Summary

Anne Bonfert describes an extraordinary arrival in Namibia, greeted by a breathtaking sunset and rain clouds signaling the start of the rainy season, which left her in awe of the country's natural beauty.

Abstract

Upon landing in Windhoek, Namibia, Anne Bonfert is captivated by the stunning spectacle of an orange sun setting beneath the clouds, creating an unforgettable moment that symbolizes her love for the country's boundless beauty. Despite a long journey from Germany, the sight of the African sun and the onset of the rainy season fill her with joy and a deep appreciation for nature's wonders. The experience is so profound that she attempts to capture it through photographs, though she acknowledges that the true essence of the moment is beyond what any camera can capture. The trip concludes with a walk across the airfield, where the hot African air and the scent of rain reinforce her sense of homecoming.

Opinions

Anne feels a personal connection to Namibia's weather patterns, interpreting the rain as a celebration of her arrival.
She expresses a deep affection for Namibia, attributing her love to the country's spectacular natural phenomena.
The author believes in the happiness that nature's beauty brings her, despite knowing that her presence did not cause the rain.
She finds the Namibian sunset to be a unique and powerful experience, unlike any she has witnessed before.
Anne appreciates the pilot's announcement about the spectacle, enhancing the enjoyment of all passengers.
She is aware of the limitations of photography in fully encapsulating the grandeur of the moment she witnessed.
The act of walking from the airplane to the terminal, feeling the African air, solidifies her sense of being home.

The African Sun Welcomed Me Back With the Most Amazing Spectacle Upon Our Landing in Namibia

Arriving in Windhoek is always special and exciting but this one was by far the best

An orange ball of fire. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

My face was stuck on the window. A red ball of fire was shining right underneath a layer of clouds. Downpours were happening all around on the horizon. The country was celebrating. My arrival.

I know, this might sound a little arrogant since it surely didn’t rain because I flew back to Namibia but I believe in what makes me happy and the spectacle I experienced upon our final approach in Namibia was something I haven’t seen before.

It made my heart beat faster. And it created a smile on my face from one ear to the other. This is why I fell in love with this country. Because of its boundless beauty.

Flying through the clouds. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

I opted for the long travel back to Namibia and should have been exhausted 24 hours after leaving my home in Germany but I’m actually quite good at sleeping on planes, especially when my seat planning works out.

The day had begun with an amazing sunrise upon our takeoff in Qatar just a few hours earlier and I didn’t think I’d see the sun again since heavy rain clouds were covering the sky.

But then I saw some light in between all the darkness. And just after spotting the Namibian soil below me, I started smiling from within.

And then, like out of nowhere an orange line appeared on the horizon. Brighter than any of my clothes. And I do wear bright yellow and orange clothes. The sun was creating such a powerful line on the horizon, it was impossible to capture its entity with the phone.

It was bright. Like really bright. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Rain was coming down all around us. And while many people around the world dread the rain, this country has taught me one thing — Falling rain is always worth a smile.

It’s the beginning of the rainy season and these rain clouds are a blessing after a long drought.

Rain on the horizon. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

As we were turning around I could see the sun again. Some yellow was shining through the clouds with more orange brightness underneath the overcast sky.

Such a pretty sight. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

By now we had realized we were doing a turnaround upon our approach to Windhoek airport but we didn’t mind this at all. The pilot picked up the speaker explaining we were waiting for two other planes to come in and said we should enjoy the view since it is spectacular.

If there was anyone inside this plane who hadn’t noticed the spectacle until now then I can’t help it either.

I was still stuck on that window.

The shining ball on fire. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Then I remembered I was blocking David’s view and quickly moved back asking him if he had seen the setting sun.

Pictures do not capture the beauty in its entity. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

I tried my best to capture the magic of the moment for you but anyone who’s witnessed something spectacular like this from an airplane window before does know that no photograph in the world will represent the unbelievable wonder nature unfolded at that moment.

It simply left me speechless.

More rains on the horizon. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

And while we were descending again I was thinking I wouldn’t even mind if the pilot did another go around. I could have watched it all once more.

Sunset light and rain clouds. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

But eventually, the show was over, we touched down the ground and were back to earth.

In Namibia you won’t skip the fresh air upon arrival, there are no connecting arms from the airplane to the terminal. Stairs appear and the hot African air hits you in the face. You have to walk across the airfield to get to the terminal.

Yes, it is 8 pm yet the temperature is still at 33 degrees. I can smell it. The rain. It’s the smell of summer. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Windhoek International Airport. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Finally, I’m home.

More about my return journey to Namibia:

Greetings From 40,000ft Above the Ground

Yes, I’m flying across continents

medium.com

It’s Been 20 Months

When time suddenly matters. Or not?

medium.com

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