Wed 18th: Left the tented camp at Turmi and drove to an Abore village. Went with James into a house with a 'conservatory' at the front and sleeping quarters behind. Took photos of boys with white spotted body paint, mainly on their faces. Had a drink at a café further on, then arrived at Karot-Konso and checked into the rough hotel we had visited on the way down. Had lunch, then drove to a Konso village which was teeming with children who made it very difficult for us to see the village. It was very frustrating. Eventually I found a 'guide' who helped fight off the other kids and told me a bit about the village, for a small fee.
Too many kids at the Konso village
View from the Konso village
We then went to see the 'wagas' which are totems placed on the graves of notable people. We saw those of the king's parents and grandparents which were in the middle of a forest. We walked back to the palace and met the King of the Konso himself. He told us about the mummification of his ancestors and their tribal traditions, standing in his compound surrounded by chickens and children. Had dinner at the hotel, prepared by our own cook.
