The Faces of Ethiopia
What overwhelmed me, while I was in Ethiopia, was that despite the distressing poverty and heartbreaking destitution, the people of Ethiopia all seemed to have something in common; the determination to make a place for themselves in this world.
Ethiopia is experiencing a transformation – a non-violent revolution. Although it is a poor country now – especially by western standards, it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. There is a strong feeling that there is a genuine surge forward in the country as a whole, and not just for a privileged elite class.
Ethiopians are incredibly welcoming and friendly. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I felt much safer there on the street than I do in many major cities. Violent crimes (outside of certain regions undergoing border or tribal conflicts) are largely non-existent, especially in Addis.
