Things I have learned while here in Ethiopia....

Things I have learned while here in Ethiopia....

1. You do not make friends with your compound goat or sheep as that night it could be on your plate.

2. Ga-at or Gungfo I do not like. It is similar to bread dough uncooked in a bunt form with butter melted in the middle and eaten for breakfast.

3. Always keep 1 eye on the road as you never know what is going to be there or NOT be there.

4. Habasha or Ethiopians do not understand what moles and freckles are and they will ask you a million questions as to what they are.

5. When riding in a vehicle more often than not you will have live chickens at your feet and live goats on the roof.

6. Expect to know everything and anything about anything and everything that is electronic...if it has a switch or plug you know about it.

7. Try figuring out how people in your compound are related because I sure can't.

8. Shint bet yet now? or Shint bet abey iyu? which means where is the bathroom? cause I may need it immediately.

9. While walking down the street expect many double take looks as someone is passing you. They are just as curious about you, as you are about them.

10. When in the market and some child is calling Ferengi, Ferengi or China, China and you very politely correct them (in their language) and say No I'm Habasha...The child and everyone around you will first give you a very confused look... not because you are telling them you are native but because you are talking to them in their language. They will all chuckle to themselves and then believe you.

11. Power surges at your local internet cafe are frequent sometimes frustrating. But what can you do you are in Ethiopia. Patience is a virtue! I do love Ethiopia.

12. Oh and dirt and bugs are still awesome.

--

Sham

"Life is tough wear a helmet"