General Impressions #1

Ethiopia is very interesting indeed, the local people are some of the friendliest you could ever meet. They are extremely courteous and seem to smile most of the time. After you see the conditions under which the vast majority of the people live you begin to wonder why they seem so happy. For example on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, what we would normally call the suburbs, many of the people still live in either small huts with walls and roofs made of sticks and mud/dung or in houses constructed out of large sheets of corrugated metal. Even with all its poverty Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is both the largest and most affluent city in the country. If ever there was an example of "all things are relative" it is this one. Some in the city work, some make do and many others beg. There is even beggar "turf" and a clear pecking order too. Quite a strange thing to begin to understand.

Once you begin to look deeper into the lives of individuals it becomes apparent that much of their contentment and happiness is due much to their strong family ties and extremely deep religious beliefs. Most Ethiopians practice a very ancient form of the Christian Orthodox religion and attend church several times each week. In addition many people study their bible several times each day and enjoy discussing the meaning of a particular passage that they have just read. In discussing a bible passage they are eager to hear you explain your personal interpretation. Rather than wanting to debate your point of view they seem eager to learn from you so that they may better understand.

I am just beginning to learn much from these kind and gentle hearted people and am looking forward to what I can already tell is going to be a great adventure.