A Visit From My Parents—The Fun Begins

I recently received a card from my sister that said, “Mom is GLOWING and Dad is RAVING” about their trip. Now, I must be honest…I’m not sure either one of them would have used those adjectives during their 2 week Ethiopian adventure, but I can see why they would say that in retrospect. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime adventure for all of us. Travel in Ethiopia is not for the faint of heart…and I’m proud to say that when the going got tough, my parents were able to keep up.

Our adventure began with me arriving late to the airport….already off-program. During my 18 months in country I have never seen so many people trying to get into the airport. Why tonight??? As I skirted one security line and people-hopped in another (for the record I NEVER using my farenji status for special privileges…until tonight) I frantically hoped that they would remember the childhood rule that was pounded into us as kids, “if you get lost….just STAY PUT!” I finally arrived to find them “patiently” parked in the middle of the arrivals lobby behind a mountain of luggage. My mom has been a faithful care package sender, but why send packages when you have a 200-pound luggage allotment??!!

I had hoped that by being a brilliant logistician my parents would not have to suffer through a litany of lessons on patience their first day (perhaps MOMENTS would be more apropos) in country. Not only did I arrive late, but also lost my cab driver…hence an awkward 15 minute wait while I assured my father that the cabbie would eventually return to his car. We arrived at our “luxurious” one star government hotel (which I made even more affordable by asking the “bell-hop” to throw a mattress on the floor for me) and sat down for the first of many cultural lessons. After 24 hours in route it probably wasn’t the most “teachable moment,” but they endured. Watching my Dad practice the “triple cheek kiss,” listening over and over to Mom’s tongue tied (she gets an “A” for effort) rendition of “Amasayganalahoo” (i.e. thank you) and my demonstration of the toilet squat was the perfect beginning to what has proved to be a hilarious (given your perspective) Ethiopian adventure.

Our journey to DebreMarkos was done in fine style. I decided to go easy on their first Ethio-road trip and rented a Land Cruiser (complete with driver). Million (our driver) was worth a million. He stopped for inane photos, patiently smiled and waited so that Mom could listen to the symphony created by donkeys carting eucalyptus leaves and branches as they trotted down Entoto Mountain, stopped at fruit shacks so we could load up, and even squeezed in a coffee break for Dad. I have to admit, that was money well spent!

As we rolled into town, I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. My neighborhood kids poured out of their respective houses as we proceeded down the hill and waited, breathless, outside of my compound for the first sight of “white haired farenjis.” Desperately wanting to rest, we entered the compound to find Mom and Dad’s very first bunna ceremony ready and waiting. Today, and everyday from here forward, there will be no rest for the weary! WELCOME TO ETHIOPIA, MOM and DAD!