Swakopmund, Namibia (February 28-29, 2008)

Swakopmund is a coastal tourist town known for its massive sand dunes and myriad adventure sports, from sandboarding to skydiving. Namibia was a German colony from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, and Swakopmund retains that German influence in its architecture, cuisine and street names.

Among the various colonial-style buildings, there were plenty of restaurants and konditorei (pastry shops) selling schnitzel and apple strudel, as well as fancy shops selling traditional and modern African art. Because of the cold Atlantic water, Swakopmund is frequently coated in a light layer of fog, which keeps the temperature nice and cool.

Colorful colonial-style buildings in downtown Swakopmund
Swakopmund's landmark lighthouse
The slightly foggy Namibian coastline
Another ornate building downtown