Finally meeting up with my fixer at the Islamabad airport, we were soon on our way to Peshawar. Driving out of Islamabad, we passed through a prime example of the sprawl cities in the developing world are experiencing as they continue to grow at tremendous rates. The area pictured below was forested a few weeks … Continue reading
Flying into cities in the Gulf states at night is an interesting experience. Unlike many countries, there are virtually no small towns between the massive cities. So, you will fly along in complete darkness and then all of a sudden find yourself on top of a brilliant, swirling metropolis. They remind me of elaborate crop … Continue reading
Resting all on its own, south and west of the northwestern and southeastern groups of churches, is what is perhaps Lalibela’s most interesting church, Bet Giyorgis. Representing the apogee of the rock-hewn tradition, the Bet Giyorgis is the most visually perfect church in Lalibela – a 15m-high three-tiered plinth in the shape of a Greek … Continue reading
While on our way to Ethiopia and Somalia, we had a layover of several hours in Istanbul. So, my Italian and I journeyed into Istanbul and had lunch with our Turkish friends, Zeynep and Yusuf. We met in Taksim Square which I felt was appropriate given its bloody history (the Taksim Square Massacre) and the … Continue reading
I couldn’t explain to you why I found these tree plantations outside Addis Ababa interesting. But I did. They’re located in the Entoto Mountains overlooking Addis Ababa and you can get there easily by catching a minibus along Entoto Avenue, which for two birr (like 15 cents) will take you to Entoto Church. When you … Continue reading
Wading into the market chaos just west of the center known as the Merkato can be a rewarding experience if you enter with the right frame of mind. You may find the most eloquent aroma wafting from precious incense. And you may also find that your wallet has been stolen and that your shoes are … Continue reading
If you want a real “Wild West” environment in Ethiopia, I would suggest heading to Jijiga. In the interest of providing balance, the British Home Office emphatically does not suggest visiting Jijiga. We advise against all travel to Jijiga town, due to the risk of being caught up in a bomb attack following a number … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 