NIVA 1600, Eritrea

Todd during his finist moment, Eritrea — April 7, 1998

We rented a car the day before my birthday and drove it out of Asmara and down the hill towards Massawa.

Todd 4-bying near L’sa, Eritrea — April 7, 1998

Photo by Todd Monge

Mystical mountains, Eritrea — April 7, 1998

Photo by Todd Monge

Terraced hills used for agriculture during the civil war with Ethiopia, Eritrea — April 7, 1998

Photo by Todd Monge

The road forever, Eritrea — April 7, 1998

Photo by Todd Monge

Our first Africa animal siting… a baboon, Eritrea — April 7, 1998

Countries visited - Africa 1998 - 1999

Our scehdule

I am not sure how it all got started. It wasn’t a magical spark of lightning that began the cataclysm, nor was it the supreme words of a higher being sending us on our way. Somehow, though, the powers of the universe contrived enabling our journey through the Heart of Africa.

It began quite innocently as an alleged trip to Bulgaria and Romania. This idea was eventually vetoed and placed “on hold” for future girlfriends. Zap—a long awaited spark was kindled—The Middle East: Yemen, in particular. And the visas were applied for, the air tickets purchased; and on a fine March 4th day we were on our way aboard a gleaming Air France 747 en route to Cairo, Egypt, via a five day layover in France.

We never did make it to Yemen, nor the Middle East for that matter; we headed South, instead, into the Heart of Africa, and what follows is the story of events as they unfold.