Ethiopia was unforgetable! I had the opportunity to visit during the millenium (according to the Ethiopian calender September marks the beginning of a new year and this year was the year 2000). I spent all my time in the capital city Addis Ababa with my step-father’s family. My most memorable experiences were my visit to Sululuta (a 45 minute drive from Addis) – the scenary was out of this world; the visit to one of the largest markets in East Africa; and the worship service at the orthodox Ethiopian church with our heads covered, barefooted in the temple with incense burning.
Ethiopia for me represented the hopes and dreams of Africa, as well as the complexities and contradictions that we find in much of the world. For example while we ate 5 to 6 meals everyday (yes 5 to 6 meals – those who know me know I eat 2 meals a day on a good day) there were so many hunger and destitute people everywhere we turned. Also, while many people celebrated the diversity of the people (I saw every skin tone from dark chocolate to charmel and every shade in between) there was a strange obsession among some with long flowing hair, including several images of Jesus with blond hair and blue eyes.
So after 5 wonderful days, I left Ethiopia feeling so much love and African pride. I also left with many answered questions. This is definitely a land I want to visit again, and hopefully next time I’ll be able to spend some time in the rural areas of the country as well. Now it’s on the the next part of my journey…Rwanda.. Rwanda!!
