Ethiopia, through the valleys, highlands and arid landscapes of Afar country:
Ethiopians walk a lot ! Perhaps less for pleasure than for constraint. In the countryside, women and children can walk until 6am to find water. Wherever I went, I met pastors, farmers, women’s groups or children on the side of the road. Walking is part of the landscape, and the way of life.
I would quote a quotation from Albert London, in “Terre d’Ébène, Aléa-poche p28:
“Where are they always going?” Far, far away. “A week-long trip is only a very ordinary affair for them.
They walk as we breathe.
The men walk, the women walk, the children walk with one courageous leg, one heart without a hitch. All Africa is walking at dawn … “
