Impressions of Djibouti: Day 2

Saturday was my only full day in Djibouti. My main activity was a long run around the city in the morning. It was around 40C in the afternoon, so I spent time in the comfort of the hotel and went out for dinner in the evening. I love running around new cities. In some cities people seem surprised to see white guys running in the streets, but Djibouit has a long history of foreign soldiers being based here. Apparently many people thought I was just a soldier out for some exercise. I was able to see a lot of the city, though, including some funny backstreets. If you click on the map below, it will take you to the RunKeeper website and you can see exactly where I ran and where I took the photos.


Almost everything that is imported into Ethiopia comes through the Port of Djibouti.	Random abandoned boat on the left.	National stadium looks impressive.

Another garbage dump?	Seriously?	I think this place might be more lively on a weekday.

This mini bus died in the middle of the road and looked like it has been there for a while. Nobody inside. Not moving.	Djiboutian miliary base in the middle of the city reminding us that liberty costs blood.	A little amusement park in the middle of the city. Since it was closed on a Saturday, I guess it went out of business.

Makeshift shelters on the other side of the stadium.	Bus stop closer to the center of town.	One of the main business centers.

Just liked the name...	A backstreet in the center of town.	Private school for French and English. I could see young girls inside with their hardscarves bowed over some books, but didn't show-up in the photo.

Colorful	Nice sidestreet.	I didn't try any of the clubs. I guess there is some nightlife, partly for the foreigners.

Nice park	These rails connected to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia in 1901 and onto Addis Ababa in 1917. The train has been out of service for a while now, but Ethiopia wants to develop it again.	Someone important arriving in a caravan of black cars.

The train station.	See, it does go to Ethiopia...	Japanese Embassy

After my long run, I returned the ludicrous comfort of the Kempinsky Hotel for a giant breakfast buffet!	View from the hotel.	This restaurant is owned by a guy who married an Ethiopian and had a restaurant there too. I talked to him for a while about his businesses in these two countries.