Q & A with... Fabian Adams

Fabian Adams started working on Naries in March this year as an intern. Part of his training was exposure to all the facets of tourism – from scullery and housekeeping to frontline dealing with guests.

After this exposure, he was placed as a guide-in-training. In South Africa, being s tourist guide without the necessary accreditation and registration is illegal and both the “guide” as well as his/her employer can face heavy penalties and fines if caught. However, the system does make provision for guides in training and we are confident that Fabian will receive his accreditation within this year.

Q & A WITH FABIAN.

1.       Who is Fabian?

I am Fabian Adams. I come from Kamieskroon which is 76km South of Springbok.

2.       Were you born in Kamieskroon?

Fabian: No, I was born in Garies, but grew up in Kamieskroon

3.       Tell me about your family

Fabian: I have my mother and a younger sister. My father passed away 10 years ago. My sister is also doing an internship at the Kamieskroon Primary School.

4.       Where does your interest in Tourism originate? Are any of your friends and family also in tourism?

My mother, Angeline, is involved with Ouma Hanna se Kookkas in Kamieskroon. They offer traditional Nama food and also make traditional Nama “kappies” (bonnets) (Ouma Hanna is very well-known and a bit of a Namaqualand celeb like Grietjie from  Garies was) There I saw the interest in Namaqualand and the potential in tourism. When I got the opportunity to become an intern on Naries, I did not hesitate. Here I am training to become a tourist guide.

5.       How have you experienced it so far?

 So far I find it very interesting and I am learning new things every day. My aim is to attract more tourists to our country and also to Naries.

6.       And now the difficult question. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I will have completed my training. I want to be one of the best tourist guides in Namaqualand. Once I have completed my basic accreditation, I really would like to study further and expand on my guide qualifications. I would also like to write a book on my experiences as a guide.

7.       Doesn’t it get lonely sometimes with your family so far away?

 I miss my family, but I get on well with everyone on Naries and the people here are all like family to me.

8.       How often do you see your family?

I work 21 days and 7 days off. When I have the week off, I go home to Kamieskroon.

9.       Well, Fabian, we wish you all success in your new career and we will be watching your progress with great interest.

Thank you very much and thank you Naries for the opportunity.