My (Ad) Addis

Greetings all. This post has to be short, as I need to get back to camp to get ready for tomorrow's ride. I'm in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and the newly designated capital of Africa. The Ethiopian terrain and kids have taken there toll on the riders. We have had two rest days in Addis. And we have done just that: rested!!! Today, I went to the Sheridan to have my first taste of western living since I left. Simply decadent. Pool loungiung and buffet eating. I 'm currently typing from the Sheraton Business Center that charges 20x the price as local cafés, but the connection is pretty quick. CNN is playing in the background.

Four days ago we cycled down the Blue Nile River Gorge (think: Africa Grand Canyon), and then cycled back up. I'll try and get pics to bonz and have him upload to the sight. It is difficult to describe, and frankly the pics do not do it justice. I'm sometimes frustrated by trying to explain this experience because I never feel like I can do it adequately.

Thanks to all who have donated so far, but w e need to raise more money. Please donate, and I'll keep riding. www.gogoswami.com.

We have about 10 more riding days in Ethiopia, then we will take a bus back to Addis and fly to various places for two weeks and then reconvene at the Tanzanian side of the Tanzanian-Kenyan Border. During those two weeks I plan on climbing Mt. Kili and doing a short safari (all plans subject to change).

I hope all is well with all of you.

-over for now, Goose