I’ve always enjoyed looking out the window. But, for some reason in Ethiopia, I feel drawn and absolutely captured when I peer out a window. This morning, as I took a minute to enjoy the chirps, and the gold and green flickers of the front garden, I finally realized that there were no ugly screens on any of the windows. Imagine, unobstructed floor to ceiling single-paned windows that open entirely…WITH NO UGLY SCREENS! It literally feels like there are no boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. Love it! That’s one thing I don’t miss about home, window screens.
Ever think about why window screens are necessary in North America? I mean, in Africa, there are a whole lot more annoying insects than in Canada. Well, at least in urban areas. Windows without screens are just unthinkable! Ok, so an odd fly or mosquito might get in to the house, but seriously are we so paranoid about pint-sized insects that we have to cage ourselves in? Or, maybe it’s just great marketing.
The system in Ethiopia is so much more idyllic. An insect mistakes your home as an outdoor playground…all you have to do is open another window and it will eventually find it’s way out. It’s that simple. No electric swatters, insect repellent candles, rolled-up newspapers or tennis racquets. Insects and humans, live in harmony over here. Take my case for instance, I’m covered in scars from last year’s flea epidemic….and I still don’t go around swatting everything in sight. Is it tolerance, acceptance or have I freed myself from our North American paranoia? I guess a bit of each.
Here are some long overdue panoramas of my expedition to Mt. Kenya (Dec 20-26, 2007). ENJOY!
The pictures are beautiful. Have you ever taken the drive North through the gorge? I suspect you would be able to capture some beautiful shots there as well.
Thanks Janet. I haven’t had the chance to drive through there….but definitely, I look forward to that day.
I agree with you.. i HATE window screens…. you can never stick your head out for a breath of fresh air here!
woops.. i forgot to put my name in the last posting…. the ‘anonymous’ posting is from me. =D
Susan! How are you doing?!
Wow I loves those pics… I have wallpapers for a long time now!
yay… go Ethiopia
i really like your attitude “insects and humans live in harmony over here”
your open mindedness and looking at the situation from different angles.
Your photography is stunning and i was blown away at the sight of them. Breathtaking, jaw-dropping landscapes
i’m glad to know your well!
Stephen
screens suck but i got so used to it i wouldn’t want to live without them. how do people open the window at night and leave the light on? we never had screens in germany. don’t know how we did it. maybe there were less insects. i don’t know. but it’s great if there are no screens obstructing the view and you can stick your head out, or even sit on the window sill.
great pictures. looks really pretty out there (but so does almost every part of the world).