February
1927
There were still a few days left before reaching Eritrea. Fields had disappeared. The area had become more sparsely populated and increasingly more beautiful. Ahead a panorama of a picturesque valley opened up. In hollows and along deep ravines there were groves of wild palms (Phoenix abyssinica), a relative of the date palm (P. dactylifera). [1] The slender trunks were adorned with bright crowns of pinnate leaves. Below them there was a dense undergrowth of grasses. It was difficult to imagine a more comfortable place to stay overnight. But it was almost completely uninhabited and it was only with great difficulty that we obtained a bag of durra (Sorghum) for the mules.
In the morning there was bad luck again. Owing to the abrupt shift to abundant fodder after a rather long fast, the stomachs of the mules had become distended and presented a rather typical picture of tympanitis. [2] Two mules had died. Toward evening four more were lost. In order not to lose the valuable load, the entire caravan, starting with its commander, had to proceed on foot while the remaining living mules were loaded to their limit. Afoot for 3 days we finally reached Admure, a small town close to the border of Eritrea, where there is an Italian consulate. [3] All the difficulties were behind us. Here it was possible to obtain if not mules, then at least horses and fodder. And it was possible to rest and put the caravan back in order.
Signor Polera, who at this time carried out the responsibilities of a consul, turned out to be a hospitable and cultivated person, the author of a large book devoted to the women of Abyssinia. [4] Apparently, to a considerable extent the book owed its existence to his Abyssinian wife. A second book, also a large volume, was presented to me. It was devoted to the Church in Abyssinia.
Notes:
- Now classified as P. reclinata, its leaves are apparently woven into mats that are ubiquitous in Ethiopia. [↩]
- More on this later. [↩]
- I have been unable to locate this, despite having the massive powers of the internet at my disposal. Hence no map location, yet. Any ideas? [↩]
- Alberto Pollera, author of La Donna in Etiopia. [↩]
