Ethiopians speak a Semitic language called Amharic, and the Amharic word for foreigner is forengi. My colleagues and I have definitely stood out as forengi amid the sea of beautiful caramel faces here, even though half our group identifies as people of color. We simply look, dress and act American. It’s been an uneasy feeling at first – one of my few experiences being a minority. Our first day here, some people literally stopped to take our picture, whether we were seated at a restaurant or walking through a park – uninvited of course. Yes, I know I look different. Yes, your camera just made me feel more so.
I’m aware that I have no social or cultural capital here – I am unfamiliar with the language, the layout of the city, or who to call if I need help. But I’m learning! I definitely felt more comfortable Sunday than I did Thursday afternoon, and now I do know which turn takes me to the market, where to find a post office and how to exchange currency at the bank. I’ve hailed a taxi and bargained the price, bought snacks at the supermarket, and asked strangers for directions. We have encountered people who are so kind, so willing to help, so gentle in correcting our pronunciation of their beautiful language.
The stares are becoming less frequent, or maybe I've stopped feeling self-conscious.
This morning I shopped (yes, storefronts are open on a Sunday morning even while the Orthodox Christians worship for four hours) and bought an Ethiopian skirt and traditional scarf. I shed my Mast General Store look for something more local that represents this transformation in progress.
I’m aware that I have no social or cultural capital here – I am unfamiliar with the language, the layout of the city, or who to call if I need help. But I’m learning! I definitely felt more comfortable Sunday than I did Thursday afternoon, and now I do know which turn takes me to the market, where to find a post office and how to exchange currency at the bank. I’ve hailed a taxi and bargained the price, bought snacks at the supermarket, and asked strangers for directions. We have encountered people who are so kind, so willing to help, so gentle in correcting our pronunciation of their beautiful language.
The stares are becoming less frequent, or maybe I've stopped feeling self-conscious.
This morning I shopped (yes, storefronts are open on a Sunday morning even while the Orthodox Christians worship for four hours) and bought an Ethiopian skirt and traditional scarf. I shed my Mast General Store look for something more local that represents this transformation in progress.