Namibia 2012

A collage of videos/pictures from my trip to Namibia. The four places I visited were Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, The Sandwich Harbour and Windhoek. The video is a summary of what you can do when you are there. Very amateur in nature but worth a watch. Enjoy! :)

How can one visit a place in Africa and not love it? It is highly impossible and even if it is, I would probably assume that that one person is insane.

My visit to Namibia was a short one, literally. I was there for 4 days, but let me tell you; you’re lucky if you can even spend a day in such a beautiful country. One stereotypical notion of most people is that Africa is all about the deserts, wild life, safaris and languages. People also tend to forget that Africa is a continent.

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Day 1

Driving to Swakopmund from the Airport

Namibia is a country that is rich in beauty. I knew this immediately when I was driving from the airport to Swakopmund. With my flight having arrived in the evening, I got the advantage of seeing a beautiful sunset. As you drive from the airport to Swakopmund, you are surrounded by the wild nature of Nambia. Both sides are filled with small hills and mountains, complimented by the earthen tone of sand. The sight is like a preview of what the Namib Desert would be like.

Entrance to the Jetty

It was a 4 hour drive to Swakopmund with the most breath taking sceneries throughout. I decided to explore this small town. It was night and therefore getting a clear picture of the place was a bit difficult. However, one place that you have to visit at night is The Jetty. The Jetty is a place that you can walk onto and have a look at the tranquil sea. In Swakopmund, they have a restaurant, The Jetty, overlooking the sea from the very edge of the Jetty. If you’re not a fan of sitting right on top of water, you can always have a meal at the Tug Restaurant, right before the entrance to the long walk on the Jetty. The Tug Restaurant is located at the threshold of the waves of the sea, at a high point, overlooking the magnificent body of water.

Day 2

German Architecture

Today I went around exploring the beautiful town of Swakopmund. Namibia is a country that has a small population; therefore most of the streets are a quite deserted. However, this comes to your advantage when taking beautiful photographs of the ancient and modern German architecture that the town has to offer.

The Beach at Swakopmund

Swakopmund is also known for its view of the ocean. There is a beach side where you can go and relax, take a few pictures and perhaps have a coffee or 2 at the Beach Café. There is also a Small Museum, right behind the café that shows the history of the country and town. Opposite the Museum is the Lighthouse Restaurant which is apt for a relaxing dinner in the evening.

The same afternoon, I was taken to Walvis Bay. It is a half an hour drive from Swakopmund. On this drive, I had the beach on my right hand side and a few sand dunes on my left hand side. It was two extremes and a rare moment to experience a view such as that.

The Skeleton Coast view from the Dunes

Walvis Bay is a relatively crowded place compared to Swakopmund. The main reason people go to there is because of the view it has to offer. It has the beach with lots of cafes around. But Walvis Bay is the point from which people are taken to the Sandwich Harbour. The Sandwich Harbour, also known as the Skeleton Coast, is where the grand sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean, creating the most perfect photographic scene. This is a very rare occurrence.

The Ocean meets the Sand Dunes

The drive to the Sandwich Harbour is a rather thrilling and interesting one. Before actually going to the Skeleton Coast, I was shown how salt is processed and taken to large salt processing areas. After this, we proceeded to the Sandwich Harbour. As we approach the meeting point of the dunes and the ocean, I had a magnificent view of very large sand dunes on my left and a rather calm and tranquil view of the ocean on my right, with a few large waves and a few small waves. If you are lucky, you may even spot a few seals and dolphins.

Sand Dunes

At the Sandwich Harbour, I climbed one of the sand dunes, to get a few pictures of the beautiful mix of the earth and the water. After some tranquil time spent at the Skeleton Coast, I was taken on a thrilling drive on a 4 x 4 up and down the sand dunes.

Day 3

One of the Curio Shops in Windhoek

Today I was taken to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. The city is much like any other. Not much sightseeing was done. 

However, there are many places where you can go on a shopping spree for souvenirs and curios. The place is rich in traditional Namibian markets and stores, but also has quite a few shopping centres with modern wear. Windhoek is a place where the traditional and the modern meet.

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Namibia on a whole was a wonderful visit. It was thrilling that I could cover so much in 4 days. However, I also know that I left out quite a few other places that would have been equally exciting to visit. Well, I always have next time. As for you, there’s always a first and Namibia is the place to go if you’re looking for a new outlook on the very stereotypical based continent of Africa.

© Anupama Subramaniyam

All Photographs were taken by the Author

Women should care

Rape cases, molestation and all these other cases regarding women are heard of in abundance these days. What's even more sad is that in today's world, people's way of thinking has not changed. For the society, it's always the man at fault. I am not saying that the woman is always at fault. No. But sometimes, it's better to analyse the situation and try to understand both points of views, rather than jumping to conclusions and immediately pointing fingers at the man.

(I will not quote any incidents here as it may create controversial thoughts. These are personal opinions.)

My mother has always taught me, "Whether the knife falls on the leaf or the leaf falls on the knife, it is always the leaf that will tear." The same way, whether the man abuses the woman or the woman abuses the man, it is the woman who will face the consequences.

