The Good Holiday.

 

So, you still want more? Here you go. Together with a host of other contributors, I now share responsible tourism stories from around the world on THE GOOD HOLIDAY. Here's how Daréll Lourens, the passionate film-maker behind the blog, describes the project:

TGH produces films in places that make an extra effort to involve and empower local communities. Our photographers take pictures in parts around the world that amaze with natural beauty and our writers string together sentences about destinations that inspire an inner knowledge that living well creates more abundance than living rich.

Do I need to say more?

Cuppa.

Hidden behind the Walvis Bay Yacht Club, beyond a nondescript approach road and a car park lies a charming cluster of shops and restaurants that make up the leisure (epi-)centre of what can safely be described as an ugly industrial town of sorts. And although you can still see the working harbour with its container ships and rows of 20ft units stacked high into the sky, this makes for quite a pleasant panorama when admired from one of the cosy wicker chairs at Café Cuppa. With the bar next door, a curio shop just across and the celebrated Lyon des Sables (which claims to be Namibia's best restaurant) on the first floor this is as holiday as it gets in Walvis Bay. Boats and catamarans with tourist groups zip in and out of the harbour, the sea is dotted with small sailing boats and the odd posh yacht, gulls scream overhead. You might even spot the occasional cruise ship spitting out immense numbers of middle-aged or retired travellers in beige attire that will most definitely make their way to where you are right now in a matter of minutes. So, order yourself a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake to go with it and enjoy the general brouhaha.

https://www.facebook.com/CuppaMusselcracker

Shearwater Oyster Bar.

Lüderitz, despite its tourism appeal, is not normally known for its culinary delights and your best bet most of the time is home-cooking in your self-catering apartment. Fortunately, at least on Friday nights (and daily for lunch) the Shearwater Oyster Bar in the town's old quay area on the way to Shark Island makes for a pleasant alternative. Housed in the same building as the aquaculture company of the same name this low-key but charming affair welcomes guests with an eclectic mix of re-purposed fishing paraphernalia. Lobster cages double as tables, old fenders have been turned into lamps, and the industrial ceiling is camouflaged with fishing nets and little flags. The menu is rather short with a focus on - surprise, surprise - oysters, which come in fresh and au gratin versions. But then, oysters is maybe what you want from an oyster bar. Order a cold bottle of white wine from the bar and as many oysters as you like because they are most likely the most affordable quality oysters you'll get anywhere in the world. Sit back and enjoy the maritime atmosphere while strong, cold winds from the Atlantic batter the ships out at sea. Cosy!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g316112-d3438678-Reviews-Shearwater_Oyster_Bar-Luderitz_Karas_Region.html

Flaunt - The Deli.

Flaunt, the eatery, has been around for a while now as one of the more pleasant (as in outdoor) breakfast and lunch options at Maerua Mall. A couple of months ago the people behind the project expanded into the shop next door to open a takeaway deli for all of us too hungry to travel to other parts of town but not willing to put up with the not-so-cosy parking lot location of the café. I guess you can still call it alfresco if you like, yet with an industrial twist. So, if that's not for you, head for the deli instead to browse through the shelves of artisan muesli, picnic bars, cheese, charcuterie and cake, to name but a few, and fill your basket with whatever you feel like. We can highly recommend the fresh farm bread as well as irresistible cupcakes that come in various favourite flavours from carrot to choc. Then, make off for greener pastures and enjoy!

http://www.flauntnam.com/#!the-deli/cuye

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.

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/

Cicada Café.

Lemon Meringue Pie lovers, this is for you! Find yourself a neat table in the shade, order your favourite epicurean delight and a mug of coffee, and treat yourself to some serious summer indulgence. Here at Cicada, hidden in the Wilde Eend nursery in Klein Windhoek, Namibia pretends to be a tropical paradise, complete with birds chirping and bees humming in the distance. Add the clinking of glasses and the cheerful chattering of your fellow patrons for the perfect symphony of extended lunch breaks that we cherish so much during this time of year. After all, you deserve some compensation for still manning the ship here in Windhoek, while half the city has already departed for their seaside playgrounds. So lean back and order another slice. They also do incredibly fresh salads, moreish wraps and yummy sandwiches in case you like it savoury.

Polytech Hotel School.

