#namaqualand

[jadeseadragon]

Elise Macdonald (b. 1954, Zimbabwe, based in South Africa) | on Instagram

Namaqualand Girl

[2t2r]

Pachypodium namaquanum, l' arbre trompe d'éléphant

Nouvel article publié sur https://www.2tout2rien.fr/pachypodium-namaquanum-l-arbre-trompe-d-elephant/

Pachypodium namaquanum, l' arbre trompe d'éléphant

[cnamibia]

Lüderitz to Vanrhynsdorp Flower Season 2023

[i-identify-plants-in-pictures]

Dimorphoteca sinuata / Namaqualand Daisy

2023.08.19 Namaqualand colours

[herpsandbirds]

Hello, not sure if your requests are open but if they are could I request some not-well-known tortoises and 🐢 turtles? I've requested a few things already though so if its a problem that's OK!

I would like to ask one question though- do you also run mammilianmammals (I think that's how the url is spelled?) I know you run typhlonectes (again I think that's how it's spelled) all 3 including this one are wonderful blogs I was wondering if you ran that one as well.

Great job as always and thanks in advance if you do this request!

Youre always welcome to send asks or requests. If the function is enabled, then I'm here for you. No need to apologize.

Yes, my mammals blog is Mammalian Mammals. My cute animals and animal re-blog blog is Fucxing Cuties.

I really love turtles (and tortoises). I have some really nice chelonians for you...

Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila), family Emydidae, endemic to the vicinity of Cuatro Ciénegas in Coahuila, Mexico

ENDANGERED (~1500 left in the wild)

Unlike other species of North American box turtles, this species is aquatic.

photograph via: Turtle Conservancy

Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis), male in breeding colors, family Geoemydidae, Cambodia

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.

photograph by Brett Bartek

Cochin Forest Cane Turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica), family Geoemydidae, from the Western Ghats of India

ENDANGERED.

photograph by Davidvraju

Western “Namaqualand” Tent Tortoise (Psammobates tentorius trimeni), family Testudinidae, Northern Cape, South Africa

ENDANGERED.

photograph by m_burger

Stripe-necked Musk Turtle, Sternotherus minor, family Kinosternidae, in a river in Tennessee, USA.

photograph by Isaac Szabo

Malayan Snail-eating Turtle (Malayemys macrocephala), family Geoemydidae, Bangkok, Thailand

Photograph by Artur Tomaszek

Meso-American Slider (Trachemys venusta), family Emydidae, Honduras

Photograph by Paul Freed

Painted Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis), male, family Geoemydidae, found in SE Asia

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.

photograph by Andrew Brinker 

[ruthbancroftgarden]

Carpobrotus quadrifidus

This ice plant from Namaqualand has large vivid flowers that really attract attention when they open. It looks much like the common ice plant seen along the coast of California, except that it has a larger flower - the largest of any plant in the entire Ice Plant Family.

-Brian

[froggirleyeball]

Namaqua Rain Frog

AKA namaqua short-headed frog, Breviceps namaquensis

A round little fellow!

These guys live in Namaqualand and Namibia, in southern Africa. Their toes aren't webbed, and they spend most of their time underground, only coming out after it rains to look for tasty insects.

When threatened, they squeak and inflate to deter predators! I don't think I'd be deterred at all, they're such little cuties!

When they lay eggs, they cover them up in thick yolk-y fluid and the tadpoles live there until grown. Interesting tactic, that.

[fischerfrey]

A Christmas Prince; The Royal Wedding

Chapter 2: Krampus

Summary: Dawn faces difficulties with his new wedding designer while tensions boil in Alderly. The family's Christmas get-together is interrupted by a surprising visitor...

Words: 2.5k

Characters:

Dawn Harvelle and Rosa Yaxley @potionboy3

Quincey, Olympia, and Isabella Alderly

Pandora Lovelace and Lainey Bell by @gcldensnitch

Rocky Weasley by @magicallymalted

Beginning | Next Chapter

Want to read the first fic in the series, A Christmas Prince? Click here!

