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Backpacking in Sudan
When I tell my friends I went backpacking in Sudan, the response I usually get is, “Sudan? Why?” Like most people, I had limited knowledge of Sudan; my image was entirely shaped by the mass media. When I envisioned Sudan, I thought about rebels on the back of pick up trucks riding with long rifles, and hungry children roaming the streets. My experience was far from that, in fact, it was the opposite. When I arrived in Khartoum it was probably the most peaceful city I ever set foot in. Wherever I went, I was greeted with the Arabic words “As-salām ‘alaykum.” I truly felt at home in this foreign…
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5 Reasons You Should Backpack Ethiopia
Little is known about Ethiopia despite being the origin of mankind and one of Africa’s oldest empires. For many, Ethiopia invokes images of crying hungry babies with swollen bellies shackled in huts. For others, Ethiopia is a proud symbol of defiance being one of the few nations to resist full on colonization by any European power. However you may look at Ethiopia, it is perhaps one of the most fascinating countries you can visit in my opinion. Here are 5 reasons you should visit Ethiopia. 1. Food Ethiopian food is delicious and distinct from anything you’ve probably ever had. Injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread made from teff flour, is the fundamental…
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Discount on Domestic Flights in Ethiopia
If you fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines, you’re in luck. You’ll be eligible for a discount on domestic flights in Ethiopia. All you have to do is bring a copy of your ticket and you’ll be issued the local price. Some travelers like to have all their flights booked ahead of time, which is understandable, but by doing so, you’ll pay almost THREE times the regular price. If you don’t fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian airlines then you’ll have no choice but to pay the highest price for domestic flights, all more of an incentive to fly with Ethiopian Airlines. If you’re flying into Ethiopia, it is likely you’ll…
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Visiting Blue Nile Falls in Ethiopia
I had visited Bahir Dar for the sole purpose of seeing Blue Nile Falls and though the water levels were low in December, it was an extremely pleasant place to visit. After a morning trip to the monasteries in Bahir Dar, I arranged for transportation to Blue Nile Falls in the afternoon. This can be done from your hotel or from any tour agency in the city, which is fairly cheap too. Getting There.. From Bahir Dar, it took about an hour, but it seemed like an eternity. There were about 8 of us tightly squeezed in one van. We spent the bulk of the ride riding on dirt roads,…
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Backpacking in Lalibela, Ethiopia
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be backpacking in Lalibela, Ethiopia and celebrating the New Year in a random village there. Up until that day, I had spent each New Year with friends and family, but this New Year’s was different. I woke up early on New Year’s Eve, I had seen everything I wanted to see in Lalibela, so I wanted to spend this day relaxing. I walked down the street from my hostel searching for an authentic Ethiopian breakfast and I found a small, but crowded place filled with locals. After checking out the menu I decided to enter. As I took my seat,…
