November 17th, 2007
We were supposed to fly to Kampala yesterday but our flight was cancelled. So yesterday we just hung out at the office and then went out to a really nice restaurant for lunch. It was called the Top View because it overlooked the city. it was part of a hotel. I had amazing ravioli pasta and a dessert called ‘Jamaica’ which was vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and peanuts. So nice. It was a really relaxing time. I tried to take pictures with Christy’s camera and I used a tip that Kate taught me. I don’t know if they turned out any good, but I tried. Tekle gave us post cards and gave us each an Ethiopian gospel CD that we listened to a lot with Tekle. That evening the four of us girls went to the Lime Tree to hang out, do homework, read, and eat dinner. I had really good curry. I’m definitely going to make some Japanese curry when I get home.
We flew first class back to Uganda today! I think it was because our flight was cancelled yesterday. Multiple drinks were offered to us as well as magazines. There was no sign of paper or plastic on our dinner trays either. It was all glass. There was so much leg room and the seats were huge. Comfy, comfy. I couldn’t believe our luck!
I had a hard time saying goodbye to Tekle before we flew because we hung out with him so much. He’s definitely like a big brother. I cried. I think I’ve cried more here than I ever have. I will miss Ethiopia and the beauty of its people, culture and land despite the hardships. I definitely learned a lot about myself and about humans in general. Communication was the most difficult thing but I feel so privileged to see their land and see how they lived. I learned of their needs and witnessed an amazing culture. I don’t have the words to express. One of my favorite parts of the culture was the coffee ceremony. And not just because of the coffee (after all, I’m still not a huge fan), but because of the aesthetic and sensual appeal of it. the smells of freshly roasting coffee and frankincense, the red flowers and green ferns set around the fire wand tray, the gracefulness of the woman who roasts, pounds, mixes and pours the coffee into quaint tea cups are all unforgettable. I will also remember visiting the Muslim village with the beauty of the river. I saw how the people work hard for daily survival. I still remember the children’s shouts of ‘Leila, Leila!’ as they waved to us in our Pink Land Rover. it was so cool that they actually learned my name. I will remember specific faces that smiled at me and tried to get to know me. I will be praying for them even if I couldn’t learn their names. I will remember the men on our compound who we joked with: Massamo, Getachew, Matthewos, Binyam, Dereje, Desta, tall Tomasge, Alamo, Eva, and short Tomasge. Tanagne’s humility, love and smiling face will be imprinted upon my memory as well. I will reminisce about singing under the mango trees and listening to the men sing their Ethiopian songs. Lastly, I will remember Nunu, Tekle, and Kidus who made our stay in Addis Ababa comfortable and fun.
Although the people of Ethiopia has many physical needs they are rich in culture. there is so much to learn from them. They care about people so much, time is no issue, and they always offer you their best. As a busy college student and American, I know I can take on some of those values in my lifestyle.
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