Monday, July 18, 2011

Harar and Jijiga

Finally, I am ready to start writing here!

For the past two weeks I was in the Somali region of Ethiopia, on the border with Somalia. It was a crazy and fun experience. Pru (my roommate/co-worker/friend) and I were charged with the task of helping a bunch of rowdy Somali men create a reports-based monitoring system for the Pastoralists Livelihoods Initiative. We also went to a city called Harar for the weekend, so here are a few photos from the two weeks.

Visit to Harar:
Shalom Bakery in Harar! (I think they just chose it as the name)



The hyena man is one of the most famous parts of Harar. Apparently for several generations this family has "tamed" these wild hyenas. The guy getting jumped on was our guide for the day.



A "traditional" Harari house

It's a tomb!

We were welcomed into a pre-wedding ceremony. These were the old ladies watching the dancing.



Rastafari's House (apparently)

Some guys chewing chat, the very popular Somali/Ethiopian leaf that gets you high.


Coffee bean husks. They make tea from it.


Visit to Sheder refugee camp:

These are doors they are putting on houses to make them more secure and protect families from gender-based-violence and theft


I love this! An IRC donkey!

Typical house in the camp


SO big!


Here's me with a camel. He is carrying somebody's house on his back. Yes, I did eat camel, but not this one. :)

Feel free to leave comments and questions!