, I said it would be fine but thought I guess I can't get some more shut eye, So I helped him with his buckle, trying to ignore him, surely impossible, He was wanting to play And I guess I looked friendly, he told me he was 6, his birthday was yesterday (9-17-2011)He just left his father whom works in Johannesburg, His mom would be waiting when we landed, He proceeded to tell me all the cool things I could do in Namibia, Drink cart came, I got a tomato juice, asked him and he said coke, This is where as a parent I would have said no you must have juice But he's not mine so coke it is, The meal and once again real silverware, At this point I could have a setting for six, they where nice and heavy, Choices chicken, fish, or pasta, I chose pasta, he chose beef but only ate the salad and desert
So we land and exit the plane walking across the tarmac, we must fill out some forms entering the country as non citizens, they have general info questions, who, what, where, how much etc etc , Then you wait in the appropriate line waiting for the custom agent, My turn and she asks first time in Namibia Africa, yes, What are you going to do, Just see the sites, She then proceeds to tell me some stuff I should check out, I told her that's what the boy sitting next to me on the plane said, she said who, I pointed, She said oh he's a brat, I said no no he's just a curios young boy and I appreciated him telling me some stuff, She then told me he was Namibian royalty, the grandson of this guy who's name I couldn't pronounce or spell, I said I'm sorry I didn't know who that was but the boy was no bother, She stamped my passport and said have a nice stay,,, I think the boy saved me the normal travel pat-down,,, Thank you Jesus !!!
We picked up our luggage, mine was gone through some where on this journey, I'm a neat packer and it was mish moshed, Now we had to play the rental game which was setup before we left, we get not what we had planned but a 13 passenger van and a trailer, Fine Paul and I load the trailer and away we go
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Mission trip to Namibia Africa: On The land
We arrive at our temporary over night accommodations, It was an African b&b in Johannesburg, It was actually quite nice, I was surprised we were even in Africa, It was more like a b&b in Tahoe or something. The room had a double bed and a single bed, nice wooden furniture, desk, dining table, TV, wifi, beautiful place all in all, the grounds had a pool, huge grilling area, a bar, a pool table, The staff all African with whites and blacks. They had a basque meal waiting for us. huge steaks, mushroom gravy, corn on the Cobb, salad stuff, a carrot dish, potato salad, a spinach dish, olives (they love em in Africa) 3 different type of breads. (As I wrote this in my journal it was apparent I was tired because this passage was all spelled wrong)
In my room now to wind down and try to sleep but I was over 9 hours behind the actual African time so this would be fun, There is a disco near to the b&b, I can here the music pumping so sleep was not really possible, I showered and hand washed my clothes for the first time and I'm sure not my last, I don't smell Just don't want to for everyone else's sake, also tomorrow will be another long day, I took an all natural sleep aide and will try to get some shut eye, put the tube on all soccer and rugby
It's 3am, Paul is fast asleep, he snores and murmurs in his sleep, we will be good bunk mates, I wish I could sleep longer but my senses are on overload, I can hear all the sounds of the outside world, sirens, trains, the club, Even though most would think I'm in a third world country this place is a large metropolis city, At dinner everyone was in good spirit thus far, we even had a few visitors, some other missionary's and some of the Kokomor's family, My clothes will still be damp when I get dressed and I guess I'm on day three, Oh and in case you were wondering I have been sitting in the tub writing tonight so not to wake my bud Paul, you know my favorite room is the bathroom any way, I must also admit I'm a little lost with out my phone, internet that works and the normal U.S.A. routine, I'm alerted by every sound and it seems to me others are struggling with sleep, I can here them trough the walls, talking, toilets flushing, some one is taking a bath, there must be a train close, every 30 minutes I can here one, A hair brush and some deodorant with tooth paste would be great, Not for me really just don't want to look a shambles for others or even stinky, I put my clothes over the electric room heater to help them dry, I already read the entire book I brought, I left a note in it, this is what I said:
"This book was purchased by Jeff Wagner to read on hs mission to Africa, I am done with it, I am from Sacramento California, you can search me out on the web if you like, Take this book on your travels, when your done leave it for someone else, I hope you have a safe journey and stay blessed signed "JDP" and the date"
Breakfast where are you I'm hungry, put my mostly dry clothes on and headed out helping others with there bags, food was great very western, eggs fried and scrambled with cheese, some sort of bacon, sausage with peppers and onions, bread for toasting, pancakes with all the normal toppings, coffee, tea, juices like orange, apple and a mango guava, which I drank with pleasure and ate everything since I thought this may be my last real meal since will be heading out to the wilderness, Load up and head to the airport !!!
