It’s been 5 years since my last big adventure. Before embarking on my teaching career in South East Asia I backpacked through the horn of Africa and explored the northern Somalian state of Somaliland. I learned a lot about a unique part of the world after studying about it during my degree work. On February… Continue reading
Category: Horn of Africa 2010
Happy Independence Day Somaliland! May 18
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Somaliland 20th Annivewrsary 18 May 11 Just wanted to wish a Happy Independence Day to all of my readers in Somaliland. I was fortunate enough to spend a week and a half in your country in January and felt welcome every step of the way. I know recognition from the international community… Continue reading
Joey Goes Global Makes the News!
In an exciting development a portion of my story has made it into the mainstream media in the United States. Student journalist, Alex Pena of ABCnews.com interviewed me about my travel to Somaliland. The story focuses on myself and fellow traveler Ali Caldicott who tend to travel to places not quite on the tourist map.… Continue reading
Scratched the Syria Plan for Today
Normally I wouldn’t update this briefly but after posting about going to Damascus and the plan changing, I figured I’d let my readers know that plan was cancelled. I may still try it but I’m going to hang out in Lebanon a little bit longer. Going to go north to Byblos tomorrow and then back… Continue reading
Are you a Muslim or Christian?
Islam permeates through every aspect of life in Somaliland. It is the first Muslim country I’ve been to where I’ve felt a real sense that the people believe deeply and that their belief is embedded so deeply that it seems unfathomable to entertain the idea of not being Muslim. There is the normal prayer five… Continue reading
You’re always fine in Berbera
“Berbera, it is a tough town,” our driver said as we approached the city. Ed, the other American and I hired a driver and a soldier to escort us on the four hour journey north to the Gulf of Aden town of Berbera. Once the capital of Somaliland; Berbera is now an important port not… Continue reading
Photos are being posted to my “Joey Goes Global” Facebook page
If you’re reading my website and looking for my photographs, look no further! They’re all being posted to my Facebook page at Joey Goes Global. If you have a Facebook account and want to join just click “like” on the left-side of the page and you’ll have access. It is just easier to do it… Continue reading
Today Was Camel Day
I am not a foodie when I travel. I have long since given up the idea that I might be. I’d much rather seek out the local variation on pizza than to continue eating something that I just don’t find pleasant to my taste buds. This doesn’t mean that I won’t try things at least… Continue reading
Where are all the tourists?
Alone in Hargeisa I was aware before arriving in Somaliland that I was going to a place that was not entirely on the backpacker’s map yet. There are no official guidebooks for the region however the Lonely Planet for Ethiopia has a small section for travelers adventurous enough to make the journey. The fact that… Continue reading
From Harar to Hargeisa: The Border Crossing
Border crossings are often the most exciting parts of travel. Flying into a new country takes away the transitional phase of leaving one place behind and being welcomed by another. Border crossings are generally where one must be at their most vigilant and aware. Since very few major cities lie on the borders between African… Continue reading