T.I.A.

T.I.A. This If Africa is a common phrase we hear. We had heard this phrase while we were the US however we regularly hear this phrase while being in Ethiopia and know we understand why. So here are some pictures of the common sites we see here, as well as some common "themes" here in Ethiopia, Africa.

~ As our driver, and good friend, says "Anything is possible in Africa."

~ In African time people start the clock according to the sun. So when we say it is 3pm in the afternoon, they consider it to be 9pm. Also, even though meetings might have a "start" time, it doesn't mean that is when the meeting actually starts.

~ Instead of a neighborhood dog there is a neighborhood donkey that roams around.

~ People are not required to have car insurance, if you get into an accident you try to work it out with the other driver. Or, like the other day, when someone hit a cow he had to pay the farmer for the cow.

~ The majority of the policeman stand on the streets and just whistle/wave down a car to give a ticket (we have only seen one motorcycle cop), and believe it or not the people actually pull over!

~ There are policeman with rifles everywhere, and you are not to take pictures of them or any government buildings, banks, or any embassy.

~ It is not uncommon to have a sugar or gas shortage. During the sugar shortage you will see a long line of people waiting for a ration, sometimes waiting hours. During the gas shortage you are rationed sometimes to only 200 birr gas.

~ The Christians and Muslims get along, in fact during the Christian holidays the Muslims will watch over the Christian neighbor's homes while they are gong, and visa versa.

~ It is not uncommon to see a goat strapped to the top of a truck or taxi, especially during Fasika!

~ Despite the struggles everyone is loving to each other and there is a very big "community" feeling which is displayed through their interactions.

~ As we found out, if the freeway is closed in a certain direction there aren't any warning signs or lights, instead just 6 huge boulders placed in the road right next to the exit. Good thing our driver was paying attention!

You will frequently see people selling vegetables and items off the side of the road

All the kids wear uniforms to school

The kids are so affectionate to each other. It is not uncommon to see boys holding hands even, all the kids love to laugh and play together.

The vendors/stores are spread throughout small and large neighborhoods.

There are churches throughout the city, often two different denominations across the street from each other.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Mosque

A view of Addis from Entoto Mountain

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed” ~Gandhi