…I wanted to leave no matter what. Peru, India — it didn't matter. The main motto was clear: "exotic!" I was looking online for a travel companion. Instead of a guy, I found Ali. Ethiopia??? Where exactly is that? Oh well, the departure timing was just right. In two months I managed to arrange everything and even convince my loved ones that I hadn't lost my mind. I sent money for the flight and accommodation to a complete stranger, with the assurance that we were really going… 🙂

And we went. All the worries that people around me kept feeding me right up until the last moment disappeared within moments. Transport was sorted and wherever we arrived, decent accommodation was always found. The experience with the local people was fascinating — that had been our biggest concern. But all it takes is following one rule: "respect them and they will respect you." Blending in completely wasn't really possible. But through teamwork we almost managed it — except for the skin colour 🙂. In the end we ate and drank at the same table as the locals, danced and celebrated to the rhythm of Ethiopian folk music, and wherever we could, we supported the local market economy.

The truth is that Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. But something has been forgotten there.

The wealth they have is faith in God and love for one another. Everyone had their own experiences. But we all agreed that the friendly smiling faces and the contentment of the locals broke through the thinking of our so-called civilised world and reordered our scale of values.

With thanks to Ali and all friends for a wonderful expedition…

                                                                                                                                          ......Oli