The Namibia Tourism Expo was a blast!

Hey readers!  June 4-7th was the annual Namibia Tourism Expo here in Windhoek.   It was fantastic!  Those planning visits next year, come during Expo time... add even more fun to your itinerary.

Kudus in Etosha National Park

At Expo, the tourism industry shows off its wares.  Participants offer specials to the public for travel ideas, and generally sells contracts and bookings to one another... which is also good.  Mainly, there are suppliers to the tourism industry, selling everything that is needed to run an accommodation facility or even to service a tour and safari company. 

There are chef's presentations and cooking demonstrations; there is a wine tasting hall with lots of GREAT wine companies teaching and telling about various vintages.  There are restaurants selling their goodies... my favorite is the Joy of Foods Café and they had a stand there alongside of Grandma's Cookies, a great new chocolate chip cooking making company.  see:  www.grandmascookies.com.na.

All the latest high tech electronic stuff was there too.  Have you guys seen that new flat screen TV at curls around on the edges?  The picture is incredible!  Man... do I wish there really was a Santa Claus!

The Expo had companies selling security info, hunting equipment, camping equipment, and of course with stands telling environmental and communal conservancy stories.  Also, there were vehicles of all descriptions on display, everything for kitchens, washing clothes, you name it!  The place was packed.

The best spot of all Expo was the GONDWANA HALL!  Yep... my friend Manni Goldbeck and the great team at Gondwana now have an entire hall set up as a Kambashu.. or 'local bar' with local flavor advertisements from the past and an entire contemporary set up that is realistic and fun.  They had live music and great, simple foods.  It was THE place to be during Expo.  wow... 

Gondwana launched their new logo... Google them to get their entire story and book any of your next travel with them. They have lodges all over the country offering value-for-money accommodation, great food (which they largely grow for themselves) and motivated, professional staff to serve you. 

My other friends, Scott and Judy Hurd were at Expo too! They were doing photography for Gondwana and have a marvelous project on the wild horses in the South of Namibia.  My friend Piet Swieggers runs the Eagles Nest and Klein Aus Vista (a part of the Gondwana chain) right near the horses!  Book a room with Piet and see the horses that the Hurds are photographing.

Until next time....  Tell'm that Jackie sent ya' when you come.

These are beautiful Cherry Blossoms from Washington, D.C., my home town.
My cousin Rose sent this wonderful photo to me and I wanted
to share it with you....It makes me miss home very much!