Chapter 2: Krampus 

“We have many preparations to do and very little time,” Rosa Yaxley said, flipping a white board showing several sketches from flower bouquets to table settings, and photographs of what Dawn assumed, were traditional Alderlian wedding attire.  

“Uh…” Dawn started but was silenced by a stern look from Pince. 

“The Bavarian orchestra will start precisely at your entrance with the release of the Barbary doves.” Rosa explained, producing a pointer stick from somewhere and demonstrating all the items she mentioned. “South African wildflowers will adorn your path down the aisle.” 

“Oh…” Dawn uttered. When the queen had said that Dawn would have a say, he hadn’t realized she had meant that she and Miss Yaxley had already planned everything and that he would just have to sit here and nod dutifully. 

Rosa continued: “I mean, you won't, and I mean it, you won't be able to take a step without a Namaqualand daisy between the floor and your shoes.” 

Dawn was beginning to really see that she didn’t particularly want to be in this position. He wondered if the queen had made her, as a punishment for her transgressions last year. 

“Hmm…” he simply said. 

“There will be a roast pig from each of Alderly's seven provinces. Montrachet Grand Cru will be in every goblet,” Rosa went on. “But of greatest importance... Is your outfit.” 

“Is that what those are for?” Dawn asked, vaguely motioning towards the pictures of clothes. The designs looked like somewhere between a mix of Bavarian and Slovenian folk clothing with something distinctly… Christmassy about them. 

“Is it customary to wear traditional dress to weddings?” 

“Not for at least a hundred years but the queen felt that it was important to show how committed to our culture and traditions you are.” 

“The queen… look,” Dawn started, and went on despite Pince’s warning glances. “I am committed. I’ve never been this committed to a goddamn thing in my entire life, but I feel like this might not go over well with the… well you know, the public.” 

“Whyever not?” Pince chimed in. 

“Well, I am a foreigner and maybe they will want to see me actually participate in their culture before taking on its symbols?” Dawn posited it as a question, but it really wasn’t. “Especially when this is just a publicity stunt, and I didn’t even pick the outfit.” 

Rosa bit her lip but Pince went on: “Nonsense, of course you will wear the traditional costume.” 

“I was really hoping that I could wear something… simple, something that’s a little more me.” 

“What?” asked Pince. 

“I mean these outfits are beautiful,” Dawn continued. “But I don’t want to play a part for my own wedding. Maybe I could wear one of these a year from now to an event where they’re actually worn in still?” 

“I don’t think you understand the sort of situation we’re in,” Pince said. “Half the country is in an uproar because we haven’t seen this kind of financial hardships since the war, not to mention their monarch is pretty much going against every strong held value they’ve been instilled with since birth.” 

“I sympathize with the depression, not so much with the homophobia,” said Dawn and noticed Rosa just barely concealing a chuckle. Maybe Dawn stood a chance after all. 

~ 

“This protocol is driving me crazy. It's like Bridezilla in reverse,” Dawn complained later in a video call to Rocky and Pandora. 

“Forgive me if I don't ooze sympathy from the night security desk of Noodle Chalet's corporate office,” said Rocky. Ever since the downfall of Beat Now, Rocky had been a security guard at Noodle Chalet, and it wasn’t lost on Dawn how his problems might probably seem somewhat quaint. 

“Hey, at least you've got a job,” Pandora chimed in. “I've been living with my parents for the last three months.” 

“Well, that’s tragic,” said Rocky. 

“Yeah, ever since Now Beat shut down.” 

“Now Beat?” asked Dawn. “It was Beat Now.” 

Dawn was happy he was no longer working for Kerry Crouch, but he couldn’t help but miss having a normal job and normal problems. Especially with Irma Pince breathing down his neck at every turn. 

“Whatever,” said Pandora with a shrug. “It’s gone now.” 

“But Dawn, you’re having some royal pains?” asked Rocky. 

Dawn chuckled. It was a pain just to be one, it seemed. “Well yeah, but I mean…”  

“Have you talked to Quincey about any of this?” Pandora cut in. 

