Sunsets of Namibia

Sunset.  The French call it "le coucher du soleil", which is approximately "the putting itself to bed of the sun"; I love that one.  In Afrikaans I've learned "sononder" -- 'onder' meaning 'under' -- but Google translate likes "sonsondergang."  My dictionary has both.  I'll see if Fabiola knows the Damara if I remember at our next tutoring session.  Update:  she says it's "karah," but isn't certain that spelling is correct.  Also, Silas has weighed in in Oshiwambo; she says it's "etango lyanigina" up north, which means approximately "sun under."  She is also not confident in spelling.  I told her it's mostly just Americans who look at the blog, so probably no one will call her on it.

Sunsets are usually highly visible in this big-sky country, so here's some photos, mostly taken at my desert home.  (Click the link to get the whole portfolio.)  My local sunsets are mostly gentle; pale washes of tangerine with shreds of pastel pink.  When the clouds amass (rare in the low humidity of the desert), more spectacular things start to happen.  I do, though, appreciate tremendously the low-key, quiet beauty of the cloudless evenings.  The dramatic ones make for better photos, however.

Otjozondjupa Region, November 2013.  That's a termite mound, or what the locals call an anthill.

Etosha National Park, November 2013

The Waterberg Plateau, November 2013

Otjozondjupa Region, November 2013, with secretary bird.

Otjozondjupa Region, May 2015

Erongo Region, June 2015

Erongo Region, July 2015

Erongo Region, August 2015

Erongo Region, same day in August - a sunset to be glad you had your camera for.

Erongo Region, same day again.  Wow.

Yup.  Same day.

Moon at sunset; Erongo, August 2015

My birthday sunset at home.  Gentle.

Khomas Region, September 2015

Kunene Region, October 2015