A Bit of Fresh Air

*Photo 1 - our hike to the waterfall in Menegasha. Photo 2 - rural transportation, Photo 3 - Rural home on the road to Menegasha*

Close your eyes and envision Africa. You probably pictured something quite different from Addis Ababa. It's not dry desert, lush rainforest, or rolling savannah. There aren't wild and exotic animals, other than the herds of sheep, goats, donkeys and homeless dogs. There is nothing rural, natural, or country-like about Addis. It is instead a huge, bustling, and relatively modern city. The streets are both beautiful and stressful due to the chaos of people, cars, and constant movement. No vehicle here would ever pass an emissions test. The black clouds of smoke are constant and every walk down a main street is escorted by a mist of smog. (We'd have a photo for you but it is quite difficult to capture with a camera!)
Of course Africa is a huge continent with a variety of landscapes. One image you may have pictured was something more like Menegasha forest, which we had the pleasure to visit this past Sunday. For the first time we really felt in what we view as Africa – natural, undeveloped, tribal, and rural. The drive to Menegasha was the most interesting part. We drove out of the city, but barely left it. The road leading into the country is lined with endless shops, houses, and a never-ending stream of walkers. Eventually the blue and white minibuses of Addis were replaced with little smart-car type Taxis and then two-wheeled carts pulled by horses. The main (meaning surfaced) road was lined completely with people. We eventually turned onto a rough, stony road that went into the country. Even still there were tons of people, most standing around, watching animals, or working in a field. Half the children waved at us with friendly smiles. The other half held out their hands with an expectant expression on their faces, asking for money. Many of the adults waved; just as many motioned to their lips with 2 fingers, hoping for a cigarette.
As the people thinned out, the countryside became more and more beautiful. It is nearing the end of the rainy season, so the land was all lush and green fields. There are few trees, so you can see for miles once you are out of the dirty city air. You pass by traditional thatch houses and simple farms. As we drove the hustle of city-life faded away and was replaced by the simple beauty of the country. At least for me, this is closer to what I see when I close my eyes and think of Africa.
The forest itself was also beautiful. It is the closest to a rain-forest that we have seen, with an endless variety of trees and plants. It did rain while we were there; the sound of rain drops splashing and plopping onto countless types of leaves was an amazing chorus. With our large group of friends, we hiked a few miles through the forest to a small waterfall. While we unfortunately saw no wildlife, the experience was incredible for its striking contrast to life in Addis Ababa. For the first time in over a month the air felt truly clean and wonderful. After a meal and fellowship, we headed home just before dusk. Somehow it seemed even greener, and we could see even further as we went down the hills. Though we got lost once we entered Addis (whole 'nother story!), the day was a memorable blessing.
Breathing the fresh air and experiencing a bit of rural Africa energized us and encouraged us, which almost made up for our aching muscles throughout the rest of the week. We returned to a normal week—dinners with friends, computer viruses, "Africa Time", the language barrier and how it is impossible to communicate frustration with Africa Time, and our busy, everyday lives.