Open Market

Roughly once a month, the field behind our school turns into an open market (this is a pretty intimidating experience…I learned after one or two tries to bring a Namibian colleague as my translator/bodyguard). Basically, the entire country gets paid once a month, which makes month-end pretty unruly. Grocery stores, towns, transport, and – especially – shebeens (the countless illegal bars littering the country) are manic. This open market takes place after people get paid. Community members from surrounding villages come to set up tables, drape a piece of cloth over some poles to block the sun, and, of course, gossip (especially about the white girl with the camera, I’m sure).

They sell baskets, spices, fabric, foods, and – my favorite – raw meat. At least one cow is slaughtered, and if you get there early enough, you can watch men hold up a leg and saw away at the meat. Once it’s been cut up, the slabs are either chucked onto a table or hung over a line for your viewing pleasure. And did I mention the head? Oh yes – that’s on display for sale too.

Pooch under the truck - anything to escape this blazing sun

He said I could take a picture only if he could take me!

The most excited and enthusiastic woman I've ever met! She is a sweet old lady.