One needs to understand the importance of the different standards of society today, especially in India. India is a huge country with a large population. This large population is sub-divided into different classes of society from the highest possible to the lowest possible. If you are a woman, sit and reflect upon this: If you wear the most inappropriate clothes and walk in front of an uneducated man or in an area that is not fully secure, with a few men who are drunk or tipsy, don't you think you will be attracting trouble? It's easy for you to immediately argue and protest with signs, "Don't tell us what to wear, tell them not to rape." Sure we could do that, but is it possible to say it to each and every man in India? To give you a better understanding, I will quote my mother's explanation.

Location: UB City, Bangalore
Photography By: Anupama Subramaniyam

"In a country like India, most of the people live together as a joint family. Therefore, it is rather difficult for the husband and wife to sleep together regularly. Especially in rural and smaller towns. Men need to satisfy themselves and do such stupid actions in order to just give themselves some satisfaction. And women dressing up the way they do in cities, and then walking around in areas where such attention isn't needed, just attracts the men even more."

Living in Bangalore, I can only give you examples from this city. If you had to wear a short skirt and a tube top and walk into UB City, I think you will be more than fine over there. The crowd is decent, the place is safe and the crowd is educated. If anything were to happen, there is security around to make sure things are settled down. If you had to wear the same clothes and walk a little down UB City into perhaps Majestic, where there is no security and the people are of lower standards, I am not saying that you will get harmed, but there are more possibilities of it happening.

Being a woman myself, I understand that we need to have the complete and total freedom to wear what we want and behave how we want to behave. But remember the leaf story; even if we don't do anything, we will get into trouble.

"Being Gay is unnatural"

The following post is not to offend or make fun of anyone. It is a personal opinion.

Recently, my friend from English Honors and I were having a discussion on whether being gay is an issue or not. For many people it is, for many people, it isn't. I know that many people from the previous generation find it hard to accept this sexual orientation. They call it "unnatural".

I agree that it is unnatural. God made man and woman to reproduce; and this involves sex. How is it possible if it is man and man or woman and woman? However, there is nothing wrong with being gay. Some may call it unnatural, but many things in this world are unnatural. Look at technology for instance, that is unnatural- it is man made. How are you able to accept that? If you can accept something that harms you, why are you reluctant in accepting something that is not harmful, and is mostly based on emotions?

Another thing that many people need to consider, especially if you claim that you're mature, is playing a rather immature prank on your friends, by updating their Facebook or bbm status to "I'm gay!" Not only is that inconsiderate, but it is offensive. Being gay isn't a funny thing. It is an accepted sexual orientation. It may be funny for you and your friends, but inconsiderate towards people who are actually gay as it is an indirect way of making fun of them.

Like I said at the beginning of this post, these are my opinions and thoughts after a discussion. It is not meant to offend anyone in anyway. My only plea is that one should consider what they say and do before playing a prank or calling someone unnatural. Our sexual orientation doesn't define our personality. Remember that. 

"Talk Dirty to me" "What?" "I said it's ten thirty!"

Living in today's world has it's own advantages. Everything is fast; internet, people, technology, work, transport, even food! Thanks to latest developments in technology, I can sit on the moon and still communicate with my parents. But if there's anything that I do not appreciate about today's world, it's language; and am not referring to slang. Slang is normal; in fact, I enjoy going through the Urban Dictionary. It makes life more fun. The language I am referring to is that hidden meaning behind the most basic and normal words one could use. Yes, I'm talking dirty.

I was talking to my friend from Zambia about how we "grind chutney" in India. Clearly he didn't take it in the food sense. He had a very confused expression on his face and asked me, "So you danced with chutney? Like dirty dancing?" What was I to answer? (Facepalm)

This other time, I was singing a song to myself in class, about a bird. It goes like this:

                          "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree/ Merry, Merry King of
                           the bush is he/ Laugh Kookaburra! Laugh Kookaburra!/
                           Gay your life must be!"

No one thought I was gay, but it sure popped up a few questions. It's sad that our generation doesn't remember that "gay" at one point in time meant to be happy!

Moving from language, even sounds are misinterpreted. I cannot watch a game of tennis without feeling uncomfortable, after someone on Twitter posted: "If you can't watch porn, or feel guilty to do so, just switch to a channel where women play tennis and close your eyes." (Facepalm)

There are many instances where we go through this. I am sure you can think of a couple. It is nice to know that our generation is rather forward and willing to accept so many things that the previous generation would frown upon. But it is worthy to remember that these "dirty" jokes have their time and place. There is no problem is having your fun with your friends circle. But during a class presentation or group discussions? There's a limit. Also, offending people is one thing we should consider too. I found the tennis remark rather offensive and am sure those women playing tennis would too.

Play jokes, have fun, know your limits. Like Ross from Friends said, "You're laughing at someone and not with someone, and that's just mean!"