“I haven’t seen him today.” 

“They know how to keep a king busy,” Rocky said. 

Dawn knew things were going to be busy, but he truly felt alone in the castle. He wasn’t even allowed to spend time with Tess and his dad, or at least not as much as he would have preferred. He was a little bit worried that this was how the rest of his life was going to look. Just protocol and event after event with only small respites in-between to actually hang out with his husband-to-be. He’d next be seeing Quincey when they all headed to town for his speech, and he didn’t expect there to be a lot of time for chit-chat. 

“Just hurry up and get here already,” he said. 

“Counting down the seconds, mate,” Pandora said. 

~ 

Rosa had left Dawn with a folder full of designs for the wedding. Dawn flipped through it, examining the plans with growing dread. This whole ordeal didn’t feel at all like a wedding he would want for himself. Not that he had ever thought about getting married before this past year. He almost wished he and Quincey had just eloped. He’d rather have Elvis marry them in Vegas than whatever this was shaping up to be. Dawn slammed the folder shut and let it fall on the bed. He was going to have to complain to someone who would understand, or he’d end up committing arson. Or worse. 

~ 

When Dawn went looking for Olympia later, he found her in the middle of an argument with her mother, the queen. 

“You must understand that his whole thing is frivolous,” Isabella was saying. 

“Well mother, it’s important to me so I don’t particularly care.” 

“This is about the image we portray to the world,” Isabella tried. “A princess can’t be an actress.” 

“I was in many plays as a child.” 

“That was different.” 

“This is for a good cause.” 

“It doesn’t matter. You know what kind of situation we’re in with your past actions and your brother’s life choices.” 

“It’s not a life choice.” 

Isabella sighed. “You know what I meant.” 

“No, I don’t, and I’m also doing the play, I don’t care what you think.” 

“Don’t you speak to me with that tone, young lady.” 

Dawn, suddenly realizing he was quite rudely eavesdropping, stepped into the room, fully pretending as if he hadn’t been listening. “Oh, hello Your Majesty, Your Highness.” 

“Dawn, great timing, mother was just about to wring my neck,” said Olympia. 

“Olympia���,” the queen attempted. 

“I have to talk to you Dawn, if you don’t mind,” Olympia said and walked up to Dawn, grabbing his arm. “Preferably somewhere away from her…” 

“Alright…” said Dawn, casting an apologetic glance at Queen Isabella. They had their differences, but Dawn was determined to get along with his mother-in-law.  

~ 

Olympia led him to a smaller room, let go of his arm and dramatically fell into one of the priceless antique armchairs. 

“What was that about?” Dawn asked. 

“She thinks it’s common to do the play.” 

“Oh, of course she does.” 

“But I’m still going to do it,” Olympia continued. “I can’t wait for you to see it, it’s kind of like an arthouse reimagining.” 

“Oh, wow, alright,” said Dawn.  

“You could come see the dress rehearsal?” 

“If I can get away from my own dress rehearsals…”  

“Right, how’s that going, anyway?” Olympia asked and sat up straight. She had messed up her hair, slumping onto the chair. 

“Well… It’s going.” 

“You let me know if you need any help.” 

Dawn knew he needed all the help he could get, but after hearing the conversation between Olympia and the queen, he wasn’t sure it was the best idea to rope Olympia into it. 

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you, O.” 

~ 

That afternoon, the royal retinue made its way to town. Quincey’s speech took place in front of Alderly’s House of Parliament and the square in front of it was packed. Aside from the adoring crowd, though, there was a smaller but no less attention-grabbing group of protesters behind them. Dawn, ever the journalist, kept an eye on them. They were holding signs proclaiming the bad financial situation in the country and demanding to be paid or get their jobs back. Miss Pince, standing next to Dawn, was glaring at the crowd with hostility, when Quincey took to the podium. While many cheered, waving Alderlian flags, the protesters booed. Dawn shifted his weight from one foot to another uncomfortably. 

