Dire Dawa is the closest Ethiopian military base I know of to the Somalia border. If it is not the closest, it is still a crucial one, and so it was from here that large numbers of Ethiopian troops staged before pouring into Somalia in 2006 (and retreated to in January of 2009). The number … Continue reading
Author Archives: Justin
Lalibela, Ethiopia
As mentioned previously, I shall allow my last post on the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to serve as a segue into a discussion of Lalibela itself. And, frankly, I found Lalibela and its environs more interesting than the churches the town is famous for. A little background: Lalibela (also known as Lalibala) was the most … Continue reading
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
Lalibela, initially known as Roha, was the Zagwe dynasty’s capital in the 12th and 13th centuries. After the death of King Lalibela, the ruler credited with the construction of the churches, the town was named after him. In an unusual consensus, scholars and local tradition agree that the churches date from around King Lalibela’s reign … Continue reading
A Casualty Of The Somali Civil War
While driving through Somalia, we came across this battered tank – a casualty of the Somali civil war: I was surprised to see that it still had its number plate: The armed guard we hired, Mahamed Ali, poses next to the bombed-out tank for me: This crude graveyard was just behind the tank which led … Continue reading
Nomadic Life in Sudan
With all of this talk of nomadic watering holes, I realized I should discuss the nomads themselves some more. The nomads in Sudan were very interesting to me. I’d first encountered nomads in Afghanistan and have been fascinated by them ever since. Perhaps it is the simplistic beauty of their minimalist lifestyle or the fact … Continue reading
Photos Of The Day: Go Time
Firenze Merda – Hotel Figo
I wasn’t a big fan of Florence, but I have to admit that our hotel was pretty cool: Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 