May 23, 2017

Demantoid

This is the eighth in a series on the gemstones of Namibia. Dispersion is a measure of a gem’s property of separating light into its constituent colours, as a prism does, and is frequently referred to as the ‘fire’ of the gem. Demantoid ranks high among gemstones for dispersion; in fact, even higher than a diamond.
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May 26, 2017

Heliodor

This is the ninth in a series about Namibian gemstones. Specific Gravity (SG) is a measure of the relative density of a gem, which varies in its chemical composition and crystal construction. By comparing the weight of the gem in air with its weight suspended in water, an SG value is established. Specific Gravity values are useful in identifying an unknown gem, or in determining the size of a new gem to be fitted into an old setting.
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May 29, 2017

Rose quartz

This is the tenth in a series about Namibian gemstones. Brittleness is one factor to be considered when buying and mounting a gem; it is not uncommon for a relatively hard stone to be brittle, particularly along facet cuts. To minimise damage, brittle stones are frequently used for necklace beads, pendants, or small ornamental sculptures. A relatively brittle stone, rose quartz has been cherished as a symbol of romantic love through the ages, and polished stones shaped like a heart are commonly presented as gifts to loved ones
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June 6, 2017

Life on a Table recipe #175 – Mazambala Beetroot Soup

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] MAZAMBALA BEETROOT SOUP BORSCHT Extract from the book Life on a Table by Antoinette de Chavonnes Vrugt[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”black” style=”dotted” border_width=”3″][vc_column_text]Beetroot soup is a traditional Russian […]
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June 9, 2017

Salambala – Forbidden romance & the birth of a conservancy

Deep in the Zambezi Region, on the protruding southernmost tip of the former Caprivi Strip, lies an abundant landscape dominated by Mopane woodland and floodplain grasslands. It’s an environment that boasts a large diversity of exotic bird species – many of which are unique to the area – and plenteous wildlife, including four of Africa’s Big Five.
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June 12, 2017

One Sunday in Windhoek

For many tourists who come to Namibia, Windhoek is not the main attraction, but merely a stop-over, a place to quickly refuel or await your flights. It’s easy enough to stay busy in this capital city, where tourism is still the main income for many—except on a Sunday, when everything kind of closes down. Which got me thinking... If you have just one day in Windhoek, and it’s a Sunday, what do you do?
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June 14, 2017

Let me be your guide – Photography feature

Few people are in as fortunate and opportune a position to constantly capture amazing photos as tour guides. This season we follow three photographers who mainstream as guides travelling across the country or hosting guests at lodges. Every trip may be unique, and each experience special in its own way, but you can be sure that it is your guide that will make your journey to Namibia unforgettable!
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June 15, 2017

This is my Namibia – Winter 2017

It is rather daunting to be the first contributor for a new series to grace the last page of Travel News Namibia in future. I spent many hours contemplating the perfect topic to write about. Should I try to be witty, sentimental, clever or preachy. Often in situations like these, when one wants to create a masterpiece, the outcome is determined by the pressure of the deadline. To choose an example of what to share with you as being "My Namibia" from a lifetime of experiences. What made the strongest impression on my heart and my eye during the past year?
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