Ethiopia

[Matt2matt2002]

Also today met a Danish guy on his way to S Africa.

[John Saxby]

Great tales, Matt!  Keep an eye on your upper respiratory system -- several of my wife's colleagues, based in Addis, found in recent years that they and some of their family members contracted serious u-r infections.  Seems the problem in Addis was rooted in the high animal population in the city which led to high levels of fecal particulates in the air. (A change from airborne lead, it's true, but maybe not much of an improvement.) Should be less of a problem in the rural areas.

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks John.
Yes indeed, the air pollution is bad in Addis from traffic.
Outside there are less cars and lorries but I still take a deep breath before they pass me.
Interesting about the animal matter. I didn't see many within the city but then sometimes it's what you don't see........!

While on this subject, there appears less rubbish around than I would expect. There are lady manual road sweepers in the city and certainly rubbish dumps. Passing one made me gag! Outside, well, stuff just gets thrown anywhere.
Such a shame. But at least it's not burnt roadside. I saw that in Sri Lanka. Heaven only knows what toxins were released then.

[Matt2matt2002]

A little known fact about the Ravens is that they make great drying racks for damp washing.
As can be seen here from by Ethiopian guesthouse room.

[Matt2matt2002]

Back home safe after an enjoyable 4 weeks in Ethiopia.
Great scenery and friendly folk.
Many times food or coffee would be paid for and plenty of encouragement as I cycled up the many hills.
Most of Ethiopia is twice the height of Ben Nevis.
Addis Ababa is the world's third highest capital.
Road surfaces generally good but driving standards and vehicle polution very bad.

A few instances of young folk trying to be clever but not enough to annoy me long term. Usually boys aged around 12 years old so easy to spot them ahead.

Very cheap to eat and accommodation was rarely more than £7 a night.
I used guesthouses and never had to book in advance.
No tummy bugs, ate healthy and little meat since it was Lent.
Beer, less than 50p/pint.

I'm in the middle of a blog on crazy guy if interested in day to day progress.
Plus maps and pictures.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Ethiopia2018
 

[jags]

Well done matt epic tour.

anto.

[Matt2matt2002]

Just finished my blog on Crazy guy.
Some nice pictures on the penultimate page.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Ethiopia2018

[Danneaux]

What a wonderful tour, ride report, and photos, Matt!

All the best,

Dan.

[jags]

brilliant photos Matt,would you go back?

btw u were getting very fond of the local beer for a fella that doesnt drink

anto

[Matt2matt2002]

brilliant photos Matt,would you go back?

btw u were getting very fond of the local beer for a fella that doesnt drink

anto

Yes, Anto, I would go back. Plenty there to like. Had a bit of an edge to it but never felt unsafe and plenty of friendly folk.

Beer? Well I like to support the local economy..
But in that heat I had to moderate my consumption....

[jags]

Hard to top that tour Matt are you gathering up brownie points with the boss for the next trip
i'm not a drinker meself ,imagine an Irish and Scottish  guys that don't drink who would believe it  ..

anto.