50 days to go and 50 shots

Well yesterday was the first step in my journey to Ethiopia. I had a number of vaccinations and got a prescription for another 3. I have travelled extensively but this is my first experience travelling to a 3rd world country - actually I'm not sure that's what you call Africa, but the shots remind me that I am not going somewhere I can experience art galleries and cafes and the most danger would be jay walking.

I'm excited to be travelling with Noel and Tammy and about 15 other wonderful people; amongst them are students who have raised money for Ethiopia Reads and/ or the Cunningham Family Foundation. I am nervous. I am excited.

I wanted to go on this trip after meeting Noel for the first time. What has since transpired is Noels vision that I share my passion for knitting at Project Mercy. I'm currently putting together ideas, materials and a plan to teach knitting at Project Mercy so that it may become a business for them, just as the Hope Bracelet Project has become.

Todays fact about Ethiopia is regarding food. As I have become Vegetarian, again! it seems I maybe surviving on grains :-)

Eating
The Ethiopian diet generally includes lamb, goat, and fowl. Ethiopians do not usually eat pork, turkey, or ham. Common foods include injera, a fermented bread made of teff flour (a native grain), and wat, a spicy stew made with beef or chicken. Strict religious dietary and fasting customs, especially for Muslims, also influence the diet. Many people survive on grains alone.
Amharic hosts take pride in offering guests the best meal they are capable of providing, and guests reciprocate by leaving some food on the plate to indicate that the host has more than adequately provided for them. Food is eaten with the fingers of the right hand, never the left.