“Behind me stands an enduring symbol of Alderly's historical strength. Before me, and all of us, lies our current revitalization project, a symbol of Alderly's shining future,” Quincey started. From Pince’s sudden shift in posture, Dawn deduced that the speech was written by her.  

“For crops to flourish, rain must fall. Likewise, today's temporary hardships will soon spur on a bountiful future for all.” 

Amongst the cheers, Dawn heard someone shout out: “What about our jobs?” 

“The country's going broke!” 

“Shame on the king!” 

Security had to step in to rein in the protesters. Quincey couldn’t have missed the incident, but he continued like he had, as Dawn was sure he had been instructed to do. 

“A new Alderlian chapter is about to begin. And I'm honoured and excited to share that journey with each and every one of you. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.” 

~ 

After Quincey got off the stage, Lainey offered him a bottle of water. 

“Thank you.” 

“That went… alright,” she said. At least she was honest.

“I feel like a total fraud reading out that propaganda,” Quincey said with a sigh. 

“Your ideas make perfect sense,” said Lainey. “I just don't understand why they're not working.” 

“Neither do I.” 

Dawn, pained by Quincey’s tired and slightly pathetic expression and sick of not knowing the details of this initiative, piped in: “When numbers don't add up, there's usually a reason.” 

Quiney and Lainey turned to him, and Dawn continued: “I’m going to be prince consort, I want to contribute, that’s why I’m coming to the meeting tomorrow.”  

“The queen said you would be exceedingly busy with wedding preparations so you wouldn’t be able to make it,” said Lainey. 

Dawn and Quincey exchanged looks and said almost in unison: “What?” 

“We should be doing everything we can to help the kingdom, right?” Dawn asked. 

“Absolutely.” 

“Maybe there should be a revitalization effort to bring the royal family into the 21st century, too…” 

That’s when Pince came back, saying: “An excellent speech, Your Majesty. Now I need you to come meet the press with your most confident smiles…” 

~ 

After returning to the palace, Dawn, Quincey, and Olympia had tea with the queen. It was an exceedingly uncomfortable hour to top off an exceedingly uncomfortable event. 

“The press office assures me your speech today will do a world of good,” said Isabella from across the table. 

“Less than a year into my reign,” Quincey started. “I feel like I'm running the kingdom into the ground.” 

“Oh, you put much too much pressure on yourself.” 

“It's my initiative, mother.” 

“Quentin,” said the queen. “As you know, your father first proposed the need for such a program, but I oversaw the implementation, with the country’s full backing.” 

“Yes, but…” 

“Economic fluctuation is a fact of life,” Isabella stated and set her teacup back on its settee. 

“Yes, but I can't help but feel father would be disappointed.” 

“Oh, nonsense! You mustn't let this put a strain on the season. Or the wedding,” said Isabella and turned her attention to Dawn. “I hear the stress has been getting to you.” 

Olympia took a deep breath and said: “Can we not have a single conversation without it being observed and reported?” 

“Darling,” said the queen, laying a hand on her daughter's arm. Olympia withdrew, annoyed. “I just want all of you to be happy.” 

“Well, it would help if you stopped meddling into our business,” Olympia suggested, clearly running out of patience. “We’re all adults here, after all.” 

Isabella sighed. “I’ve decided to resume my active role in the governing of this country. In particular to help with the financial difficulties.” 

“What?” asked Olympia. Quincey didn’t say anything and had an unreadable expression on his face. Dawn still felt too out of the loop with the country’s goings-on to say anything. 

“But you seemed happy to retire?” argued Olympia. 

“Only because I found it too difficult to go on without your father,” Isabella explained. 

“Mother…” Quincey finally spoke up. “Thank you.” 

~ 

That evening, everyone gathered together to decorate Queen Isabella’s Christmas tree. Dawn and Quincey’s families all sitting together in the same room gave Dawn some kind of whiplash. He never imagined this would be his life. While Tess and Olympia chose matching baubles, Dawn sat next to Quincey on the couch closest to the fireplace and took his hand. Ever since the speech, he’d been in low spirits and Dawn couldn’t exactly blame him. 