Tasty treats needn't be rediculously expensive in Windhoek! The Polytechnic Hotel School's Aloe restaurant has mastered the art of creating an ever-changing lunch menu with yummy dishes at bargain prices. And, with NICE head-chef Ralf Herrgott now at the helm in the Aloe kitchen, things have even improved a few notches. Indulge your senses with moreish meals, such as homemade butternut ravioli, game ragout with poached pear, and Italian-style Tiramisu. Starters and desserts come at N$10 and mains are only N$30. All this is served in their charming courtyard setting in the up-and-coming Windhoek West area, just off Polytech's library campus. If the fare at commercial outlets would only be half as good, we'd all be living in foodie paradise here in Windhoek.

MoiYa Artisan Deli.

The Namibian culinary scene is developing rapidly! The latest addition to the foodie world is MoiYa Artisan Deli, which was launched with a fest of artisan bread, cheese and tapenades. Even Camelthorn Brewery was there to help the crowd wash down all delicacies with their refreshing sundowner beer until late after sunset. Now MoiYa's spanking new premises at the Village on Liliencron are open for daily business. They have a small and changing lunch menu every day for guests to enjoy in their beautiful garden setting. Food is well-priced and tasty and just the right portion for lunch. Being a true deli, however, they offer a large variety of hand-crafted chocolates, single-variety olives and olive oil, fresh produce from the Organic Box, and bread freshly baked on site. All is set for this intimate place to become Windhoek's new hotbed of epicurean delights. Let's only hope the team manages to find more Namibian suppliers; and that they start having second thoughts about the deli pricing structure, which doesn't seem to go down too well even with foodies prepared to fork out considerable amounts of money for their daily bread.

The Farmhouse.

Travelling in Namibia means travelling for long distances, hours on end in some instances. Thankfully, the country is dotted with a number of charming cafés that offer a green sanctuary along your way through the arid country. In Outjo, just South of Etosha National Park, »The Farmhouse« awaits weary travellers with freshly brewed coffee and heavenly pies and gateaux. Served on rustic enamelware a generous helping of Mississippi Mud Pie or Carrot Cake will be all you need to get you going again. Of course, their extensive menu also features savoury dishes for those with a less sweet tooth. Sit back and unwind in their tranquil garden and recharge batteries for the next leg of your trip.

Fruit & Veg.

Admittedly a bit on the pricey side of the retail spectrum when it comes to dairy, drinks and dry stuff, Fruit & Veg, aka the Footlover's Market, is THE place to go to for fresh produce. There are shelves and shelves laden with everything from avos to parsley and butternut to bananas, making it the grocer with probably the broadest selection of vegetables and fruit you get anywhere in the country. And it's not only imported things. The procurement department apparently makes an effort to source locally where possible. To complete the shopping experience they also have an entire wall with containers of exotic nuts, dried fruit and treats. The bakery section is a destination of its own, as is the in-store butchery and biltong station.
Head for their downtown branch if you are a fan of buzz, or drive out to Kleine Kuppe in case you like it more tranquil. The Swakopmund branch was revamped recently.

http://www.fruitandvegcity.co.za

Fishmonger's.

Finally! A fish bistro that brings the bliss of coastal retreats to the capital. No wonder Fishmonger's in Adler St is fast becoming Windhoek's favourite Friday lunchtime spot. Make sure you are there well in time before 13:00 to secure one of the benches outside in the courtyard or a place on their maritime wooden furniture close to the open kitchen. Here's where the young and friendly team is busy preparing honest seafood fare that beats any of the more fancy oyster and crustacean places around town. Order a glass of cold white to welcome the weekend ahead while you wait for your scrumptious fish burger or giant portion of fish and chips. Best fries in town! They also have great shushi and other dishes in case you want to extend your lunch into the late afternoon.

More at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SeaSource/117994724972275

Bojos.

It's Sunday morning in Swakopmund and you know that you'll have to return to Windhoek for the work week ahead. But not yet. First you head for a decent breakfast of scones with clotted cream, a hearty omelette and a bowl of muesli at Bojos. It's a charming little café with attentive staff, but you'll probably have to wait a bit for your breakfast, especially when it's crowded. Use the time to admire their quirky collection of quotes on posters, signs and plates that cover the walls. In case you favour a fresh sea breeze with your latte, make sure you get there early and secure one of the tables outside on the pavement to soak up some winter sun and indulge in serious people watching. It's the place to be at the coast on a Sunday morning, so you'll certainly meet someone you know (and who can give you a lift back home). And because you want to postpone the moment of departure for the capital as much as possible, you order another dish and another drink and another snack until breakfast extends well into lunchtime. 

