As an addition to the travel blog linked with my previous post, I’ve decided to post my observations about Ethiopian culture and medical practice. We have only been here three days and already I have observed and experienced so much that I want to share! From transportation and introductions to surgery, food, and the very concept of time, I have learned so much about Ethiopian culture. My goal is to post short blurbs about individual topics.
I am going to write these posts offline and then upload them at times when my iPad will connect with the internet, which is unfortunately only occasionally… but I at least have a SIM card! It was a very lucky find in Addis Ababa because it allows me to communicate with people here and connect with the internet. I wish I were dextrous enough to compose an entire blog post on my phone, but a mini keyboard is so much easier. So I hope to post frequently, but this is my forewarning that it may not happen or I may potentially post multiple sections at once.
I was told before I left that the pace of life was just different here. I thought I understood what that meant, but I think you can’t really understand until you experience it. I am definitely learning what patience truly is, and what life is like when you have very few distractions (although I have actually felt very busy these past few days). I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here for a month in a town that is not used to tourists. Walking to and from the hospital every day I am greeted by children who wave and giggle whenever you wave back like it is the funniest thing in the world. They also love giving high fives. I think I might show them how to fist pump next time! I am also overwhelmed by the generosity of the Ethiopian people I have met. Whenever I eat with an Ethiopian person, they refuse to let me pay for anything! I have also met many random people who, although we literally only have the word “selam” (hello) in common, laugh and smile easily.
I know I will learn so much here, and I just hope I can give a little back!
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