Namibia was the next place we stepped on land,
And there was nothing to see but sea and sand.

Then to Swakupmund we went…
An 1800’s German establishment.

One wonders why they settled here,
When there was, and still is nothing near.

Now many German tourist come and see,
Where their ancestors settled, here in the desert, by the sea.

The tour guide had much to tell,
But the intercom did not work to well.

We understood this place to her is very dear,
As she is fourth generation German, born here.

Wool weaving and gem polishing is how their days are spend,
While more the 50% has no employment.

They look forward to more cruise ships that soon will be docking,
And bring many tourist interested in shopping.

We toured a weaving factory
And a crystal cutlery.

We sensed they wanted us to feel,
They would give you their best deal.

Their climate is different, only 2 mm rainfall a year comes this way,
And for 280 days the sun is not visible in this bay.

It reminds me of the Atacama desert in Chili,
Hot, dry, and seldom chilly.

Back on the bus I realized this had been the last stop in this land,
And I wished I had spend my last rand.