Somalia
Jewel on Africa’s Coastline – Somalia
A fusion of ethnicities and traditions such as Ethiopian, Yemeni, Persian, Indian, Turkish and Italian influences make Somalia a cultural travel destination of note.
http://www.minahalal.com/recipe/maraq-somali-chicken-stew/ – Image 01 (Maraq)
Canjeero is the flat bread of the nation, a spongey dough that is eaten with many meals in Somalia. Light meals are pasta dishes, referred to by Somalians as baasto. Spiced with cumin, clove and a handful of herbs – this is served with hearty stew ladled over the top. Quite different from a pasta in Italy. Camel and beef maraq’s (stew) are popular among locals and are often eaten with sabaayad (like a chapatti). Taste Somalian cuisine at The Village Restaurant in central Mogadishu. Using fresh locally sourced produce, the dishes here have a real flair to it and Somalian authenticity. Indulge in a stuffed sambuusa, the Somalian version of a samosa. Often stuffed with fish or minced meat, freshly fried sambuusa’s can be found on many street corners.
http://tours42plus.com/blogs/anilyn/countries-of-africa/179/somalia – Image 02 (Somalian women)
Somalia is a pre-dominantly Muslim country, which is why dress is generally conservative. While cities are filled with locals dressed in Western wear, Muslim women do still wear hijabs or veils, referred to as a shash in Somalia. And though traditional dress is more common in rural areas, it is still worn for special occasions or religious functions. Somalian men wear an ankle-length robe called a khameez, with an embroidered cap called koofiyad. Somalian women wear guntino, a long rectangular cloth that is draped around the waist and taken to the shoulder. Women also wear intricate, elaborate diracs (long dress) for special occasions. Try some on for size in Bakaara Market, famous for selling almost everything. Pearls to fabric, you will many souvenirs to take back with you home.
http://ashuriye.blogspot.co.za/2012/11/mogadishu.html – Image 03 (Lido Beach)
Visit the Lido beach near Mogadishu, it’s a stark contrast from the dusty towns of the city. Warm clear waters await you. Lido Beach is the perfect day out to spend under the African sun. You will find many vendors selling you cool drinks and hot sambussa’s as you laze away. As it is a Muslim country, Sharia Law is prevalent – so women will need to swim fully clothed. As the sun dips beyond the horizon and the temperature cools down, take a taxi to Mogadishu Cathedral located in the city centre. Although permanently closed, it stands as an important relic of Roman Catholic history in Africa.
http://en.wikigogo.org/en/52616/ – Image 04 (Mogadishu Cathedral)
Primarily desert, high temperatures and sandstorms – Somalia is a country that can only be appreciated by those willing to brave the climatic conditions. It’s a country where wildlife roams free, a beautiful meeting of nature and cheerful people.
