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Namibie 2007: Laurinda's lost shoe

Let me tell you the most amazing thing… on Sunday I decided to write ‘n letter to Hi-Tech sports. I told them my whole sad story about my shoe… (See letter at the bottom of your page).  I found her address on their website.

Dear Valarie,

I have an unusual request, but before that, I need to tell you a story first….
Until recently I only had one pair of trainers, I did everything with them, mountain biking, sailing, running, hiking and action cricket.  After a tantrum and some persuasion from friends my husband decided to buy me another pair, so I don’t have to stop to take off my shoes when going through water and cow paddies etc before needing the shoes later in the day for other activities.  I had my eyes on a pair of Hi Tec -Zone W’s… They would be perfect for my biking as well as hiking on our upcoming trip to Namibia.
When I eventually got them, they were my favorite shoes… I wore them where ever I could for the first month.
One of our stops on our 10 day Namibia tour, was at Swakopmund. A lovely old German flavored town. There we would test our own strength and face our fears. One of those activities was Ski diving. I said long before our departure that only mad people ski dive (I am afraid of heights). So I was not going to be joining the crazy ones.
Needless to say, I changed my mind at the last minute! If a 62 year old lady can do it, so can I. (but I was secretly pooping myself)
It was great!!! It was a very freeing experience. But I will have to do it all over again as I do not remember the free fall, all can remember from those 13 seconds was : “ I lost my shoe.. I lost my shoe…..” Somehow my leg got stuck between the step and the plane and my shoe got ripped off my foot as we jumped. All I had to show was a nasty bruise on the back of my ankle. I landed with my one Zone shoe…
So there in Namibia that day, were 2 very broken people with one shoe each…. I could not donate the other one in fear that there might end up being 3 broken hearted people with one (or no) shoe… And they were my favorite shoes… And brand new.
Now my question to you, would you be able to sponsor me one shoe? Or could I buy just one shoe? I can not get it in my heart to throw away my favorite half pair of shoes. 
Attached I am sending you some live pics of the whole ordeal and you are welcome to use it for marketing if need be. All I want is another shoe. My husband was against the whole jumping thing and to ad to it all, I had to lose my damn shoe!!
I await your positive reply

Best Regards

Laurinda Marsh
Pretoria
South Africa

Namibie 2007: malaria

Namibia is a malaria area
The best way to prevent malaria, is to use preventative products such as soaps, lotions etc (we have bought some for you) and to wear long pants after sunset. There are many tablets on the market against malaria too. Please speak to your doctor about which ones to use.
From personal experience I would warn you against using Lariam (Mefloquine/mefliam). I know of many people that have had VERY bad side-effects!!!!!
You also need to ensure that they give you a combination for the 2 types of malaria chloroquine and proguanil. (here in SA the 2 that they use are “Paludrine” and “Daramal”)
The other 2 very good options (the ones we normally use) are Homoeopathic remedy (We can give you the detail if you wish) or the antibiotic Doxycycline. These have the least side effects (from personal experience).
AN ARTICLE WE FOUND:
Anti-malaria tablets (prophylactic)
There are a number of different types of anti-malaria tablets available. Choosing one depends both upon the particular area being visited, and the traveller's own medical history. Within south Africa's borders, SAA netcare travel clinics recommend either mefloquine (mefliam) or doxycycline as being the most effective anti-malaria tablets. Both of these drugs require a prescription.
Mefloquine (mefliam) is taken in adult dosage of one tablet per week. This should be commenced at least one week before entering the malarious area and continued for four weeks after leaving the malarious area. Mefloquine (mefliam) is best taken at night after a meal, and with liquids. The principal contra-indications to the use of mefloquine (mefliam) are a history of psychiatric problems or epilepsy.  (Remember my note about this one!!!!! Rather do not take it)
Doxycycline is taken in an adult dosage of 100mg per day, starting a day or two before entering a malarious area. Like mefloquine (mefliam) it should be taken for four weeks after return. The drug should be taken after a meal, and washed down with plenty of liquid. It should be avoided in pregnancy and children.
A combination of chloroquine and proguanil can be used as prophylactic against malaria. And is available without a doctor's prescription. This combination is more difficult to use than the simpler mefloquine and doxycycline regimes, and is believed to offer less protection. No method of malaria prevention is one hundred per cent effective, and there is still a small chance of contracting malaria despite the taking of anti-malaria medication and the adoption of personal protection methods. This does not mean that anti-malaria medication and personal protection measures should be neglected, simply that any traveller developing possible symptoms of malaria should seek medical advice despite having taken the prescribed precautions.

Namibie 2007: foto's

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