Getting around
I’m now the proud owner of a bike (pictured). OK it has two flat tyres, is a bit small for me and weighs the same as a small car (I suspect the frame is cast iron), but it came with luggage rack, lock and was free.
It had been left in the store room at another volunteers house, she’s leaving Mekelle in a few weeks and said I could take it to get fixed up.
The next couple of months are going to be a little strange as many of the people (especially the non-VSO people) I’ve made good friends with here are leaving Mekelle. I’ve been really lucky in that many of them have cars (4x4s) and have been willing to take me to visit places which would have been difficult for me to get to otherwise. So many many thanks to Corinna, Tina and Michael. Prem – I know you’re still around in Mekelle so hope I don’t put too much driving on you!
A broken push bike isn’t the greatest replacement for being driven around in a well maintained LandCruiser, but guess it’ll have to do for now!
Update (2 Feb 09): The bike is now fixed, cost me a whole 7 birr (around 50p) to have both the tyres repaired and a couple of missing bolts replaced – the avocado and mango juice I had in the cafe opposite whilst waiting cost the same!
Hey Alex,
You are to become fitter. Two wheels are better than none, even if they are flat! Hope you enjoy your rides and don’t sweat too much. Take care.