Djibouti is just about the most unpleasant country I've been to which is a shame because it has just about the coolest name. First I tried to go there by sea. But the boat kept not going. So I flew. When I got there I went with a couple other travelers to look for a money exchange and we left our bags in the car of an American working for the US embassy. While we were away it was broken into and for the first time in many years I had things stolen. Fortunately I keep my camera and passport on my person almost constantly while traveling or it could have been a big problem. Djibouti is quite French and quite Arabic. The worst of both worlds really. It is a poor place with French and American military bases. Poverty and military folks, not such a nice mix. It is really expensive, really hot, full of bars and beggers and people trying out a scam. After a day I gave up and flew to Kenya. So Djibouti defeated me, and so much as I REALLY didn't like it, this makes me really want to go back. I was in Djibouti in May 2008.

Map of Djibouti

Near the center of Djibouti. May 2008.

More Djibouti. May 2008.

Rue de Paris. May 2008.

More Djibouti. May 2008.

Some old payphones. May 2008.

Passport Stamps

|back to travels |