Axum

18 May 2016

Last night the most epic war was waged. Picture this: me against an army of mosquitoes. Just as I defeated one, they sent another troop in. Over and over and over. I put up the fight of my life, but in the end their army was just too great and powerful and I had to surrender. I am swollen all over. I probably have malaria now.

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Today was a lazy day. I just wanted to wander around. It was really hot and dusty. The sun was oppressive. Everyone was pretty sedate, cowering under whatever shade they could find.

That's some serious scaffolding

With so little rain its no wonder they are constantly experiencing droughts.

I visited some more ancient ruins. This place is just one big archealogical site.

More ancient stuff - stelae, carved out of solid granite

I found a spot in the main square, under a giant fig tree. Locals were milling around. I just got stared at mostly. I've now deployed this stare right back at people when they are staring at me manouver. Not sure what message I'm trying to convey. I think it's 'you lookin' at me, punk, well are ya?' (said a la style of Dirty Harry)

Fig tree

Even the goat needs a rest

Donkey

Camel

Herding sheep

As I walked two little girls followed me. Then they started jabbing at my arm to touch my skin. Then they picked up more courage and started holding onto the straps on my rucksac. Then they got really brave and held my hands. It was actually sweet. People probably thought I was some sort of African child lover.

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In the evening I met another solo female traveller who has been backpacking across Africa for the past 10 months. We just naturally gravitated to each other, as its pretty rare in Africa.
We both had had enough of Ethiopian food so actively sought out 'western' style. In short, I'm finding it very hard to eat here to the point of eating just because I should. They tend to out their own twist on things. The Ethiopian taste in food is pretty....um....unique.