By Caleb
One thing I have noticed about the people in Addis Ababa is how friendly they are. When you walk down the street at least five or six people will wave, say hi, or say Salem (hello in Amharic). People that know English always ask you how you are and how you like Addis. Once when I was sitting at the Internet “café” (there is no food) a man named Freedom introduced himself, asked me about Addis, how it compared to the states, and about myself. In Seattle I rarely just pick up a conversation with a random stranger and talk to them for a couple minutes.
The guards at the gate try to say hi as best they can every time I walk by. Once at about 10:00 at night I was walking past the guard and he had a big gun and a mask over his face. At first I was scared, but then he waved and pulled down his mask to show that he was smiling. The hospitality of the Ethiopians is amazing!
Playing soccer with my new friends!
Selam Silvermans!
I can’t express how happy it makes me to hear that you have settled in well, given the adjustments. I know that Panos is thrilled that you are there. It warms my heart to picture you there and read your descriptions of life that is soooooo familiar to me.
Look forward to future posts, although I understand th Internet restrictions, of course.
Best,
Ellen
Keep writing Caleb, it’s great to see Ethiopia through your eyes. I loved your descriptions of your conversations and interactions!
Thanks for sharing your story, Caleb. It’s so much fun to read about your experiences and to get a picture of your new home. I look forward to learning more!
The best part of my day, your posts and photos.
Joyce
How exciting to read about your experiences!
Can’t help but think back to my time in Africa…