Airtel: They're full of Air and never Tel

10 minutes ago, I recharged my phone with a balance of Rs99. Having a BlackBerry, I am unaware of most of the plans Airtel has to offer for their recharge. I didn't bother to ask (I take small fault here) and the guy at the store didn't bother to tell me what I was in for either.

10 minutes later, I check my balance. I still have Rs3.50 and have been recharged with Rs0.10. What the hell? Didn't I just recharge? I walked back to the store, despite being sick, and asked the guy what the issue was. He asked me to call customer care. Okay, will do.

The first time I called 121, they cut my balance AND my call. My blood was boiling. I called them again. This time, the guy told me I have a special account. Why the hell am I not aware of this "special account"?! First of all, why do I NEED a special account? I am more than happy with my regular account! He furthermore tells me, when I asked him if I could transfer the balance, that I cannot. Before I could even express my complaint and utter inconvenience, he cuts me off by saying "Thank you for calling Airtel. Good evening."

There was no customer consideration. Most people would agree with me when I say that Airtel are just rip offs. They cut your balance for unnecessary things, send you annoying messages, call you at the most random times and give you "special accounts" that you are unaware of. They have never been clear about their different recharge plans and which one is for what.

My mother too had a recent experience. As my father was in Africa, she had to call him. Airtel charges per minute. When dialing, my father would answer and the call would cut immediately. My mother has been on the phone for not more than 20 seconds, but has been charged for a minute. Why the rip off?!

It is sad that despite having so many customers, Airtel has the need to rip off people.I agree this was partly my fault for not inquiring, in my situation. But my mother was nowhere at fault. Airtel should be reminded, with Rs99, I could have bought myself a nice meal. And with the Rs5 you cut off my mother's call, She could have bought a packet of biscuits. Please be reminded that we are the customers and the customers are always right. Especially in this case. My father earned that money and now it has gone to my special account, which is of NO use to me. I would have been more content if I had donated that Rs99 to an orphanage or towards any other social service.

I recently learnt, "The Medium is the Message". Clearly, Airtel is neither a Medium nor a Message.

No Relation

The past four years have been a really long journey, filled with joys, adventures, cries and secrets. A typical teenage life is what I lead. As I read through my old Facebook messages, I could sense a level of immaturity and childishness in my words and sentences. "What was I thinking?!" I thought, as I read my horrible grammar mistakes, the then "cool" SMS language and the constant dots between each and every sentence. As if murdering the formalities and structures of the English language was not enough, my content was even worse. Things like "Chocolates are better than ice cream" and constant attention seeking status messages like "I am depressed." and "Sigh." were seen on my profile. Curse Mark Zuckerberg for having introduced and incorporated the Timeline. Ugh.

Source: Google

Then again, thank Mr Zuckerberg for giving me an easier and less creepy way to stalk my momentary teenage crushes. No am not a creep and yes we all stalk people on Facebook. Get over it. I never understood the big deal about Facebook. I was, obviously, like others, impressed with Facebook at the beginning. It was like shifting into a new house from hi5 to Orkut to Facebook. I bet you guessed my new home even before I could say it, Twitter. Facebook has become a nuisance. Depressed status messages, people making their lives publicly available to all their friends (even those that they haven't spoken to in years!) I did a little experiment myself. It was during my fourth semester examinations and hence more convenient and helpful. I deactivated my Facebook account for a month. During that one month, I realised that I had spoken to my friends more than I usually do, because I was not aware of what was happening in their lives and they weren't aware of what was happening in my life. So tell me again how Facebook helps me become a more social person?

But, do you see the irony? If you are my friend, it is most likely that you're reading this blogpost because I shared it on Facebook. Ah the circles of life. But its like some Hindi serials tell me, "It may look useless, but you can manipulate it and use it to your own advantages." No I am not evil.

I don't see the point of this blogpost. Is it about Formalism? Structuralism? Globalisation? Socialisation? Social networks? All I can say is that I am writing for the sake of writing. I am expressing my feelings through this blogpost. If you'll notice, the first paragraph of this post and the last, have no relation what-so-ever. In the same way, my past does not reflect who I am today and who I will be tomorrow. Live life like it's meant to be - the way you want it. And don't I don't support the whole YOLO jazz (Sorry Drake fans) because I believe in reincarnation, thank you very much.

PS - For those of you who think Twitter is crap: "@autocorrects TWITTER makes you improve your writing. The 140 character limit forces you to master the art of getting right to the point."

Sin and Sav(i)or

It is the biggest sin any woman can commit,
Or so the media and other women portray.
It's something in my life, that I can never omit,
An important part of my life it has to play.

Photograph by Lakshmi Subramaniyam

A Sin for some women it is,
A Savior for me it is,
In my mouth, it's better than a kiss.
It's more than a thousand words; it is bliss.

It is neither sin, nor savor,
It is brown and melts in your mouth.
It's sweet essence does you a favor,
It sends your troubles, down South.

Many women contemplate,
But children never hesitate.
"Chocolate is a woman's best friend." They say,
But it really makes a child's day.

Would I choose Sin or Savor?
You should know, it is neither.
It is a Sin for some women,
For me, it is a Savior.