Seven weeks after leaving Chad I was back in Africa again, spending a week in Djibouti. Last time I visited Djibouti was in 2011 and the highlight of the trip was snorkeling with whale sharks in northern Djibouti. This time in Djibouti it was all work.
I noticed a number of positive changes in the city such as the addition of solar powered traffic lights and more paved roads. For the most part the people seemed to obey the traffic lights and police and/or gendarmes were around to enforce the rules.
Some things haven't changed, like getting haircuts by the canal or khat stands throughout the city and in every village in the countryside.
I spent some time visiting projects in the hills outside Djibouti where huge hills and ravines were covered with black volcanic rocks the size of bowling balls.
The port facilities continue to improve, I just wish I had more time to spend at the beach (or with whale sharks!).
I was glad I had an interpreter with me for this trip as very few of the Djiboutians that I met with spoke in pure French. Most spoke in Somali or in a Somali-French hybrid. However, the people that spoke English only wanted to practice their English.
I'm looking forward to visiting again soon!
After visiting your blog I get to know about the Djibouti. As you mentioned there there are a sudden changes occurred and I have a great wish to visit this city. Now, I am going to enjoy the boston to dc bus tours next week with my friends. After its completion I will definitely take the Djibouti as my next tour.
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