You can always leave and come back on Sunday
I knew March would be an eventful month before we even stepped into it, big client events, deadlines, the women’s day event - but one event I was really looking forward to was celebrating my partner’s birthday.
For that, we decided to leave the city and welcome his new age at Midgard. And oh, how special it was.
My intention this year is to build new core memories that aren’t surrounding my work and what I have to offer the world. I want to explore and experience things, and what better way than with my favourite people.
As the documenter that I am, I took my Sony along for the trip. Take a look at these images I took on our way to Midgard. We took the airport route instead of the Okahandja route.
When we arrived, we were met by George, who drove us in his golf cart to reception, where we checked in and picked up our key. We yapped about what we could get up to. I forgot her name, but the lady who checked us in was amazing. I hope she’s having a beautiful day as I write this.
We got to our room, set our stuff down so we could go for a walk before the sun set for the day.
What a beautiful place this is.
We got back to our room to settle in and take it all in before getting ready for the evening.
I thought the room was beautiful. Felt like a quiet exhale, warm and cozy.
As we were both a little tired from the week, we just wanted to sit down for dinner and tea (old age creeping in). The restaurant delivered exactly that.
We settled into a booth in the middle of the restaurant, with our backs to the rest of the room, and ordered our drinks - rooibos tea. Haha.
As we sipped away, we took in how beautiful the space was - the art on the walls, the décor. I do love a farmhouse-inspired anything.
Our food arrived, we ordered more tea, and ate and yapped the evening away.
Extremely exhausted, we couldn’t wait to head back to our room, watch something, and just be.
The plan was to get up early and make the most of our day, but we ended up sleeping in. No regrets, because we needed it.
Started the morning on our patio, taking in the sun as its rays hit the surface of the pool, the full colour greenery, the towering mountains as the backdrop of every scene - just the beauty of it all.
I thought to myself, I could do this every day. This is almost as good as waking up at the ocean.
We then cleaned up and headed to breakfast.
The breakfast area is my favourite side of The Barn - I took in so much inspiration for my future home.
The buffet had so much to offer, options for every taste bud. Coupled with a large cuppa and some juice, we enjoyed a slow morning, seated outside and taking in the view of the estate.
It was the perfect morning celebrating one of my favourite people in the world - one of the kindest, most special human beings to exist.
Excited for the day ahead, we wrapped up breakfast and headed back to the room to change before a hike.
When we asked about the trails, the lovely lady at reception mentioned that we needed to report back when we returned, just so they knew we survived. That’s when I knew the hike might not happen, lol.
We took off, arrived at the trails, and thought… naaaaaahhhh - that looks a bit hectic. It was also so hot, with flying bugs everywhere. We reached the start of one particular trail and turned back.
Instead, we decided to take a tour of the estate.
We first walked to the pavilion/theatre area, which I forgot the name of. It made me think about how perfect hosting a brand trip to Midgard would be, with this space as the ideal spot for a performance, whether a theatre or a musical moment.
We then took a walk around the estate, passing the different accommodations before ending back up at reception - not only to report that we were back, but also to visit the Oubaas Auto Museum.
And then it was pool time!
I just wanted to lie there, journal, and be. He wanted to go for a swim. So we did just that.
We packed a tote with the essentials, including drinks from our very stocked-up minifridge.
I enjoyed a very cold Savannah while paging through my Rupi Kaur “Healing Through Words” book, waiting to land on my next journal prompt, and a reminder of why I hadn’t journalled in this specific book in a while. The prompt was to write a letter to my mom, telling her the things I want her to know.
I had been dodging that page so hard that I avoided the book entirely for months. My mom passed away when I was 15, and there’s so much I would want to tell her, obviously. And I know I would sob writing that letter — to do that activity, I’d need to mentally prepare myself.
So, obviously, I skipped it again.
The next prompt was to write 15 things I’m scared of. I struggled with this one, too, because, having lived the life I’ve had, not a lot scares me. If anything, it’s just men… and things like snakes or heights.
I listed what I could come up with and watched my Pisces be a Pisces in the water.
The only thing that chased us back to the room was the scorching sun.
Midgard was the necessary break we needed - a break from the city, a break from our daily.
As if the trip wasn’t already amazing, we concluded it by filling the car with some plants they were selling at reception, and now they fill our home with a gentle reminder of that core memory.
Counting down to the next birthday - mine. hehehe
Looking to go?
I booked via the O&L website. I signed up for their Leisure Club that grants Namibians 50% discount and rewards at selected destinations.
For the drive there, we took the airport road, which is 60km of gravel to Midgard and crazy slopes, but oh so scenic. Felt adventurous. If using this route, I’d suggest going with a bakkie.
For the drive back to the city, we took the Okahandja road, which was just as scenic and beautiful. This was only 30km of gravel; the rest was tarred.
We stopped in Okahandja for some biltong and then made our way back to the city. A wholesome trip all around.