“Hi,” he said. 

“Hi,” replied Quincey. “I feel like I should apologize.” 

“For what?” asked Dawn. 

“For making you feel left out.” 

“Am I feeling left out?” asked Dawn, incredulously. 

“Are you?” 

“Well, a little.” 

“The pressures I'm facing as king are no excuse. Can you forgive me?” 

“I really would like to help.” 

Quincey smiled and squeezed Dawn’s hand. “Mother’s help will come in handy; she has a few decades of experience on this front.” 

“Then I’m glad she’s decided to postpone her retirement.” 

Dawn wasn’t exactly sure if he was glad but if the queen’s involvement would help Quincey’s workload, then it wouldn’t be all bad. He wished he could be more of use and that he would have already started his studies in political science. He had applied immediately after realizing he was going to actually have to do some governing, but he’d been advised to postpone his enrollment by a year. He’d done a semester of it already in university during his second year, so he wasn’t a complete beginner but now he was determined to get a Master’s. He had had fun writing his blog this past year, but he wanted to do something that could do some actual good in the world. 

 Suddenly a palace aide entered the room, looking quite disheveled.  

“Your Majesties, you have a guest,” he said. 

“Whoever could it be?” wondered the queen out loud. Dawn thought it must be Krampus because who else would it be showing up to the palace and causing a ruckus at this hour.

“Oh? Send them in,” instructed Quincey and got up.

After a few moments, a man entered the room. A very familiar man whom Dawn had been looking forward to never seeing again.  

“Evander,” said Olympia venomously. “What are you doing here?”  

Krampus indeed. 

tag list: @lifeofkaze, @gcldensnitch, @endlessly-cursed, @cursed-herbalist, @magicallymalted

(ask if you want to be included or removed)

[sani-86]

i just finished your fic, weeping, and it was amazing!! i live in Namaqualand but i visited up north for the first time in years and saw a bunch of the sights you mentioned!! My father was a law student at the same school as Ezra. i loved reading a fic set in South Africa, i love our country and im so glad to have found someone else in the fandom <3

Aaaah this is so wonderful, I was beginning to think I’m the only South African in this fandom 😋 please drop me a message if you wanna chat!

I have a few more SA fics if you’re interested - Ebony and Ivory (a companion to Weeping) and A Walk on the Wild Side (set on a game farm in 2020).

Thanks sm for dropping in to say hi!

[zarnagel]

There are individual termite mounds that have been in continuous use for longer than all of human civilization has existed.

[2t2r]

L' arbre carquois, aloès emblématique de Namibie

Nouvel article publié sur https://www.2tout2rien.fr/l-arbre-carquois-aloes-emblematique-de-namibie/

L' arbre carquois, aloès emblématique de Namibie

[eryr5]

Discovering Sandy Tours: Exploring Namibia's Giants Playground, Sansibar Ausflug, and More

Sandy Tours offers unforgettable adventures, taking you to some of the most incredible destinations in Africa. Whether it's wandering through the awe-inspiring giants playground namibia, embarking on a thrilling Sansibar Ausflug, marveling at the flowers in Namaqualand, or experiencing the wildlife of Moremi Game Reserve, each tour promises a unique and memorable experience. Sandy Tours is your gateway to exploring the hidden gems and natural wonders of these stunning locations.

Giants Playground, Namibia: A Geological Wonder

The Giants Playground in Namibia is a fascinating geological formation that resembles a giant's play area with massive boulders stacked upon one another. This natural wonder is located in the southern part of Namibia and is part of the Quiver Tree Forest. Visitors are mesmerized by the bizarre and intriguing rock formations that have been shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years.

Highlights of the Giants Playground

Unique Rock Formations: The Giants Playground is famous for its unique and dramatic rock formations that create an almost surreal landscape.

Quiver Tree Forest: Nearby, the Quiver Tree Forest adds to the enchanting atmosphere with its ancient aloe trees.

Photography Opportunities: The picturesque scenery offers countless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning images.

