After only a few weeks in Windhoek, I felt the need to explore a little more. Destination: Swakopmund.
When you speak to any Namibian about this coastal town, you can immediately see a glimmer in their eyes, which is followed by happy stories and memories. And rightfully so – this town offers so much for the senses – The fresh smell of the ocean, the sun touching your skin (midwinter, mind you), the crackling flavours of mouth-watering pastries at any one of the restaurants, beautiful golden bubbles happily rising out of a tall glass of beer, proud German colonial architecture which gives the town its identity, yet ironically juxtaposed with the vast arid sand dunes of the Namib-desert, where a very subtle orchestral wind hugs the self-healing desert , creating little clouds of sand that sculpt and transform the dunes into supple perfection
The desert, which oddly enough starts right next to the shoreline, is a poetic experience. It feels forgotten, yet it has a heartbeat, a soul of its own. Untouchable textures wrap the dunes. Here and there lies the palimpsest of a person or animal which has crossed your path, but these memories soon melts away into the sand to form new ripples and textures.
The desert made me realise, that we as humans and especially in the field of architecture, feel the need to create. Through the ages man had the urge to leave his mark or legacy, but there is simply nothing that parallels the work and force of Mother Nature. Humbled by the peaceful conversations between the ocean, wind and desert, it serves as a reminder there is a Creator, and we spend our days worrying about mortgages, social status, facebook status and possessions, and completely forget to take the time to absorb the beauty of the world!