Camelthorn Garden.

The perfect foodie stop-over destination on the way North from Windhoek, Camelthorn Garden in Otjiwarongo invites to linger with lush greenery, lemon trees galore and quirky objects scattered all over the place. And what a nice a garden it is. No traffic sound enters here, so you feel like in a cosy lunchtime cocoon with the only concern being what to choose from the mouthwatering menu. Portions are very generous, so opt for one of their gourmet sarmies or the monstrous burger to share. Then finish off with a helping of one of their divine cakes freshly baked on site. Only problem is, you might not be able to move an inch after you are done with this epicurean feast. And even if you make it back to your car, chances are you fall asleep before you reach the B1 again.

Que Tapas.

We try to stay away from soulless malls and too much retail pollution. And until recently there was no good reason to head for Maerua Mall, most definitely not for food. Unless you like some uniform junk from Wimpy or Panarottis that is. Enter a few Spaniards with enough style and vibe to make even the most drab shopping arcade a happening place. Whenever we feel like some leisurely eating and a glass of red or cold cerveza, we now head for Qué Tapas on the upper level of the Maerua courtyard. If the Spanish regulars you can meet there on any evening of the week are anything to go by, the tapas on offer are authentic Iberian fare. Try a portion of tortilla and some olives in oil and garlic!

The Stellenbosch.

To the Namibian culinary crowd, the Cape Winelands are always a bit like the grass that is much, much greener on the other side. No year without a trip of recreation from the mediocrity of dull country fare to check out new concepts and tastes between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Well, that is now a matter of the past. Since late in 2011 the oak city lends its name to »The Stellenbosch - Wine Bar & Bistro«, a refreshingly sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant between Klein Windhoek and Ludwigsdorf. Have some buttery avo with olive oil and sea salt for starter, then go for a divine Biltong and blue cheese salad with homemade bread, and finish off with an Amarula creme brûlée. Linger for longer in the airy courtyard and listen to the gentle stream of water from the central fountain. Of course with a good red from the Cape.

The Fish Deli.

When we go to Swakop over the weekend, we make sure we arrive well before 13:00 on Saturday. Because that is when the Fish Deli closes. And that would mean to miss all the seafood goodness on offer at Namibia's most wonderful fishmonger. In fact, the Fish Deli has become one of the main reasons to go to Swakop. First, we would have a big portion of fish and chips, as well as joghurt with berries for dessert. Then, we stock up on angelfish scewers and marinated kingklip for the evening braai, plus a huge container of creamed herring to take back to Windhoek and get us through the week on the mainland. Fortunately, Katja and Martin (they guys behind the Fish Deli) were wise enough to broaden their reach to the capital in recent months. Some of their delicacies can now also be found at Seawork and Superspar. But for some reason we still make sure we are at the coast on time...

22° South.

It's hard to make your mark in the restaurant scene in Namibia's culinary capital, but the guys at 22° South have managed exactly that. Their Italian eatery is a welcome sign of diversity in a market mostly dominated by the omnipresent Lighthouse Group. Funny enough, they were able the secure the actual Swakopmund lighthouse, a beautiful white-and-red landmark, as their business location. You can decide if you want to dine inside (on those nasty, foggy days) or if you prefer to take a seat in their wonderful garden looking out over the sea. Meals are well priced, yummy and unpretentious. Just as you would expect from a true Italian restaurant.

Ruhleben Olive Oil.

We used to head for Tokara's Olive Shed in the Cape Winelands for yummy »local« olive oil. Until one fine day at the Fish Deli in Swakopmund where we discovered that we need not look that far at all for this mainstay of Mediterranean cuisine. Enter single-variety oil from Ruhleben Estate in the Swakop river. It comes in both bottles and metal containers for the heavy-duty olive oil addict. So, when you consider buying a bottle of imported stuff from the Med the next time, think twice and go for the local option instead. We love the fresh and mild Mission variety, which goes together well with salads and home-made pesto.

Cramer Organic Box.

Finally, the organic box scheme has arrived in Windhoek. We received our first delivery today and are amazed by the freshness (and the affordability). From now on, we'll be looking forward to Thursdays even more, as that is the day the guys from Cramer Organics come to town. Uh, the name reminds me of a cosy bookstore in Washington D.C., adding an even more homey touch to this feel-good affair. Receive your order form by Saturday, order by Monday and wait for your supplies. Simple as that. Talk to the people behind the business at order@organic-box.com to add you to the mailing list.