Author Archives: Justin
Wajaale
Straddling the border of Somalia and Ethiopia, Wajaale is where my Italian and I crossed into Somalia. It’s a real frontier border town with no frills or attractiveness. **** Below is the first Ethiopian border post we came to… Everyone is dragged off the bus and extensively searched – the guards paw through your luggage, … Continue reading
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
The largest town on Lake Tana is Bahir Dar. I’ve told you about Lake Tana, so here is a piece on Bahir Dar. Ethiopians describe Bahir Dar as being their Riviera and, while it has wide streets shaded by palm trees and sweeping views across the shimmering blue waters of Lake Tana, it is nevertheless … Continue reading
Paintings of the Day: Frank Frazetta
Accuse me of immaturity, but I still love Frank Frazetta’s works of ax-wielding muscular warriors, scantily clad heroines and ferocious beasts of prey just as much now as when I was in my youth. Frank in his prime… Handsome, no? Frank Frazetta died on May 10, 2010. **** Below, I have collected some of his … Continue reading
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela – The Southeastern Group
Although smaller in size than the northwestern group, the southeastern cluster offers not only one of Lalibela’s most finely carved churches, but also a touch of intrigue with various historians debating whether some churches had pasts as prisons and palaces. Before I proceed though… I received a couple of emails in response to my previous … Continue reading
The Ostia Mafia – Piazza Gasparri And Beyond
Crippling bureaucracy has, unfortunately, become embedded in Italy’s soul. And crippling layers of bureaucracy invite corruption from people desperate to navigate the system or to get something done. And corruption opens the door to organized crime… I know what I’m talking about because my chick is Italian (Like a real Italian from Italy – not … Continue reading
Is Mexico A Failed State?
Over the past several months, I have heard the question as to whether or not Mexico is a failed state raised a number of times. As part of the “Mexico Series” I have been posting over the last year or so, it is time for me as an International Relations academic to address that question… … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 