There are some
things that I’ve noticed in Ethiopia that occur in America too. However, how I
deal with them has shifted based on where I am.
For example, bananas going
brown. The feeling of not wasting anything is a universal. No matter the cost
of the original item, it is important that it is used while it is still good.
Throwing out food because it wasn’t eaten quickly enough is a shame. In the States
whenever bananas started to go brown I would whip out a batch of banana muffins
or a loaf of banana bread. This week I attempted to make banana pancakes
without a nonstick pan. It sort of worked out. This also goes for tomatoes,
carrots, cabbage and other veggies from market day.
Craving certain
foods when sick. I don’t know about the rest of you, but when I am getting over
something and start to want food again (who really likes food when they are
sick?) I have cravings for certain things. When I was sick in Butajira I wanted
my Grandma’s Cindy’s chicken noodle soup. It’s thick, rich, creamy, and
delicious. Yesterday as I was getting over something I ate the day before, I
craved shiro. Shiro? The thick, slightly spicy, paste eaten with injera or
bread. Why? I don’t know, but it sure did taste good.
Drink Tea = Medicine. Yesterday when I
had to cancel plans to stay in bed, the first advice given to me was “Drink
tea.” My landlady made sure that I had plenty of tea before leaving me alone.
This happens state side too. When I would wake up with a cough or not feeling
well, Grandma would always give me a large, hot cup of tea first thing. I’m not
sure about the medicinal qualities of this drink, but it seems to help.
Sports are serious.
I’ve grown up in the world of sports. My brothers and dad talking about so and
so and some statistic in football, basketball and mostly baseball. I don’t know
all the statistics, names and facts like they do, but I could be okay at a
baseball game. However, this week I realized my incompetence in this field.
Teacher friends taught me all about the Ethiopian football team (whose lost to
Algeria 1-3 on Sunday) and who was who for Manchester United, Manchester City
and Chelsea. Grade Nine boys taught me all the catch phrases for the great WWE
wrestlers complete with the entrance moves. They then tested me on them. Being
a fan, supporting something grander than one person, is universal. The focus of
such fan-dom may be different though.
Clothes
don’t wash themselves. Laundry didn’t really bother me ever. Growing up it was
my weekend chore to wash and fold all the laundry for the Sexton 5. It didn’t
bother me. I’d pop in a movie and get it done. In college I went to
grandparents’ every other weekend and did it there. If an emergency came up I
would get some quarters and do it on my own. The laundry machine is a luxury I
will never take for granted again. Once I get started on the bucket washes,
it’s not that bad. The numbing activity lets your mind wander to other things.
It’s getting started that’s a drag. It also is important to do it when there is
water and the sun is out, two things that sporadically aren’t reliable.
School Vacations.
Some schools in the states cancel school for hunting or harvest time.
Administration realizes the importance of these and would rather not have
students skip. As rainy season has ended a couple months ago, it is time for
harvest. However, the sound of thunder rumbles. The fear of a crop getting
spoiled by the rain in a highly agricultural environment leads to school being
cancelled Monday – Thursday this week. Students are needed to help their
families. However, unlike the States where the make up time is scheduled
throughout the school year, here they want to make it up as soon as possible.
So, I have school Friday – Sunday this week and next weekend. Which means I
will teach from November 21 – December 5 without a day off. There would be a
mutiny if weekends were jeopardized in America!
Birthdays are cause
for celebration. On Sunday I went to a 3 year old’s birthday party. He was
dressed adorably in new clothes (dark jeans, white button up shirt, black
suspenders, bow tie). I expected there to be lots of kids around like all
birthday parties I’ve been too. Instead, there were mostly adults sitting
around and talking. As soon as I got inside I was given an over-flowing plate
of hambasha, popcorn (fandusha), animal crackers, and candy. We then sat around
and talked for a while. They put a sparkler in a fresh ambasha, lit two
candles, and a candle shaped like a number 3 for pictures. However, they didn’t
have the kid blow them out. Instead he had to cut the hambasha. Hats that annoy
kids with the plastic string around then chins, numbered candles, song,
pictures and grandparents coming are some ways birthdays are celebrated the
same here and there.
I suppose this blog
could also be called: Things I’ve Learned About Myself. 1. I hate wasting food.
2. My food cravings have shifted. 3. Tea is amazing! 4. Love sports. 5. I
dislike washing clothes by hand. 6. School is throwing off my grove. 7. Life is
a good thing to celebrate. But, that is too self-centered to convey all I am
thinking. I’ve lived and traveled through multiple cultures, but I haven’t seen
or experienced them all. Reflecting on the similarities and differences between
two, sparks interest in learning about others. How do people adapt to the
availability of food? What do you do when bananas or other food start to get
brown? What random cravings do you have? What food or drinks are your comforts
when you are sick? Who are you a fan of? How do you adapt to changes in your
schedule? What does your culture value over education? How are birthdays
celebrated? Are they just for kids or adults too? I smile as I think that I’ve
only been in site for 7 weeks. How much more will I learn and adapt in the next
89?
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