We arrived in Bahir Dar around 4:30pm on Friday after 5 1/2 hour drive. The first 3 1/2 hours are challenging: hot, dusty and bumpy. We had 2 extra passengers along (Askale and her son) who we picked up in Dibate. They were hoping to catch a bus to Bahir Dar for Askale's husband's graduation but they were still waiting at 11am when we passed by them......so they squished in with us.
When we reached the town of Injebara, the dirt road turns to smooth asphalt and our speed increased from 35km/hr to 110km/hr (slowing down in towns and for the occasional herd of animals). Everyone's spirits improved. We parked at Walmart (see picture) and met the Coleman's at the Papyrus hotel (next door) for supper.
Hotels are a lot pricier in Bahir Dar since it is one of the few tourist locations in Ethiopia. The papyrus (which has an outdoor unheated swimming pool) charges 700Eb/room ($50) but the Colemans were happy to host us. We have found Bahir Dar to be a quiet, clean and friendly city. They are used to tourists but have a small town feel. We look forward to coming here in the future.
When we reached the town of Injebara, the dirt road turns to smooth asphalt and our speed increased from 35km/hr to 110km/hr (slowing down in towns and for the occasional herd of animals). Everyone's spirits improved. We parked at Walmart (see picture) and met the Coleman's at the Papyrus hotel (next door) for supper.
