Djibouti

 

I was in Djibouti last week. Before I left, all I knew about Djibouti involved desert, sand, and the French Foreign Legion. Their infamous 13th Demi-Brigade was here. And of course the desperates - those who have so little they try to escape to Yemen. Imagine just how bad it must be if Yemen is the promised land.

Now I know a bit more. The rulers of Dubai have built a Kempinski on the beach to protect you from the harshness of reality. But it doesn't work cos the hotel is full of troops. The Kempinski troops were from Spain and Japan and Germany. And America. Not the Foreign Legion of course. They actually like living out in the desert.

There's a new container harbour - also built by the men from Dubai. And a brand new road to Ethiopia.

The architecture in the old town square is Arabian Nights meets French Colonial. They're worn and old and faded - but shit you could fix one up and turn it into a stunning boutique hotel. Or a bordello.

But it won't work. No one goes there unless they have to. Except the Foreign Legion of course. They actually like living out in the desert.