Before leaving

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." - Mark Twain

One week in a country that doesn't exist. And it has been good. It still feels a bit strange travelling in a country this peaceful right beside one of the most dangerous countries in the world. But it has been a pleasure. I guess Mark Twain was correct. Whatever prejudices I held before going here, they are thorougly gone.

I have met nice people. Hospitable people. Helpful people. And even though this country may not have be the perfect place for tourists, I still enjoyed it. Good food. There are some sites that can attract tourists. So I guess that the only thing holding people back, is the fact that everybody (including me a couple of years ago) thinks this is Somalia. And thus, nobody with any semplance of sanity would go there on vacation.

But this is what I love about exploring new countries. Being surprised. Seeing prejudices disappear. Learning to know new cultures, new tastes. Seeing new lands. Exploring. And it is my sincere wish that more people will do this. If they are able. Go outside of your comfort zone. Take the chance. The reward certainly is worth it.

Only traffic light in Hargeisa. And they respected it!

This sure gives a new meaning to "public office"

Local water truck

Leaving Hargeisa

Ragnar

Traveller