When you travel overland through the Horn of Africa, the most profound moments rarely happen where you planned them. They find you in the dust of a roadside pitstop, long after you’ve left the official itinerary behind. On my journey through Somaliland for Frog on the Border, I had traveled by truck from Djibouti to… Continue reading A Spiritual Detour in the Dilla Valley, Somaliland
Author: Frog on the border
A guy with a curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the places he has read about. Places of historical, cultural and political importance to me, and possibly to some other adventurers.
Meeting Lucy: A 3-Million-Year-Old Miracle in Addis Ababa
If you’ve been following my journey through Ethiopia here at Frog on the Border—from the surreal, neon landscapes of Dallol to the brutal, sun-baked salt mines of the Afar depression—you know this country is defined by raw, tectonic shifts. But back in November 2022, after leaving the wilderness behind and walking into a quiet, blue-walled… Continue reading Meeting Lucy: A 3-Million-Year-Old Miracle in Addis Ababa
Rio de Janeiro: The Candelária Massacre of the Innocent
Rio de Janeiro is a city of impossible contrasts, where the "Marvelous City" glamour often sits shoulder-to-shoulder with a complex, sometimes heavy history. Nowhere is this more palpable than at the Igreja da Candelária. To the casual observer, it is an architectural triumph. To the local, it is a site of profound remembrance. A Masterpiece… Continue reading Rio de Janeiro: The Candelária Massacre of the Innocent
The House of the Waiting Dead: Kerkhoflaan, The Hague
If you follow my travels at Frog on the Border, you know I’m a sucker for a place with a story—especially one that’s a little bit "dark academic." On a recent stroll through The Hague, I found myself at the Algemene Begraafplaats Kerkhoflaan, and let me tell you, this isn't just a cemetery; it’s a… Continue reading The House of the Waiting Dead: Kerkhoflaan, The Hague
Exploring Montreal’s Hidden History Beneath the Ice
To walk through the stone corridors of Old Montreal in the depths of January is to engage in a form of urban archaeology. As I stood at the Old Docks, the St. Lawrence River was no longer water but a vast, tectonic plate of ice, a reminder that for the French pioneers of the 17th… Continue reading Exploring Montreal’s Hidden History Beneath the Ice
Exploring the Imperial Contrast of Paquetá and Gigóia
The contrast between the Island of Paquetá and Ilha da Gigóia offers a profound forensic study in the spatial manifestation of human intent. To the uninitiated, both are simply car-free sanctuaries within the Guanabara and Marapendi waters. However, to the Sovereign Witness, they represent two divergent philosophies of the moat, one designed for the preservation… Continue reading Exploring the Imperial Contrast of Paquetá and Gigóia
Two Altitudes: From Restinga to the Arms of the Redeemer
In Rio, the map is not the territory. You can spend weeks walking the streets, but it is only when you lift off that the city’s true, jagged logic reveals itself. My journey with Heli was more than a flight; it was a transition through history, the unique "Carioca" spirit, and the sheer scale of… Continue reading Two Altitudes: From Restinga to the Arms of the Redeemer
Crossing Borders in Somaliland: Berbera’s Untold Stories
The boundary between Djibouti and Somaliland isn't just a line on a map; it’s a transition into a world where roads are a luxury and the stars are your only guide. In an act of "boundary-hopping" that felt equal parts brave and mad, I bypassed the airports and hired a seat in a rugged 4x4… Continue reading Crossing Borders in Somaliland: Berbera’s Untold Stories
Wildlife Encounter in Rio: Experience Marapendi Reserve
Marapendi Natural Reserve in Rio de Janeiro is a stunning example of preserved wilderness in the heart of the city! This 665-hectare protected area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including capivaras, snakes, monkeys, and jacares. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, with species like the capuchin monkey (Sapajus sp.) and… Continue reading Wildlife Encounter in Rio: Experience Marapendi Reserve
Exploring Earth’s Tectonic Wonders: Djibouti & Qeshm Island
First, I embarked on an epic three-country trip to Djibouti, Somaliland, and Ethiopia, and one of the highlights of my journey was visiting the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Djibouti. Located near the Afar Triple Junction, where three tectonic plates are pulling away from each other, this natural wonder is a must-see for any geology enthusiast… Continue reading Exploring Earth’s Tectonic Wonders: Djibouti & Qeshm Island
My Reflections on Cold War Landmarks in Berlin
Stepping into the vibrant city of Berlin, the first landmark I set out to visit was the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This majestic structure has become an enduring symbol of the city, and I was eager to experience its grandeur firsthand.The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, Germany, that's steeped in weird and… Continue reading My Reflections on Cold War Landmarks in Berlin
The Historical Significance of the Palace in Addis Ababa
The Palace of Emperor Minilik and Empress Taitu, built in 1883, is a historical site located in the Entoto Mountains above Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This palace served as a significant cultural and religious hub, showcasing the country's rich royal heritage and architectural grandeur. The palace played a crucial role in Ethiopia's history, particularly during the… Continue reading The Historical Significance of the Palace in Addis Ababa
Frog on the border 