Ethiopia. What an amazing country. I've seen some amazing things and I can't believe it is one country. The north and south are so totally different. The south are so primitive and the government do nothing for them. The north is so historic and they get everything from the government and some rubbish roads.
I'm soo happy to be leaving, the kids are relentless. In the south it is "you you money" or "photo 5birr". In the north it is "hello money" and they are more persistent In the north. I had them follow me for over 1/2hr saying the same thing over and over.
I was interested in the culture and lifestyle of the tribes but a couple put me off. The Daasanesh and Mursi were so aggressive chasing the "photo 5birr". They've push and shove and jostle and poke and grab you just to get your attention. I couldn't wait to get away from them. The Nyangatom, on the other hand, were generous with their time and really made me feel welcome.
I have been lucky over the years and gone to countries out of season and got away with it, but my luck ran out. The two days way down south were hot and didn't rain, like I expected. Other than that I think it rained every day here. It really only affected me a couple of days but it just made it a bit unpleasant. I couldn't get me small dry.
Public transport is hard work. I don't think I travelled in a bus that didn't have a cracked windscreen. Every bus I travelled in I was the only white person on the bus. You have to wait for the bus to fill up before it goes. The longest I waited was 3hr. They never terminated at a bus station or landmark. They drop you off at the edge of town so you are at the mercy of the taxi mafia. Sometimes the 15min cab ride cost as much as the 9hr but trip. The distances are huge, 9-10hr bus ride is not uncommon. Not always distance, sometimes it was just time on bad roads.
Overall costs were cheap. Meals were less than $4, beer 60c,hotel room (with own bathroom) $10, bus ride $4-$10 and water 20c. I don't understand why tours are sooo expensive. All the tours I looked at would have made it easier but were crazy expensive. I guess that is why they get away with it people pay for the ease and perceived safety.
Overall I had a great time. I would have given it 8/10 but the kids bring it down to a 6. I am so glad I got to come and see it before the tribes dissapear. They will disappear, they already have mobile phones and it won't be long before they get smart phones. Technology will be the death of the tribes, I hope they can work it out before it is too late.