Leaving tomorrow...
W2N 'Where to Next?'
Rob 'Bee' Clark
Mon 16 Feb 2009 09:04
Last week, the genuinely beautiful Miss St Helena; Nicole Peters threw the dice live on 'Saint FM' and revealed that I am to aim the pointy end towards Luderitz in Namibia. So, back into Africa briefly before reaching the first landmark; Cape Town.
Actually, I've been here long enough now to start seeing through the cracks in the 'film set' façade. Don't misunderstand me, I still love it here and every day reveals a more stunning walk, another demonstration of intrinsic friendliness or a glimpse of the island's colourful and varied wildlife but it's not without its social and economic problems. St Helena has it's visionaries and there are some obvious opportunities but it seems that the decision-makers in the council chambers are of the opinion that, for example, mobile phones are a passing 'fad' that'll never catch on! That's just one example that appears to be fuelling a victim-mentallity that keeps such a tight reign on the island's development but, ironically, it's the lack of advancement, of progress, that gives St Helena much of her charm. There are obvious supply-chain problems as, with no airport, her only lifeline is the RMS St Helena which visits only every couple of weeks. That said, ignoring the economics and the politics, I've been doing a lot of walking around the island these past few days and besides pining for my mountain bike, I can say honestly that it is absolutely extraordinary - quite stunning. There's no serious crime here, no polution, a ridiculously friendly community spirit, magnificent scenery and the promise of an airport that should bring tourist revenue and freedom to the islanders (although at what cost is the subject of much debate). I'd love to return one day but for now, having thrown the dice, Namibia beckons and from what I've heard, I'm not going to be at all dissapointed.
It's not going to be an easy sail to Luderitz against the SE trades and against the Benguela current but I'm getting used to that! So, I'll stamp my passport this morning, provision with some fresh fruit and vegetables and set sail either this afternoon or perhaps tomorrow morning.
I'll be sad to leave St Helena as I've made so many friends here but it's time to move on.
I'll keep you updated with my progress towards Namibia.
Bee