Ethiopia – Harar

On Jan 9 we traveled to Dire Dawa by plane. An airport scene.

From Dire Dawa we rode 43 k to Harar,  a predominantly Muslim area,   Stopping for water.

We were overwhelmed by the sights of poverty, congestion, color and animals.

View from our hotel.

When we arrived at the hotel we immediately left with another traveler to see the man who feeds the hyenas.  The man’s father became famous when a National Geographic story was written about him.  Now the son feeds the hyenas every night. He said there are over 150 that come. He kept calling them in a low throaty sound and throwing meat to them. This day there were not many as it was mating season and the dominant female was not there.

I woke up at 4:30 with a terrible itchy rash. I had been itchy for a few days but this morning the itch erupted into red bumps. I felt like I had measles or chicken pox. The night watchman at the hotel got us a tuktuk or bajaj,  as they call them and accompanied us to the hospital where I saw a doctor and got antihistamines. Our so helpful night watchman.

When I got back from the hospital I accompanied these two fellow travellers to the camel market 53 k from Harar, Richard from Worcestershire, England and Alex from Sao Paulo , Brazil.  John was sick and stayed behind..

Responsible so young for the family’s animals.

 

Men dye their hair red if they have been to Mecca or if they are planning to go.

Young men at the market.

End of the market.

Driving back to Harar.