The Little Red House.

Namibia's premier weekend resort Swakopmund, despite all its holiday homes of the country's moneyed elite, is an architectural nightmare. Apparently, wealth and good taste are mutually exclusive here, so most accommodation options in private flats or villas are strikingly tasteless. That's why we treasure the little red house right at the beach in central Swakopmund so much. It's the only really charming alternative that allows for relaxed seaside vacations as they should be. The small cottage is all wood, natural fabrics and patina, it has a hundred exciting stories to tell if you are ready to listen. Just sit by the window, your feet on the cosy Ibenstein rug, and enjoy a good read while the weekend companions are busy with dinner preps in the kitchen.

Only problem is, you can't just rent it from an estate agent. There is no website and no Tripadvisor account. You have to know someone who knows the owner and shares the relevant contact details with you...

Waterberg in Dry Season.

It's that time of year again. It's sunny and cold and bone dry in the capital and even the most persisting greenery has faded into pale shades of grey and beige. If you long for some lush vegetation and a hint of rainy season, look (drive!) no further than the Waterberg plateau. Well, chances of rain are just as low here than anywhere else in the country during the winter months, but when climbing the slopes up to the Waterberg lookout this beautiful destination still has an almost tropical feel. The good thing is, it's a short drive from Windhoek (by Namibian standards at least) and just the perfect distance for a relaxing weekend trip. Pack your camping gear and stock up on fire wood and mulled wine on the way. It will keep you warm when sharing stories around the fireplace after your descent from the mountain. But beware of the leopards...

La.Uni

Nice. The guys at Landau University in Germany started featuring »Secretly Namibian« in their charming student mag La.Uni. Bringing Namibia to the world. Thanks, folks.

Check the latest issue of their weekly publication. »Secretly Namibian« on page 23: http://issuu.com/la.uninews/docs/125th.launi/23

Back issues here.

Leather Products.

If there is one thing available in abundance in Namibia it definitely is good-quality leather. It comes in a variety of textures and colours from ebony calf skin to bronze Kudu. Skilled crafters at workshops around the country transform this natural product into wonderful fashion accessories and luxurious cases for our beloved Mac Books and iPhones. Alas, well-designed items are a rare find in the capital's leather boutiques and for the most part kitsch still seems to prevail. But don't despair. Most shops are happy to assist with custom-made pieces tailored to your liking, a prohibitively expensive endeavour elsewhere in the world. Put your design ideas to paper and get yourself that leather weekender you've always wanted. And don't forget a set of simple folders for your creative projects. You'll see your colleagues green with envy. So be kind and bring some for them, too.