You have to be on your toes every minute of everyday here. Generally, it’s extremely safe in Addis. Actually, Addis Ababa is a great place to start for “The African Experience Virgins”. You only hear about opportunity crime. Just don’t get freaked out because that’s what criminals look for.
Yesterday I found myself in a bad situation. I was walking on Bole, the main street in Addis, by myself towards Zebra Grill for dinner with some friends. I had only been to the other location so I had to ask people where this place was located. During my walk, a charming young man approached me and started talking to me in English. He was one of the rare Ethiopians who did not mock Mandarin or call me, “China”. Moreover, he didn’t stick out his hand assuming I’d give him money because I was a foreigner (more on that later). I knew I wasn’t far from the restaurant, but I decided to ask him anyways just to make sure. One thing led to another, and I found myself turning into another road with this guy asking me for my number. Actually it was quite funny because he knew I wasn’t going to give him my contact, yet after acknowledging that he still persisted. Ethiopian men sure have high self-esteem or they’re just thick-skinned in general. Sorry folks, but I’m not looking for a “Habesha” relationship and I’m not married. Shocking! Anyhow, I knew Zebra Grill wasn’t down that road so I turned around and told him it wasn’t where ever he was trying to lead me to. Fortunately, during this whole 15 minute ordeal, I was able to keep the conversations lighthearted and I never felt threatened. I just felt annoyed that I had to put up with something like this again, the story of my life. Like if the situation wasn’t ridiculous enough, he bumped into his friend while we were turning back, so now there were 2 extremely confident Ethiopians following me. I appreciate “tasteful arrogance”, but now it was just getting really ridiculous. Miraculously I ended up bumping into another CIDA intern that I knew, seconds later the guys backed off. They probably thought he was my boyfriend or something – perfect. They even told my friend to take good care of me. Err ok. I told you I’ve had many Angels along the way.
The key to being a vigilante foreigner is to always survey your surroundings and know your general directions. Do not blindly trust directions given by others. Always remain polite unless aggression is absolutely required. More importantly, don’t take things personally and just laugh things off 🙂
I love it here, so I’m not going to let little annoyances and challenges affect my African Adventure nor change me for the worse. Let’s all strive to persevere through whatever it is that’s challenging us right now. We can do it!
Poor Ewazee must be wondering when I’ll give him a call.
Filed under: Africa, Canada, Ethiopia, Life, Thoughts, Travel, Addis Ababa, angel, CIDA, Ethiopia
the BIGGER picture 