A night on the town.

19 September 2008

The hottest day since I’ve been back.

Friday night is 'ferenji' night at the Golden Gate in Gonder. Organised by Karlijn, Miriam had convinced me that we should continue the habit. I left around 6.40 which should have got me there by 7 or just after. But strangely, a minibus came almost immediately, drove up with few stops and I found myself there with 10 minutes to spare. At the best of times, I’m not keen on being in a bar alone, but in the middle of Gonder which becomes most definitely ‘seedy’ in the evenings? I sent urgent text messages to Miriam and Mulugeta with the usual ‘network busy’ signal. However, Mulugeta did get his message and put his skates on to be there as quickly as possible.

The Golden Gate is a pleasant enough bar and eaterie for young people but a bit ‘loud’ for my liking. I prefer to be able to converse over a meal. But a pleasant enough evening all around was about to come to an abrupt end with the appearance of the bill. Now the dilemma, if I go now then there will be no Tilahun to meet me at the roadside and I’ll have to walk down the dark lane alone. So, I convinced my dining partners that it was essential to have another beer.

Leaving the bar at 8.50, I noticed there was a mini bus still running. I climbed in, very happy that I was about to save myself 24 birr. When I first got on, there were about 6 passengers plus the driver and fare collector. The buses are designed to take 11 passengers. We waited, more people got on, we waited and still the bus was taking on more passengers. Eventually the last mini bus out of Gonder left with in excess of 20 people aboard. Three in seats for two and then some on laps – fortunately not mine!