Liz Mokamba

We had had the test of Ethiopia as at now. We had settled, knew how to communicate even with the language barrier. They spoke Amharic, we spoke English and Swahili. Their food and ours were worlds apart save for meat and maybe a few pastries. Their public transport system was largely uniform. The begging though could get into your nerves.

Day 5 we embarked on a 200km journey northwards to Bishoftu. A town nestled in the vicinity of five (or more) crater lakes. Bishoftu translates to ‘a place of water’ We arrived on a rainy afternoon and settled in. It was a small town with vibrant activities. I didn’t manage to tour the five lakes but as long as the lakes are there, we can always to go back to Bishoftu.

Day 6, around 12pm. We made our entry into Addis Ababa. A big city. Many people. Amazing tall buildings defining the skyline. Addis looked young, like a 15-year-old city judging by the developments. They were newer, better looking and more organized than Nairobi. We cruised through the city into our hotel. We were to stay there for two nights. We exhaled, we relaxed, we were finally home after 6 days on the road! This, this is exactly what we came for.

Addis was rainy and wet when we arrived. We settled in and went for a tour of the Menelik’s palace, a haven for historians as the compound comprises of other ancient developments such as tombs of emperors. At 3000m ASL, it was cold and chilly and there also was the largest orthodox church and lots of people worshiping. Touring the whole compound in itself was a mini hike and leaves a mark of the rich Ethiopian culture which is not wiped or whitewashed like other African Countries.

We had two days to kill in the capital of AU and experience everything. I was so happy and excited to be in Addis Ababa roaming around given that it was never a place I thought I would be visiting just as a tourist.

That night, we went out for Ethiopian dinner and cultural experience. Ethiopian music is hypnotizing. Their dancers are flexible, and my God aren’t they beautiful! They wear longer clothing compared to us, and dance in synchronized manner as it to ground themselves into their culture. Their flag is easily visible everywhere lest you forget you are in Ethiopia. It is a physical intertwine of country and culture and they flaunt their pride to your face.

But truth be told, we were 6 days into our tour of Ethiopia and one thing had to leave my sight. That thing is Anjera. That night, I struggled with the meal. I tried to keep an open mind, tried to distract myself by enjoying the music and the traditional wine. Yoh! No, thank you. Anjera has to go. It was time.

Let’s put the anjera aside though, I fully enjoyed my two nights in Addis. We toured the city, the markets and the leather shops. It is well developed, well arranged, kinda modern from an outside look. Street culture is not for the weak though. The begging and the ambushing by singing and dancing groups lessens a touristic experience. But all in all, Addis was a blast.

Day 8 we left Addis at wee hours and headed 500km due south to Arba minch. I could not try the raw meat dish. The touristic will to try new things had vanished as at this time. I wanted good old Kenyan food, as boring as it may be, or just something familiar please! Yes I’ll take the bread!

Day 9 we left Arba Minch, crossed Moyale border as we got embraced by home. I ordered Ugali, veges and Chicken right at the Kenyan side of the border. It tasted soo good. It felt so good, almost exhilarating to be home. After lunch we proceeded to Marsabit for the night and on Day 10, we made an entry to Nairobi. Grateful, Happy, and without regret. An adventure of a lifetime. My longest road trip yet.

Gearing up for Nairobi – Jo-Burg. Anyone??

With Love, Liz