As I walked home from work last night, I was reminded several times about the major factor that makes Ethiopia the special place that it is – its beautiful people.
I’d just left work slightly stressed because of happenings in the office. I was 5 minutes into my walk down crowded and busy Bole Road when I spotted a blind man standing on the pavement waiting to cross. Obviously I wasn’t the only one to see him. Up walked a man, told his lady friend (they were walking down the street together) that he’d be right back and proceeded to help the blind man across the street. I noticed the stress inside me start to melt and the beginnings of a smile started replacing the frown on my face.
Half an hour later I was nearing Arat Kilo and was on the stretch near the palace that’s slightly uphill. Ahead of me was a young man in a wheelchair pushing himself towards Arat Kilo. Out of the blue, up pops another man and offers to push the man in the wheelchair as far as he wanted to go.
I smiled and decided that there was yet hope for mankind.
Another half hour later I was nearing my destination when I spied a sign that advertised a public library. There was just no way I could ignore that so I headed in to see what needed to be done to be a member. Though he was obviously busy, the librarian took the time to explain every detail to me because I couldn’t read the Amharic notices (I really need to learn). He did it all with a smile and made me feel completely welcome.
A few minutes after I got home I headed out again to get some pastries. As I walked into the café I was greeted by the waiters who enquired after my wife and asked why we had disappeared for so long. I left with the waiters wishing me a good night and telling me to drop by more often. By now the smile on my face was permanently painted on.
This is what makes life so beautiful here – the people. Ethiopia may lack many things, but its people don’t lack some of the most important things in life – the ability to lend a helping hand, to take the time to greet each other, to be courteous and friendly and to put a smile on someone’s face.
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David Kirba
David grew up in Ethiopia. After a nine-year stint in India he came back to find the country the same... yet different. Through this blog he hopes to create a place where people can learn more about life in Ethiopia - how different it can be from what is often perceived. He also blogs about anything that interests him at The Misadventures of David K and about digital photography with Ubuntu Linux at Ubuntu Photographer. When he isn't blogging, David is enjoying life with his wonderful family.
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Hi Kirba
Interesting blog posts you got there.
Keep up the good work.
Bruck
Hey Bruck,
Glad you like them. Hope to see more of you around here.
Cheers,
David K
Hi there
I’m from SA, and would like to visit Ethiopia sometime. I’m trying to read as much info as possible on Ethiopia , your comments on ordinary people and gestures of day to day living is very comforting.
I met gentlemen from Shano/Wabo, some still in South Africa. Hope to touch base with those
who returned home.
Regards
A
Abraham, I’m sure you’ll enjoy visiting Ethiopia. It’s a special place.
I just read your comment about Ethipia on What is Out, and so much interestd then broused your website to finish the comment. But, it would be much interesting to show your view on backpoints also, so that we could improve.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for taking the time to visit. The main point of this blog is to show the positive side of Ethiopia, the side that many outsiders don’t really know exists. I know there is a lot that could improve but there is also a lot that is good and I tend to look at those. Also, I’m not really an expert on how things should be. I mostly put down what I observe. I’ll definitely keep what you’ve said in mind and plug in some thoughts here and there.
So how about some feedback from you? I’d love to hear more of your thoughts about the blog. Did you like it? What else do you think can change? More suggestions?
Thanks and have a good evening,
David K
[...] A reminder of what makes life in Ethiopia charming [...]
Its nice to see good things happening… wish we could see it more!
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing what’s out and going on in my hometown where I was born and grew up. I can’t explain how I missed so much the seemingly minor human to human interaction and the vibe in Ethiopia which one can rarely observe/witness here in the western world. I wish I could come and immerse:(
Thanks for sharing
Hi Teddy, thanks for dropping by. That’s what I love about Ethiopia too, the fact that people have time to notice other people. Unfortunately Addis is changing though. It’s getting busy and hectic and becoming like the rest of the world
Luckily, once you’re out of the cities, life is still laid back and a bit like the old times 