In my room now to wind down and try to sleep but I was over 9 hours behind the actual African time so this would be fun, There is a disco near to the b&b, I can here the music pumping so sleep was not really possible, I showered and hand washed my clothes for the first time and I'm sure not my last, I don't smell Just don't want to for everyone else's sake, also tomorrow will be another long day, I took an all natural sleep aide and will try to get some shut eye, put the tube on all soccer and rugby
It's 3am, Paul is fast asleep, he snores and murmurs in his sleep, we will be good bunk mates, I wish I could sleep longer but my senses are on overload, I can hear all the sounds of the outside world, sirens, trains, the club, Even though most would think I'm in a third world country this place is a large metropolis city, At dinner everyone was in good spirit thus far, we even had a few visitors, some other missionary's and some of the Kokomor's family, My clothes will still be damp when I get dressed and I guess I'm on day three, Oh and in case you were wondering I have been sitting in the tub writing tonight so not to wake my bud Paul, you know my favorite room is the bathroom any way, I must also admit I'm a little lost with out my phone, internet that works and the normal U.S.A. routine, I'm alerted by every sound and it seems to me others are struggling with sleep, I can here them trough the walls, talking, toilets flushing, some one is taking a bath, there must be a train close, every 30 minutes I can here one, A hair brush and some deodorant with tooth paste would be great, Not for me really just don't want to look a shambles for others or even stinky, I put my clothes over the electric room heater to help them dry, I already read the entire book I brought, I left a note in it, this is what I said:
"This book was purchased by Jeff Wagner to read on hs mission to Africa, I am done with it, I am from Sacramento California, you can search me out on the web if you like, Take this book on your travels, when your done leave it for someone else, I hope you have a safe journey and stay blessed signed "JDP" and the date"
Breakfast where are you I'm hungry, put my mostly dry clothes on and headed out helping others with there bags, food was great very western, eggs fried and scrambled with cheese, some sort of bacon, sausage with peppers and onions, bread for toasting, pancakes with all the normal toppings, coffee, tea, juices like orange, apple and a mango guava, which I drank with pleasure and ate everything since I thought this may be my last real meal since will be heading out to the wilderness, Load up and head to the airport !!!
Mission Trip to Namibia Africa: The plane trip continues
So we landed in Dakar, we stay on the plane for an hour and a half while they refuel, clean, reload food, change crew, On the final plane till we change in Johannesburg Africa, I also watched another flick during the night, the latest pirates movie, I only slept an hour, it's 6:55 am so I have been flying over 24 hours thus far, this next portion will take 8 and a half hours, we will time change 2 hours more, They just sprayed some deodorizer mist out of the plane vents, its smell like urinal cakes, guess they think some of us smell or something ??? I am hugely parched wishing I had some water and juicy fruit to moisten my throat, The plane is being loaded with new people and they are announcing the safety instructions again, In every world language except Spanish, I guess were not in the U.S.A. anymore, IO still feel good, not really tired, just stir crazy-ish, really really want some H2o, were in the air, new movie choices, first up the latest fast and furious,,, I still need that water !!!
Well I'm into day 2,,, It's breakfast time on the plane, choices eggs or pancakes, I chose pancakes, they had a blueberry compost on them with a sweet cream sauce, a fruit cup with strawberries, oranges and grapefruit, a cup of raspberry yogurt, a croissant with butter and jam, I asked for 3 bottles of water and a peach juice and a cup of coffee and I got all of them, I'm destined to try and beat the home court advantage in the "2 bathroom department, I'm sure a "2 at 30,000 fett will fell nice !!!
