Travel

Simien Mountains

20-21 January 2018

Sunset in the Simiens

An arduous climb out of Gondar has brought me to the massive Simien Mountains. According to Google Maps, which tells me what my stomach already knows, I have ascended up 7450’ just to descend down 3,668, up again and down again and around and around to reach my 10,735’ mountaintop lodge. The sunset which welcomes me has made the drive worth it.

I awake to the brisk chill of the Simiens. I am eager, but winded at this altitude, to explore this spectacular landscape; its mountainous passes and rugged beauty has earned Simien Mountains National Park the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Bahir Dar and the Blue Nile

17 January 2018

Distances in Ethiopia are deceiving. This is a land of spectacular but rugged landscape, much of which looks like the Grand Canyon on steroids. The reports say there are over 20k miles of roads. However, that doesn’t mean they are all paved, lit, dual lane, wide enough for trucks and buses to pass, nor that drivers or animals follow any rules. Cows and goats have the right of way and they just don’t care that I may be in a hurry. One travel site warned about the presence of land mines on some of the more isolated roads. Ethiopia’s roads have never been easy, something the Italians found out when they thought they could easily conquer these noble people using roads better suited for donkeys than tanks, when it took days to go a few score of miles.

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By Pat, ago

Arriving in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

14 January 2018

Lion Monument

Lion Monument

Ethiopia uses a 13-month calendar, with twelve 30-day months and a 13th leap month of five or six days. And instead of using standard international time, which would put it in the same time zone as Moscow, it works on a 12-hour clock determined by sunrise and sunset.

After about 36 hours travel time, my personal clock is ticking on Holy Cow time. It is not easy getting to Africa. I have attempted easing my pain with a few strategies learned from 45 years of flying. I ignore other’s advice and drink alcohol. I take my body’s advice and fly Business Class. Logic advises me to get a day room for my 10-hour layover. I have read to take care with Ethiopian time because what I would call 7 a.m. is simply called “1 o’clock” in Ethiopian time. Well, I try to tell myself it is “1 o’clock”  but my body knows I’m lying. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Douro River and the Wonderful World of Port

28 October 2017

One does not need to cruise the Douro River Valley for Port because most all wine houses can be found along the Cais de Gaia. However, river cruises up the Douro, though what is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, is a pleasant and tasty way to pass a few days. So much wine – so little time! (more…)

By Pat, ago