First Port Of Call

Today we got off the boat in Luderitz, named after a German settler who bought land there in the late 1800s. It became a trading post for European ships travelling to and from the far east, in pre Suez Canal days. Though it really took off in 1908 when diamonds were discovered there.

Of a population of 17,000 around 10,000 are involved in fishing. The diamond industry hit a down turn in 2010, but oil has been newly discovered off shore and this is seen as a good thing as it is set to revitalise the town and provide employment. No Just Stop Oil protesters around here.

There was a really strong cold wind today which is a feature of the area, they refer to the wind as their rain. The weather was 29 degrees yesterday and yet if you were out of the sun and in the wind it felt cold. While taking a photo of the boat at the end of the pier, the wind was howling and as it whipped up sand particles, they did sting, felt like we were being shot blasted. Though they have used the wind to their advantage and host speed windsurfing events, with a number of world records being set here.

Getting back on the boat the paddel tennis court was free but we soon found out why, the wind was that strong that you had to guess where the ball was going to be when it reached you. Hopefully less windy tomorrow.Read more