When I think of Somalia...the first image that comes to mind is the movie image of Tom Hanks and the Somalian pirate in Captain Phillips...
"I am de Captain, now."
This isn't far from the truth.
Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries in Africa. Most of this is because of its ongoing upheaval...chaos and multiple civil wars.
Surprisingly, it remains one of Africa's most ethnically homogeneous countries. 85% of everyone here is ethnic Somali. The languages here are Somali and Arabic.
Most of the people are Muslim and the majority of them are Sunni.
Homosexuality here is illegal...no same-sex marriages...and punished by death.
The country has been engaged in one form of war or another since 1969.
All you really need to know about this is that often the factions bomb their own country and people.
Like I stressed
NOT A TOURIST DESTINATION
despite having the longest coastline of any country in Africa (2,071 miles).
Fishing is a mainstay here.
So is piracy.
They preferred to be called badaadinta badah, or saviours of the sea...as opposed to burcad badeed...which loosely translated is "ocean robber".
They are made up of fishermen and disgruntled militia.
The REAL pirates of the Carribean.
The constant upheaval and warring has led to crushing poverty for most of its 15 million people.
It is very warm here year around from 85 degrees to 104 degrees.
(currently 89 and rainy)
One of the sites they tout for tourism are the Laas Geel Caves.
Known for their vast and varied prehistoric rock art.
Tour
https://youtu.be/sYtX--9Ooc4
Note to reach the caves you must hire an armed guide.
The US Government advises against going to these caves or this country.
Along with Africa's big five mammals...we are now treated to the sight of dromedary camels.
Beware...that glass of milk for your morning Wheaties might taste a bit differently here.
It is probably camel milk.
Camel breeding and herding here is a big business. They provide transportation...meat and milk.
This concludes our short (but much safer) tour of Somalia.
Next up: Rwanda
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