A Very Somali Christmas

If you've followed this page for any length of time, it should be obvious that we're not one to traffic in exaggeration or hyperbole, so when we say that our very Somali Christmas of 2010 was the absolute gold standard of all Christmases (past, present and future - including the original Bethlehem one), we sincerely mean it….

Camels? Loads of em, both on and off the plate. Other exotic animals? Check. Machine guns? Huge ones. Photo op on a graffitied tank? Yippie Ki Yay! Private tour of the world's most impressive cave paintings? Of course! $1 fish dinner in a town known exclusively for its pirates? Bon appétit! Legally required armed security guard high af after chewing qat the entire day? God bless you Che - hope you're well! A second photo op on a graffitied tank on the way home, this time while holding machine guns? How else would you end Christmas day in Somalia…..

If anyone was curious, this is what a roasted camel steak looks like. It's something like fatty pork, but definitely tasted better than it looked. The owner suggested I stop by again to try it boiled, which is apparently the more traditional method of preparation.

[NB: Despite being the more traditional method of preparation, I did indeed return a few days later to try boiled camel, and it's disgusting, and I'm afraid I can't recommend it....]

This guy and some of its friends were hanging out at the restaurant that serves camel - I'm not sure what they're called, but I'm looking forward to eating it sometime next week.

Had to stop by the bank before leaving town, just to make sure we had enough cash for the day....

Che (on the left) is already super high, and it seems we're lost, since that's clearly not a road in front of us....

So this is Laas Geel, which is in the middle of nowhere Somalia, and home to some of the most impressive cave paintings anywhere on the planet. Approximately 400 people visit them per year (according to their guestbook back in 2010). A highly recommended add to your Bucket Lists....

More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laas_Geel

More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laas_Geel

More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laas_Geel

The main motorway between Hargeisa and Berbera....

What a $1 fish dinner in Berbera, Somalia looks like. Not pictured: the side of spaghetti that came with it. Great value!

Our trusty metal steed, enjoying the majestic sunset....

The main motorway between Hargeisa and Berbera, on the way home....

Fun story, this was literally the very first photo our (now ex) long-term partner's mother ever saw of us, and her reply was "He looks like a very nice boy". What a lovely woman....