Arabesque.

We've made a move for Egypt. The story continues:

Follow our discoveries at http://arabesquegypt.blogspot.com/

This was Secretly Namibian.

It's been three wonderful years in Namibia and when reading my own blog, I am actually not sure if it's such a great idea to leave this beautiful country. After all, there's new cafés and small little shops popping up everywhere and it saddens me a bit not being able to follow these developments any more. I hope to have the opportunity to continue Secretly Namibian in future. There's always a reason to return, be it a slice of chocolate cake at the W&V Kaffeebar in Windhoek, a sundowner at Walvis Bay harbour, or camping in Kunene.

For now, the blog will remain online as a repository of all the great things about Namibia. If you are a visitor, I hope the entries help you discover a very special country that will surely attract more global attention in future. Don't be surprised to find it on the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List soon. If you are lucky enough to call Namibia home, may Secretly Namibian inspire you to explore the country afresh every single day.

Ahoy.
Bernhard.

FNCC & Blue Frog.

Imagine life without the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre, FNCC. The undisputed leaders in all things related to arts and culture in Namibia churn out an impressive array of events every month that see locals and expats alike flock to their vibey downtown premises in Robert Mugabe Avenue. They have their own indoor art gallery, a well-stocked library, and even a boutique cinema with plush chairs and surround sound. It is here that the indie enthusiast finds culture and arts gems that provide the perfect antidote to mainstream pop junk so painfully prevalent elsewhere in the city. The mix of exciting artists from around the world and local newcomers never fails to impress. FNCC is at its best once a month when it’s time for the wonderful Friday Acoustic Concert series. Against the backdrop of an eclectic urban fabric of construction sites and colonial-era buildings, Windhoek’s artsy in-crowd comes together for a glass of wine and a good dose of vocals and guitars.

During the day, the on-site bistro and brasserie Blue Frog is THE place to see and be seen for office, embassy and ministry folks working in the vicinity. So, bring your sunglasses, sit back and relax in the small garden, and order a light snack or salad to keep you going for the rest of the day.

Katutura Soap.

The Katutura Soap project provides handmade olive oil guest soaps to the likes of Wilderness Safaris and Gondwana collection. Still, not many people know this very special project, let alone where to find it. When we make our way to their small workshop in a welcoming red-brick complex in Assuit St, the ladies behind the project are immediately excited and pose for a picture with their unique wares. The small kitchen is brimming with activity, soap bubbling on the stove, soap bars being wrapped and labelled, the seamstress and the bead artist operating from the same premises come by for a chat. All is made by hand here with only the finest ingredients! The olive oil is provided by Ruhleben farm from Swakopmund and the sea salt has its origin at the Namibian coast, too. So far, there are not many outlets for the soaps, which come in different shapes and sizes from regular bars to flowers, but that might be changing with the Katutura Soap Project improving on the marketing front and trying out new recipes for their products. Wanna become a stockist or order custom-made soaps for your lodge or business? The ladies will surely be delighted to assist.

http://www.katuturaproject.blogspot.com/

Kristall Kellerei.

Just outside the the quaint little town of Omaruru lies a special destination for the Namibian foodie. Here, where the city fades into the bush, the passionate winemakers at Kristall Kellerei produce some of the country's few wines, both red and white. Because production is limited, Colombard and other fine beverages, such as prickly pear schnaps, are only available in small bottles. It's probably more a gift for special occasions rather than an everyday drink, but if you have friends over from overseas, why not treat them to something unique. Kristall Kellerei wines are available at Embassy Liquor Store in Klein Windhoek and a few other outlets in the capital. When in Omaruru, make sure you book a winetasting, complemented by local cheeses, in the garden of this picturesque boutique winery, to get the full Namibian wine experience.

http://kristallkellerei.wordpress.com/

Fish River Lodge.

For all of us who are sick and tired of so-called African-themed lodges with their thatched roofs and animal hides, here's the ultimate stylish, contemporary getaway. Set right at the edge of the Fish River Canyon in Southern Namibia, the aptly named Fish River Lodge occupies probably the most superb location of them all. Just where your private patio ends, the dramatic stone cliffs plummet down into the canyon. All here is glass and wood and concrete and decoration is kept to a minimum. It's the landscape that sets the scene, and any additional frills would just be a distraction from the spectacle outside your window. Whether it's from your cosy bed or the outdoor shower, there's always this grand panorama that makes you feel utterly content immediately. Just sit and stare. On top of it all, the people at the lodge are extremely friendly and food is definitely way above the Namibian average, especially if you consider the remote location.

http://www.fishriverlodge-namibia.com

Seawork.

Summer is the time for fish and a good bottle of chilled white, enjoyed with family and friends in a no-frills setting. Alas, Windhoek is far from the sea and the number of recommendable seafood eateries is minuscule. Enter the guys from Seawork who supply the capital with the ocean's frozen goodness for delicious home-cooked feasts. At their small shop in Southern Industrial you get everything from from green-lipped mussels to hake fillets and from tiger prawns to calamari tubes. Seawork also stocks a selection of ready-to-cook and expertly seasoned fish from the wonderful Fish Deli, bringing the flavours of our favourite Swakopmund seafood restaurant to your doorstep. They even have fresh fish straight from Walvis Bay every Friday, but make sure you order well in advance as supplies are limited and in high demand.