Addis and Mekele Ethiopia

We've flown into and out of Africa's largest airport hub in Addis Ababa many times. But we got to experience real Ethiopia when our son, a Peace Corps volunteer, invited us to come for a week in Mekele.

• We discovered the gorsh custom -- visitors are fed by hand at dinner. I was happy for others to enjoy that one!
• We checked out three wheeled taxis, which were cheap and fun.
• We arrived during a massive holy day feast that celebrated women in that local people group. Little girls would come up to us, do a little dance, and then ask us for candy or some small coins. Our son got a huge bag of coins from the bank just to handle this fun couple days.
• We found out about the shoulder dance -- you pretty much shake your shoulders. I'm sure there were nuances we missed, but it looked like great fun once you figured out how to do it. We've seen since similar shoulder dancing in Chad.
• We hiked up to a hermit's cave high up in the nearby mountains, It was so high that my wife and I had to stop halfway, completely out of breath and our hearts pounding. The local guide, older than us, went up the steep rocks in flip flop sandals.
• We learned that sourdough flatbread, made from teff flour, called Injera, is a daily part of every meal. It is delicious, especially when dipped into their many spicy sauces.

The people were incredibly hospitable and helpful. The weather, high up in the mountains, was cool, pleasant, and invigorating. I see why people come back here. What a beautiful place.