Namibia is one of many African nations that have been influenced by European travellers and settlers over the years. Namibia's influential settlers have been the Germans, which goes some way to explain the excellent order and infrastructure to be found in this southern African country.

Windhoek, where the cricket was played, is a delightfully open city, free of all those African elements that tend to be more noticeable in Central and Western Africa. Politically Namibia is as solid as you can get in this continent, and therefore its inhabitants seem to be satisfied with their lot. There was no hassle at the airport, little or no begging on the streets, friendly and not intimidating faces in the crowds. Namibia is indeed a pleasure.

During our visit we were lucky enough to visit the huge red sanddunes in Sossusvlei, the quaint town of Swapokmund, the delightful opulence of the Desert Express railway, and the hospitality of Laurie Pieters, the Secretary of the Namibian Cricket Association.

Laurie is one of a handful of men who have pushed the cause to the point where the standard of cricket being played here is beginning to make the rest of the world sit up and take notice. The playing conditions are superb and the quality of the juniors even better. Watch out South Africa, the neighbours may be friendly but their cricket may prove more hostile.