Travels in southern Abyssinia, Volume 2 (of 2) : $b through the country of Adal to the kingdom of Shoa

A determined traveler sets out across the rugged highlands of southern Abyssinia, thrust early into the turbulence of local power struggles. After an alarm‑raising Galla raid and a harrowing escape from confinement, he journeys from the fortified town of Farree through bustling market towns, winding mountain passes, and the strange, salt‑rich valleys that shape the region’s life. Along the way he encounters the charismatic yet ruthless Wallasmah Mahomed, negotiates with the chief Hy Soumaulee, and witnesses the precarious fate of women caught in the slave trade.

The narrative blends vivid descriptions of stone houses, flour mills, and colorful bazaars with insightful commentary on Amharic language, religious customs, and indigenous medical practices. Listeners hear the clang of gunpowder workshops, the rhythm of cotton spinning, and the nuanced politics of Shoa’s court, all filtered through the traveler’s keen eye for detail. It is a lively portrait of a land in transition, inviting you to follow each step of his unfolding adventure.