There is no place like home. A place you feel comfortable. A place you are familiar with.

A place where you can kick off your shoes and do whatever you feel like.

As much as we love traveling and throw ourselves into uncharted waters, coming home means peace of mind. The state of familiarity and bliss.

I carry that feeling with me on my own 4 wheels and have little expectations when I call in a port of recharge, refill and recovery. I don’t need 5 stars connected to starlink. Nor a fancy room or dinner in similar conditions. Or anyone running behind carrying my cases.

I stay well away from those circumstances. Instead, all I ask for is a happy and friendly environment. A place where respect and honesty are compelled by fate and faith.

A place where like-minded people mingle and share previous experiences and upcoming adventures. A place where strangers laugh together, cook together and play games. Lodgings like these are increasingly rare to come by my understanding.

I found one of these places right here in Swakopmund on Namibia’s Atlantic Ocean.

Far enough from a noisy city centre, yet close enough to walk downtown.

Close enough to stroll the promenading colonial gardens and ocean shores.

Zimba is parked on a large camp spot which includes a sink, power point and seating table. We had music playing without complaints as our little corner is tucked well away from the main area.

Enough space to spread and shed Zimba’s inner life. Never once did we lock doors.

The camp kitchen is well stocked with pots and pans, utensils, plates, bowls etc and two fridge/freezers, several stoves and plenty of space to gather for a meal.

A braai area is well placed near an open fire pit.

The plentiful showers are hot and blissful after spending 7 days in dusty and dry conditions.

All these areas are kept tidy and are cleaned every day.

Grassy spaces invite to rest in wind sheltered sunny lounges.

For those who had ‘enough’ of pitching the tent, several self-catering backpacker units are very popular with those I had met.

Host and owner Betsy presumed that I was doing her a favour going walkies.

When in fact I had the pleasure of being walked by Micha, a loving golden Labrador. Her delightful company made it easy to switch off from daily tasks, which weren’t that many btw.

A fresh breeze coming from the Atlantic Ocean and sunny rays over crushing waves rejuvenate anyone’s body and soul. Walking bare-paw on soft beach sand revives a touch of natural bliss.

Micha loves to jump into the waves.

Until a bigger one surprises and scares her onto dry land.

These few hours were the highlight of most of my days. It was the highlight for both of us.

We made some new friends along the way and daily news were eagerly sniffed off at any corner.

Furthermore, this was the only time I was not approached by craft vendors selling homemade art.

Even when walking over the cramped craft market behind the lighthouse.

We encountered some colourful locals there as well.

They dwell within the garden beds of flowers, cacti and other indigenous plants.

Often enough, testosterone fuelled duels emerged as it became clear, why this chicken does cross the roads.

African roadrunners.

Safety signs for visitors are placed along the cobblestone paved areas.

Due to my affairs with the home office, my stay extended longer then expected. Although having no expectations, dealing with officials becomes increasingly frustrating. Not only in Africa.

But all that didn’t matter because I felt right at home right here at ‘Desert Skies Backpackers and Camping’.

A friendly, often tired voice asked me every morning if everything was okay. It sure is.

Micha came for a visit just as well in need for a belly rub.

Which was thankfully appreciated by licking kisses.

Her brown puppy eyes are just irresistible.

Betsy was incredibly helpful with my tasks dealing with government officials and banking issues. Nothing was a problem. In return I did what I could to return the favors to help here and there.

‘Eine Hand wäscht die andere’ is an appropriate German term. As most visitors are German speaking, entertainment polished my rarely used mother tongue.

I made new friends of all ages on different agendas and time schedules. All because, we all felt at home from home.

Thank you to Betsy and her hardworking, friendly and helpful staff is an understatement.