Pole to Pole
Day 77: Shedi to Gondar

I've never risen at 5.15 with less reluctance. Splash a little bottled water on my face and tiptoe to the door, only to find it has been locked on the outside. Fortunately Basil is within shouting distance. We assemble in the pre-dawn light and recount our various experiences in this most ethnic of stopovers. Angela had an armed guard in her room, though not all night, I'm assured, and Nigel's nerves of steel were shredded when a cat jumped onto his bed in the small hours. For once Fraser seems to have found nothing in his shoe, ear or any other orifice.
We set off for Gondar before dawn. The roads are straighter and in better condition than in the Sudan, but the river-beds here are not dry and consequently must be crossed with greater care.
I travel with Graham, who fills me in with the history and politics of the country as we pass through scenery which resembles the Welsh borders. He says it's a good time to be in Ethiopia, in the euphoric aftermath of the fall of Mengistu's government and just after the rains have turned the countryside green.
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PALIN'S GUIDES
- Series: Pole to Pole
- Day: 77
- Country/sea: Ethiopia
- Place: Shedi
- Book page no: 165
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