I have always known that Kenyans are some of the most friendly people
you will ever meet. Although you will be suspected at all times (with
good reason considering some experiences we've had) there will always
be someone willing to help you around.
Ethiopia seems to have the same mentality only without the suspicion.
Coming from a society like mine, it is I who is suspicious of
everyone, but that is healthy too in a sense. Not everyone everywhere
will want to rob you, but at the same time, you can't trust all good
intentions because they might not be so good.
Still, I think unless you are completely unfriendly, you won't have a
very hard time in Ethiopia. A few of the locals may be excited about
seeing a foreigner and try to engage you in conversation. I won't
lie, it can be borderline creepy (again depending on where you are,
who you're talking to and what they're saying) but that may be my
bias because of where I come from.
In the restaurants, the staff are friendly and engaging. Outside, a
few people will try to get a conversation going. A few children might
wave back when you smile and wave (although be careful of the kids
that beg – you may end up losing something important from your
purse/bag). The shopkeepers are kind enough to try and figure out
what it is you are trying to ask for.
I particularly like this one guy at a shop right outside our house.
There is constantly a goat standing outside that shop so I named it
the goat shop. The man in that shop is always ready with a smile when
I go to buy something and is always patient with me until the message
passes across but he seems okay with playing charades each time until
he gets it. You can only imagine the charades I had to play to
describe cooking oil.
I will mention again the advantage of knowing some of the names of
the things you will need in Amharic. I would suggest consulting
Google for that. Alternatively, you can come and bungle through it
until you find out a few of these words for yourself.
Either way, I hope you have as much fun with it as I have!
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