I was never so
happy as to touch solid ground in Swakopmund. I had no urge to look back at the
truck that had carried me across the desert, when it pulled away from me. Good
riddance. The dual drivers had tarnished my sense of security and shortened a
few years off my life. I had battled groping hands and a sense of doubt in
humanity. Despite my fears though, I had made it.
As I settled
into the bar at a new hostel, my first sip of Windhoek beer was like heaven. I
had earned this beer, but somehow felt like I didn’t deserve it. My sense of being
tainted left me feeling dirty. I could not change the past though, so instead
let it go with hope for a new day bringing fresh smiles and happiness.
Tomorrow, I
would see the ocean again. The South Atlantic was just outside my view, but I
could feel the salt air on my skin. It was a new coast for me and I was excited
to see these western waves. For the time being, I looked forward to my first
bed in three nights and a safe roof over my head. I enjoyed the stability of
being stationary, the solitude of being solo and the peace that came with my
pen on paper. A cold beer helped my troubles melt away and my journal reminded
me that lessons can always be learned. The sun would rise again and I was
blessed to be able to witness it.
A toast to Swakopmund.
A bottle of Bayer's 'Heroin'. Between 1890 and 1910 heroin was sold as a non-addictive substitute for morphine..
Metcalf's Coca Wine was one of a huge variety of wines with cocaine on the market. Everybody used to say that it would make you happy and it would also work as a medicinal treatment. 
Mariani wine (1875) was the most famous Coca wine of it's time. Pope Leo XIII used to carry one bottle with him all the time. He awarded Angelo Mariani (the producer) with a Vatican gold medal.
Produced by the Maltine Manufacturing Company of New York . It was suggested that you should take a full glass with or after every meal. Children should only take half a glass.
At 40% alcohol plus 3 grams of opium per tablet. It didn't cure you... but you didn't care!
All stage actors, singers, teachers and preachers had to have them for a maximum performance. Great to 'smooth' the voice.
Very popular for children in 1885. Not only did they relieve the pain, they made the children very happy!
I'm sure this would make them sleep well. (not only the Opium, but also the 46% alcohol)