Well well another surprise a second meal on one flight, That's right breakfast and dinner, It's been 9 hours so They are being nice to us, Chicken or beef, They love there beef in Africa I'm told, I chose the chicken, It was a chicken cream pasta dish with peas and mushrooms, sides full salad with salmon on top, crackers with cream cheese, buttered roll, with mocha cream cake, I had 3 deserts from my mates since they thought it didn't look good, all I can say is it was yummo and they missed out, I ordered a tea and 3 more water bottles, I was not going to get dehydrated
I watched THOR and played some of the games they had on the screen util we landed at about 6pm, that's like 36 hours since the start, 18 hours until the next flight so we will have some down time in Johannesburg, We will have to pass through a port of entry area, first time ever Where I had to wait in the "other" isle, One said South Africa, the Africa, Then other which me and every where else worldwide, It is an conventional international airport with all the normal hustle and bustle stores restaurants and such, went to pick up my luggage, apparently the Kokomor's, Bob, Dee, and mine were not on the carousel, apparently they went to the final stop, so no change of clothes till tomorrow, no washing with soap, no teethe brushing, nothing, FUN FUN FUN
Well I'm into day 2,,, It's breakfast time on the plane, choices eggs or pancakes, I chose pancakes, they had a blueberry compost on them with a sweet cream sauce, a fruit cup with strawberries, oranges and grapefruit, a cup of raspberry yogurt, a croissant with butter and jam, I asked for 3 bottles of water and a peach juice and a cup of coffee and I got all of them, I'm destined to try and beat the home court advantage in the "2 bathroom department, I'm sure a "2 at 30,000 fett will fell nice !!!
Well well another surprise a second meal on one flight, That's right breakfast and dinner, It's been 9 hours so They are being nice to us, Chicken or beef, They love there beef in Africa I'm told, I chose the chicken, It was a chicken cream pasta dish with peas and mushrooms, sides full salad with salmon on top, crackers with cream cheese, buttered roll, with mocha cream cake, I had 3 deserts from my mates since they thought it didn't look good, all I can say is it was yummo and they missed out, I ordered a tea and 3 more water bottles, I was not going to get dehydrated
I watched THOR and played some of the games they had on the screen util we landed at about 6pm, that's like 36 hours since the start, 18 hours until the next flight so we will have some down time in Johannesburg, We will have to pass through a port of entry area, first time ever Where I had to wait in the "other" isle, One said South Africa, the Africa, Then other which me and every where else worldwide, It is an conventional international airport with all the normal hustle and bustle stores restaurants and such, went to pick up my luggage, apparently the Kokomor's, Bob, Dee, and mine were not on the carousel, apparently they went to the final stop, so no change of clothes till tomorrow, no washing with soap, no teethe brushing, nothing, FUN FUN FUN
Monday, October 3, 2011
Mission trip to Namibia Africa: plane ride there
Now I sit and wait for the airplane, consider this a spiritual 4square check in. I'm at the Sacramento airport headed to Namibia Africa via Washington, Dakar, Johannesburg, Windhoek (they pronounce it vint-hook) Final destination Oskosorve village, Here I come Jesus take the wheel !!!
We have begun to board the plane and I have been gifted an aisle seat, row 27 d. It's funny they show you a safety video now instead of the flight attendants actually doing it, There job gets easier and easier, They must have good union representation. The flight is packed, every single seat filled, In the air, There is no turning back now
Side note: Its also a wonder how the world or people will always provide those who give will always receive, Most of my church mates got food to eat in the airport, Big ole burritos with eggs and potatoes, they were huge just like us big gluttony humans expects, these plates of food could easily feed 3 people any where else in the world, But here the norm, Me ate my bananas I packed in my carry on bag, figured I would need the potassium for or not to get cramps on this long trip
The stewardess said 4 hours 40 minutes till touch down, Landed in Dulles airport that's Washington D.C. for those that don't know, 3pm east coast time, This airport is massive, we found our gate for Dakar, our next flight is on South African airlines, The plane left about 6pm, each seat has it's own TV with tons of choices for selections, I think I will watch the latest x-men and super 8, They gave me a pillow and blanket without even asking, even earphones, a mask to cover your eyes, even socks to keep your feet warm, A total different experience from an American flight unless you fly first class, which I have not done yet but some day I will, right honey ??? I got my wife her first spoons in the airport gift shop, I'm feeling pretty good so far only 24 more hours of this give or take.
