Nearly half-way done

So far on our journey we have visited 17 countries over 172 days and have taken approximately 11,000 photos (now who wants to see our slide show when we get back!). We have 188 days to go and several more countries to visit.

We would like to say thanks to everyone who has been following along and all the nice comments we've received. We're actually quite surprised at the number of people who are actually reading this thing.

Some of the highlights of our trip are:
1. The Sahara desert drive through Mauritania
2. The White Desert in Egypt
3. The Semien Mountains of Ethiopia
4. The beaches of West Africa
5. Taking photos at night in Luxor

For those that are wondering, even though we look relaxed and refreshed we still do get home-sick every once in a while. The top 5 things we miss the most (other than family and friends):
1. Furball
2. Alberta Beef
3. Starbucks (Kathie)
4. NHL Hockey (Jordan)
5. Wings at the Regal Beagal

Some of the things we've learned:
1. Underwear doesn't take up much space - bring lots!
2. Safari hat is fun and practical, but a baseball cap would have been nice...
3. Running water (hot water is something different all together) and flushing toilets are a luxury and should be treated as such.
4. 24-page passports don't get you very far in Africa. From now on it will be 48 or nothing!
5. Top-loading backpacks are great for durability and security, but suck for convenience. No matter how careful you pack, the things you need urgently are always at the bottom!

That said, here are a few more photos from the drive through Ethiopia. We are still amazed at how much more we have to look forward to. In one sense our trip is half-over, but in so many ways it's still just beginning!

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