Goodbye Arabic, Hello Amharic!

Africa » Ethiopia
December 23rd 2005

Published: January 19th 2006

Welcome to Anytown, Ethiopia. You’ve just stepped off a crowded bus; your ears are ringing from the music that blared for the past 8 hours, and the blood is slowly returning to your legs. The bus arrived on the main dirt road through town, a way lined with unmarked wooden shacks that serve as restaurants, bars, shops, and houses, though it’s difficult to tell which is which. The street is fill... Read Full Entry

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Jenny and Randy

hellotrain

Just when it felt like everyone was getting married and buying a house, we quit our jobs, bought one-way tickets to Africa, and squeezed our lives into the smallest packs known to any Army surplus store. Friends and family offer predictions from "the best time of your lives" to "the beginning of your rapid descent into poverty." Lucky for us, they're not mutually exclusive. And so, armed only with humility, humor, and a big can of DEET, we're off to the land of goatmilk and honeywine. We hope to meet some friendly faces, learn about the *other* Africa beyond the headlines, and fumble our wa... full info

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23rd December 2005

Jeff Guillet
non-member comment

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

24th December 2005

AmandaAcheson
Amanda

Awesome.
You guys are very brave. And I thought I was a good traveller. My god, you must be having the time of your life. :) Amanda

24th December 2005

Merlin and Belaynesh
non-member comment

8 and 30 years in Ethiopia
Glad you could see a bit below the surface in Lalibela. The longer one is in Ethiopia, the more one appreciates the people and the country. Tella is usually made from barley, not wheat, and it takes more than one try to enjoy it. Great on a hot day. Some kinds are alcoholic, but not too strong. Did you miss some of the sights in Axum? Merlin

26th December 2005

hellotrain
Jenny and Randy

A Word or Two From Us
We received a nasty comment from an Ethiopian who felt that we'd misrepresented the country through insensitivity and pessimism. In fact--as another commenter suggested--we're enjoying Ethiopia more and more the longer we stay. It's an incredibly beautiful country with a wonderful culture, and most people are genuinely friendly. But it is really challenging sometimes, and we want to share our experience accurately. If the negative seems to outweigh the positive, it's only because it makes a more interesting blog. Rest assured, we're having an awesome time, and we'd come back in a heartbeat.

26th December 2005

J's Mom
non-member comment

Don't forget the salt...
To put on negative comments from people who don't know either of you and don't know what wonderful, caring open-minded souls you are! There's good and bad about every country and place and every travel experience. Thanks for letting us know about the hard parts too.

12th January 2006

Aubrey
non-member comment

Great writing! Have you two visited some of the ancient Orthodox churches that are so much a part of Ehiopia's heritage (ie. its national fasting foods, its language)? Several churches are carved into caves and are among the manmade wonders of the world.

14th January 2006

peggy
non-member comment

wow
Jennys Mom and Dad shared this web site... and now I look forward to your next journal. I think I remember Scott did a Peace Corp tour? Yes... glad you are doing this while you are young so those of us over the hill can sit back and live vicariously... thanks..

5th March 2006

al, england
non-member comment

a rare thing...
a rare thing... an interesting blog! Well Done. I cycled through Ethiopia a few years ago and found it bloody hard work! Al www.roundtheworldbybike.com

14th June 2006

helen
non-member comment

hi
i guess you guys did a god job by i some how felt that you some how misrepredented the country in some way all the picures you have of our contry is the poor side how come you dont have any of the nice views from the city side?? do you mean all the homes are located in the bush and all people live in small huts?

29th August 2006

David
non-member comment

Wonderful!
I think you described the country just as it is. I am from Addis - born and raised- moved to Chicago 10 years ago. I know what kind of country Ethiopia is. You did a wonderful job describing the country. I admit I would rather not tell some of the things about Ethiopia - they're not nice. But it is what it is. So, good job on giving a discription that is unbiased, well rounded and filled with extraordinary details.

15th December 2007

Adetoro
non-member comment

Cool Man
Yea I live in Addis Ababa though I am American (not Ethiopian at all actually) I enjoyed reading your article it's great. And very accurate.

16th December 2010

W Gashu
non-member comment

Mr
Weldone an amazing experience, hope ur next journey should be southern Ethiopia. Also u need to visit the unsleepable mountain. Ertale is in North eastern of Ethiopia, Afar region. It is a volcanic mountain full of inferno!! Hope u do. thanks for choosing Ethiopia ur destination. Take care.

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