The Real Africa
The North in Namibia is the home of kings, tribal chiefs, desperate poverty, pandemic HIV-AIDs, witch doctors, and people of enormous capacity for world-class story-telling. I want to capture their ignored world before it disappears.
I've spent a total of 10 months, in three visits, to Namibia as a journalism trainer and mentor. Each visit drew me inexorably back to the North of that country where, as the editor of The Namibian told me, "the real Africa begins."
It is there that the age-old tribal life is still strong, although the impact of HIV-AIDs is creating dangerous holes in the culture.
In this land where lion and leopard roam freely and the people build tight wooden fences around their homes to fend off the predators, there is a rich tradition of story-telling. This remains a land where life rises and falls with the arrival of the rains. It is a place where cattle defines a family's worth, where cowry shells, imported from the coast 200 miles away, remain as status symbols.
I think this exceptional microcosm of the true Africa should be documented before it disappears.
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As a journalist, you will certainly be able to make a most interesting and riveting blog to go with your photo essay. I voted for you. May I suggest that you look at some of the MANY fantastic dreams different people have posted here and vote for the ones you like best.
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Thanks Will. A collection of Namibian art is at
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=7de392c64ab3c8686d9889752d9a603c
If you wish to see more, you can see my entire Namibian collection at:
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=b50fddf92285e038f12f12eb75ef82b5
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Bob, This sounds very exciting. You have my vote. Marsha
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I gave you my PIC, take a look and my idea and see what you think.
Robert
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Good luck, Bob. This sounds like a great project. Love, MJ
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Hi Bob,
I look forward to seeing you back in Namibia. You have a place anytime you want to come over. Good luck with the assignment.
tangeni
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Bob,
I vote for you on this project. Your the ideal person for this project. Good Luck. Judy
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Robert - You have my vote for this. Wali
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Good luck on your project! I sent you a PIC, please take the time to check out my project. :)
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sounds amazing, my project also has to do with indigenous people. i voted for ya, check out mine and leave a comment or vote too if you like it, good luck!
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You would be the best for this assignment. As always, you'll provide terrific photos and insight into a people and their country. Good luck.
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Goodluck Bob. Best wishes with the project in Namibia.Cheers
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You write a heck of a budget line, Bob. Can't wait to see the piece!
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Bob -
Peter, Andrew and William eagerly await the next installment of African pictures. Something wild and wooly would be ideal!
Best of luck -
Alliston and Company
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Hey, Bob. Great idea - you've got my PIC. We're trying to donate the $50k prize money to charities across the US. Please check our idea out and support us if you like it. Thanks!
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I wish you all the best, I am of Cambodia supporting you.
Chan Thul Prak
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Good Luck Dad! I will carry your bags for you - or at least carry the cat! Hope it works out for you - you deserve it!
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Bob, excellent idea. You can bank on mu vote.
Luqman
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Bob, what an excellent opportunity to revisit a land that your chronicles will bring closer to all of us. You have my vote. Good luck.
Denny
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I have met Bob in Namibia on two separate occasions. He has a passion for the human interest, the journalist skill to document the story professionally, and his photographs are nearly beyond description. I cannot image a person could be identified who would be better suited for this assignment.
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I think this would be a great story - and one that needs to be told before it disappears. You have my vote.
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I expect to see lots of your pictures. Good Luck! Mel Schroeder
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Great idea and best of luck. Thandi Bergfalk
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Hi Bob, excellent idea. All the best.
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Go for it. I'll be there with you.
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All the best Bob. Brilliant idea. It would be the continuation of all that you have already invested in Namibia and its people and their hopes and aspirations. The art of making the intimate global is a rare talent.
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Lovely idea! You have my PIC. Please stop by and check out my idea... leave a comment and a PIC if you'd like.
I'm a photographer trying to change the world... starting with my community!
Thanks!
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Great I hope you get the chance . There is no one better to do it. Bill
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All the best
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I have voted. Best wishes.
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Great idea. Namibia needs you! Good luck Bob.
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Great idea. Best wishes
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You have my vote. Good Luck!
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Lovely idea ! I hope you get the chance ! All the best.
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Take us with you. Frank and Helga we vote for you
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I have voted. Good luck!
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Ready to win? Get in there. 
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Sounds like an interesting project Robert. Do you have links to some of your previous work? Voting for you. Return the favor if you like. my project is to document issues in Zimbabwe.
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