The Danakil people who lived in the eastern part of Ethiopia, were a nomadic tribe who travelled from oasis to oasis to find water to drink. Legend has it that a man had to kill another man before he could be considered a member of the tribe and legend has it, that he would carry the slain man’s testicles round his neck. I do remember seeing some of this tribe when we were in that area but because we were *ferenges* which means foreigners we were left to our own devices.
I can remember some missionaries who worked there who were all female.
My parents admired their bravery and would offer them a holiday at Mulu on the farm.
I cannot remember how successful they were in converting them to Christianity, but they did a lot in caring for their health.
I can remember going for rides with them on the farm at Mulu.
I can also remember Enid seeing a road sign of cows at the edge of the road and exclaiming “can you buy milk here?” and my having to explain to her that it just meant cattle might be on the road.
Their mission was called The Red Sea Mission and as a child, I thought that there must really be a sea-coloured Red.
In fact, at certain times of the year, the seaweed would go red which is when it was called the RED SEA
We would see lots of camels there as they can go for long periods without having to find water to drink.
Wilfred Thesiger (an old friend of ours) once crossed the Empty Quarter and he travelled from oasis to oasis and has written about it.
He greatly admired their strength and resilience.