addis2

We bumped and rumbled our way over the gutted, pitted streets of north Addis on our way to the countryside.
That Monday morning we passed hoards of people and animals on foot ....children in uniformed clothes on the way to school, donkeys with backs ladened with stacks of sticks, hay or whatever, women with heavy bags or pots on their backs or balanced on their heads. Some were on their way to a funeral, indicated by putting the colored part of their antilla (shawl) around their face. Meat stores hung full of freshly cut animal carcasses.

Finally, we made our way to the outskirts of the city to behold green, rolling hills with small streams aimlessly winding their way over the countryside. We caught a glimpse of a man, naked, bathing in the creek, ladies doing their weekly wash and a farmer giving his horse a cool bath.

As in Bible times, we witnessed a man holding a large, flat basket of golden lentils high above his head, letting the wind divide the shaft from the grain.

I fell in love with the people at the market and with the beautiful countryside.
I felt transported back to Bible time again as I walked in and out between, animals, people and vendors with goods spread on the ground. The donkeys stood or lay alongside their masters, resting until they would carry the loads back to their homes.

I could have walked all day just
looking at the faces of these people.
This man was gracious to allow me to have
a picture made with him and his donkey.

Ethiopians always wear long sleeves and most of the time they have on jackets.
The wind was a bit sharp at the market and everyone was wrapped and swaddled
with scarves around their heads. Many had only their eyes showing. Many men had animal
hides hanging around their shoulders.

Our white faces drew a crowd everywhere we roamed. The people did not beg. They were just curious. Most people were very anxious for us to make their picture....two teenage girls, particularly. Guess teens are pretty much the same world over !

After winding through the market for a while, we ventured over to a nearby village.
I was so curious to see the mud/manure and grass huts up close.

I believe this is my favorite picture of the trip.
This lady so graciously allowed me to go into see her kitchen and then let me come into her one room house where this picture was made.
We are probably about the same age. Most Ethiopians do not live past 45, so she and I are very old......by THEIR standards !
I was so in awe at being able to go in and to meet her, I didn't even see how she had papered and decorated her house !
I am glad I have a picture so I can appreciate it.

A new crowd gathered while we visited the village and many school children approached,
laughing and wanting their pictures taken. You can see the village behind us.

Several children followed us to the van. The small boy in front of me in the white jacket received a short English lesson as we strolled back. These very bright children were excited to be able to speak English with us.

We reluctantly departed, blowing bubbles out the van window, waving to our new friends and feeling enriched from having touched their lives.

A few miles later, we stopped and sat on large rocks on the grassy hillside to have a picnic lunch.
From our vantage point, we could see people in the distance leaving the market, and going their different trails back to their homes.
What a simple, but hard life.

Back at the hotel that evening, I was so thankful to have had the opportunity
to experience a day on the Ethiopian countryside.