Wonderful! I think you described the country just as it is. I am from Addis - born and raised- moved to Chicago 10 years ago. I know what kind of country Ethiopia is. You did a wonderful job describing the country. I admit I would rather not tell some of the things about Ethiopia - they're not nice. But it is what it is. So, good job on giving a discription that is unbiased, well rounded and filled with extraordinary details.
food for thought Hello, I'm a random person who just read your blog, and what a beautiful blog it is! I think you write very well and your photos are stunning. However, the reason I'm writing is because I feel compelled to disagree with your comment about people complaining about their impoverished lives in Africa and you compared their lives to similar homeless people in England. Having lived in Tanzania I know they don't recognise poverty in the Western world, but at the same time I have witnessed just how corrupt their government is, and whilst we have poverty issues in England, it really is on a completely different level. At the end of the day, the majority of people in England have the opportunity or choice to seek free education, welfare benefits and support. In Tanzania, the masses suffer hugely and there really is little way out for them. The most conscientious, fair minded peron could visibly drown in this country and I think we should never underestimate how much they suffer! xxx
hi i guess you guys did a god job by i some how felt that you some how misrepredented the country in some way all the picures you have of our contry is the poor side how come you dont have any of the nice views from the city side?? do you mean all the homes are located in the bush and all people live in small huts?
Thanks I enjoyed the whole trip and lived vicairiously(sp) also sent it on to friend leaving for Africa this month... thank you thank you... Peggy Stevens
Just returned from Malawi Africa last week, please keep writting about your trip as I miss Africa already and I would love to live through your travels. Have fun!!!
Great Blog Absolutely wonderful blog. I am just finishing university and planning a trip to East Africa for next year and stumbled upon your adventure. Very inspiring! Thank you for your journal. I hope that my adventure will be even half as marvelous as yours.
Thanks for the adventure I liked the last post highlighting the best, worst and etc. It was enjoyable traveling along with you two and will miss your posts. If you get a chance please visit us in Kauai on your way home. Aloha, Uncle John!
Hi Jenny and Randy,
We just checked in tonight, the first time since the Christmas holidays. We had no idea you were endng your trip. What a wnderful blog you have provides all of us to read about your trip. Thank you for sharing. Much love to you both. Pat and Gary Coad.
An amazing adventure Wow, I can't belive it is over already. 6 months just flies by. It seems like only yesterday that I was laughing with Randy, saying "Yeah, go ahead dude, quit your job and go to Africa for 6 months!", thinking he was only joking! So have you started planning your next worldly adventure, or is attempting to integrate back into the American business culture your next challenge?
I miss you guys I'll miss the Train! It makes me so happy! I even send links to my mom! I've so enjoyed all the stories and pictures. Jenny and Randy, you are wonderful. xoxo
back to the real world now? I've enjoyed following your travels and have been inspired to see more on my next trip to east Africa and the Middle East. Are you really ready to get back into the non travelling world? And a great final summary; look forward to a blog from home. 'Hitting real life' As I have only one month left I might be referring to you for some tips!
Hello hello train! Wow, that's it?! Well, it has been quite an experience for us subscribers to your blog too! Whether or not at work or at home - between those busy, work filled days - once in a while, but seemingly quite often, we get this message while checking our e-mail:
TravelBlog Update: Jenny and Randy, Goodbye Hellotrain
(how's this for a run-on sentence)
and I click on it and get taken away, for a bit. Sometimes I read all about what an interesting week it has been, and think "Wow that's so cool." Sometimes, and maybe a little more often, I just look at the pictures and think "Wow, that's so cool...I gotta read this later."
Your stories have been so well written...thanks for letting us share it with you a teenie-tiny bit.
You guys spent $5000 in six months traveling in (nine?) countries - I spent more than that and pretty much stayed in my room; which in itself is a pretty small.
Well thanks again for all your adventures, but Kenya can't have you; we want you guys back! And we're glad to finally get to see you so you can tell us your stories in person - although Randy might be extending his trip for a little while longer, so I might have to wait :(
Anyway, I guess it's a "goodbye Hellotrain" and a "hello Randy and Jenny" - Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Sad to see this come to an end! Jenny and Randy, We enjoyed reading about your adventures immensely! You made us feel as if we were with you throughout this whole time! I was always looking forward to your next blog and it's in a way sad to see your journey come to an end! On the other hand, it's exciting to see you guys again in person! Have a safe trip back home! And THANK YOU for your wonderful blog!
We enjoyed it!!! Dear Randy and Jenny,
Thank you for sharing. We always looked forward to hearing from you and are sorry it is ending. You've had a trip of a lifetime, one you will always remember.
We wish you both good luck in the future.
Have a nice life!
Joan and Art
hasta la proxima... Looking forward to notification of the next blog! From time to time I go back and read all the journals. What an awesome adventure, beautifully described and photographed, by two of my favorite human beings. It would be a shame if there weren't future travels for you to share with each other and the rest of your fans!
Wow! You know, you two are having a lifetime experience that many of us dream about. Good for you!
My heart goes out to many of these people, especially the children.
Thanks again for sharing.
Joan Guillet
Just when it felt like everyone was getting married and buying a house, we quit our jobs, bought one-way tickets to Africa, and squeezed our lives into the smallest packs known to any Army surplus store. Friends and family offer predictions from "the best time of your lives" to "the beginning of your rapid descent into poverty." Lucky for us, they're not mutually exclusive.
And so, armed only with humility, humor, and a big can of DEET, we're off to the land of goatmilk and honeywine. We hope to meet some friendly faces, learn about the *other* Africa beyond the headlines, and fumble our wa... full info
Karin, Tay's mom in San Diego
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HIP HIP HOORAY!!!
Jenny and Randy are blogging again!!! I've missed your words and photographs! Have a wonderful time as your travels continue...