Sansibar Ausflug: A Tropical Paradise Adventure

A Sansibar Ausflug with Sandy Tours transports you to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. Known for its pristine beaches, rich culture, and vibrant marine life, Zanzibar offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Must-See Attractions on a Sansibar Ausflug

Stone Town: Explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its winding alleys, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture.

Pristine Beaches: Relax on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

Spice Tours: Discover the island's spice plantations and learn about the rich history of the spice trade.

Flowers in Namaqualand: A Spectacular Bloom

Namaqualand, located in the Northern Cape of South Africa, is famous for its breathtaking floral displays during the spring season. The region transforms into a sea of colorful wildflowers, attracting nature lovers and photographers from around the world.

Best Time to Visit Namaqualand

Spring Season: The best time to witness the floral spectacle is between August and September when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Floral Diversity: Namaqualand boasts an incredible diversity of flowers, with over 3,500 species, many of which are endemic to the region.

Scenic Drives: Enjoy scenic drives through the region to experience the beauty of the wildflower displays.

Moremi Game Reserve: Wildlife at Its Finest

The Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana is one of Africa's most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, it offers an exceptional safari experience.

Exploring Moremi Game Reserve

Big Five Sightings: The reserve is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bird Watching: Moremi is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 400 species of birds recorded in the area.

Scenic Landscapes: The reserve features diverse landscapes, including floodplains, grasslands, and woodlands, providing a stunning backdrop for game viewing.

Planning Your Adventure with Sandy Tours

Sandy Tours ensures that every aspect of your journey is carefully planned and executed to provide an unforgettable experience. From the Giants Playground in Namibia to the thrilling Sansibar Ausflug, the colorful flowers in Namaqualand, and the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, each tour is designed to showcase the best of these incredible destinations.

Why Choose Sandy Tours?

Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide insightful information and enhance your travel experience.

Customized Itineraries: Tailored itineraries to suit your preferences and interests.

Seamless Travel Experience: Professional and efficient service ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Embark on an adventure with Sandy Tours and discover the wonders of Namibia, Zanzibar, South Africa, and Botswana. Whether you are seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, or thrilling wildlife encounters, Sandy Tours has the perfect tour for you.

[moer-koffie]

2023.08.19 Namaqualand

[herpsandbirds]

I love frogs. Specially the derpy ones. Do you have any favourite?

Yes, I do have some favorite frogs...

Pebble Toad (Oreophrynella nigra), family Bufonidae, endemic to 2 tepuis in the Guiana Highlands of Bolívar, Venezuela

Known widely for its habit of tucking its legs and rolling away from predators.

These tiny toads grow to a max. snout-vent length of up to 30 mm (1.18 in).

photograph by guilherme jofili

Splendid Leaf Frog (Cruziohyla calcarifer), family Hylidae, Costa Rica

photograph by Milan Zygmunt

Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps macrops), family Brevicipitidae, McDougal’s Bay, Namaqualand, South Africa

photograph by Johan Marais - World of Reptiles

Wallace’s Flying Frogs (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus), family Rhacophoridae, found in SE Asia

The species is capable of using its extensive toe webbing to glide or parachute from trees in its dense forest habitat.

photographs by Yuji Abematsu

Mexican Burrowing Toad (Rhinophrynus dorsalis), male - fully inflated and calling them fine ass females, family Rhinophrynidae, South TX, USA

This species is the only extant member of this family.

photograph by Carl J. Franklin

[ruthbancroftgarden]

Aloe comosa

This Aloe is native to Namaqualand, a dry area in the northwestern part of South Africa, in the winter-rainfall area. It is single-stemmed, and it can get quite tall in time (up to 2 m or more - 6½ feet). It has tall spires of flowers in summer; these do not branch, but multiple stalks may emerge from the rosette simultaneously. The flowers are reddish-pink, but after they open they turn ivory-white, or sometimes with a flush of pale salmon-pink. The glaucous leaves are also often flushed pink when conditions are dry.

-Brian