All of Ethiopia =/= 1980s Sally Struthers Commercials

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There was a large famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s, especially in the more arid areas in the west towards Somalia, and as westerners who were exposed to the “Save the Children” commercials; our idea of what the Ethiopian countryside looks like is a bit skewed. It is SUB-Saharan. Many parts of the country are lush and green. There is a plethora of different grasses, bushes, and tress that cover the countryside, that’s right Jefe, a plethora. I have not seen much fauna except for birds. There are a lot of small colorful birds, vultures, hawks, and these black ravens with huge thick beaks whose calls sound like a loudly oink-ing pig. They were appropriately dubbed “pig-birds” by the other group, and they’re pretty butt-ugly. We did see 1 monkey at Jimma University of all places. There is a lot of dirt and mud, but the landscape is for the most part beautiful, and sadly, yes, poverty and hunger are still big problems for a large portion of the population. Too bad the “Save the …” commercials today are more focused on stray animals than actual human beings.

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Comments

[anonymous]

I totally agree with u animals versus human beings. Sometimes makes me feel that "save the..." had kind of chose the animals over us made me kind of jealous or at time develop of negativity towards animals. Anyways I am an Ethiopian living in the west above all that love to travel around the world. But currently my travel is on hold. Till I make it happen I read blogs and for now it does the job. I am following and please keep us posted. Take care