They are starting to serve our meal now, it seems a bit gourmet, the choices beef, chicken, pasta, The beef comes with potatoes and green beans, The chicken with rice and peas, The pasta with sauce Lima beans and peas. I picked the pasta, you then had the choice of bread white or wheat, then it had cheese and crackers, a kit-kat bar, a salad with lettuce and tomatoes, yellow peppers and olives with a vinaigrette dressing and for dessert a real piece of N.Y. cheesecake. The kicker ,,,,,, Real silverware, fork knife spoon, ohh and a cup of coffee or tea, Boy o boy we get cheated in the U.S. nuts or pretzels and a soda if were lucky, I think I will have to go on international flights from now on
Some sleep now see you later peeps !!!
We have begun to board the plane and I have been gifted an aisle seat, row 27 d. It's funny they show you a safety video now instead of the flight attendants actually doing it, There job gets easier and easier, They must have good union representation. The flight is packed, every single seat filled, In the air, There is no turning back now
Side note: Its also a wonder how the world or people will always provide those who give will always receive, Most of my church mates got food to eat in the airport, Big ole burritos with eggs and potatoes, they were huge just like us big gluttony humans expects, these plates of food could easily feed 3 people any where else in the world, But here the norm, Me ate my bananas I packed in my carry on bag, figured I would need the potassium for or not to get cramps on this long trip
The stewardess said 4 hours 40 minutes till touch down, Landed in Dulles airport that's Washington D.C. for those that don't know, 3pm east coast time, This airport is massive, we found our gate for Dakar, our next flight is on South African airlines, The plane left about 6pm, each seat has it's own TV with tons of choices for selections, I think I will watch the latest x-men and super 8, They gave me a pillow and blanket without even asking, even earphones, a mask to cover your eyes, even socks to keep your feet warm, A total different experience from an American flight unless you fly first class, which I have not done yet but some day I will, right honey ??? I got my wife her first spoons in the airport gift shop, I'm feeling pretty good so far only 24 more hours of this give or take.
They are starting to serve our meal now, it seems a bit gourmet, the choices beef, chicken, pasta, The beef comes with potatoes and green beans, The chicken with rice and peas, The pasta with sauce Lima beans and peas. I picked the pasta, you then had the choice of bread white or wheat, then it had cheese and crackers, a kit-kat bar, a salad with lettuce and tomatoes, yellow peppers and olives with a vinaigrette dressing and for dessert a real piece of N.Y. cheesecake. The kicker ,,,,,, Real silverware, fork knife spoon, ohh and a cup of coffee or tea, Boy o boy we get cheated in the U.S. nuts or pretzels and a soda if were lucky, I think I will have to go on international flights from now on
Some sleep now see you later peeps !!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Mission trip to Namibia Africa Day 1
So the journey will begin, It's currently 6:30am. I have checked my suitcase, it weighs 49.8 pounds. Just passed the mustard, Its mostly packed with stuff for others. It has colored pencils, normal pencils, pens, glue sticks, art supplies, paper plates, 200 rubber gloves, scissors, toys, candy, soccer balls, rope, and rulers. As I packed I thought "I wonder if any one thought of a pump to fill the soccer balls ???" So I scrambled and found one in my garage with a bunch of pins. I brought enough T shirts for the trip and will give em away when I disrobe each night. They will probably be dirty but I'm sure they will appreciate them, This adventure IE MISSION will be just that. How often does one get to travel half way around the world to be or do what they are in the USA for people who will love every second of there presence. I also find it funny how we AMERICANS loose site of our normal habitual routine. As I got dressed I kept thinking I'm missing or forgetting stuff. I fell out of balance, NO cell phone, NO pocket knife, NO flashlight, NO metal business card holder, NO leather-man, NO normal brick wallet. All left behind not needed on a mission trip to Africa. One man "JDP" with 12 other JESUS loving friends making a world difference. Transforming lives, theirs and ours, With our love for GOD man or woman, LIFE is GOOD GOD is GREAT, no wait It's simply,,, AWESOME
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