Dancing with the Ethiopian Stars

One night we went to an authentic Ethiopian restaurant for dinner. There was, of course, dancing, and after my stint in the limelight, I am proud to say that I was offered dual citizenship in Ethiopia. I would have to say that music and dancing are two activities that really help me feel immersed in a culture. I have danced salsa and the cha-cha in a local club in Mexico, I have danced traditional Greek dancing in Athens, and now I have earned another notch in my belt by "conquering" tribal dances in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa- The Beautiful Flower

Diesel fumes. Dust. Dirt. Wild Dogs. The Chanting of Muslims. Beggars. Goats.

Friendly, Proud, Beautiful, Intriguing, and Charismatic.

Addis Ababa is a city of contradictions, of the haves and have nots, of a constant cycle of struggle and hope. Just walking the streets I sensed that there was a feeling of fierce independence intertwined with the need for each other, the need for brotherly love.

Though Addis is not a top destination choice for many travelers, I would return there in a heartbeat. There is something so real, so vibrant about this city that it calls to me to return.

Ethiopia Part 2

Driving in the rural areas of Ethiopia, I was able to observe the daily routines of many Ethiopians. Gone were my complaints of cockroaches in the hotel. Gone were my materialistic thoughts and Western "need" for more. Though this was not my first visit to a third world country, it was the culture shock that I need to set me in my place. These happy, charismatic people work their fingers to the bone for less than $1 a day. Their short lives are filled with turmoil and pain. And yet they work. What a lesson for us all.

Ethiopia: Part 1

Ethiopia is a vibrant land, so full of life that it is hard to describe. The best way for me to pass on my experiences is to show you some snapshots. This post will cover the more religious aspect of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is comprised of Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants.

I went and toured the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and stumbled upon these pious church members. The spirituality in Ethiopia is so strong; I spent the majority of my time there with Protestant leaders in Lutheran Hour Ministries. The Spirit is moving through these Protestants, and God's grace is being revealed to many Ethiopians.

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of!

For my first visit to NYC, I decided to take a tour of Greenwich Village. Three hours of history, culture, and sight-seeing were just what the doctor ordered! Hansel, our guide, was quite knowledgeable about the area. He showed us the Washington Mews, a row of carriage houses that have been turned into apartments and lofts for "trust fund babies," as Hansel puts it. Oh Hansel.



The streets of the Village are so unique. You feel as though you are in a quaint town instead of a metropolitan city.


The details were what made the Village unique. The various colored doors, wrought iron designs, and bohemian heritage are only a few reasons why this area so attractive!

One section of a fenced-in park was covered with tiles supporting our troops. It was so moving to see these sentiments displayed in such a common area.


Washington Square Park. It was so fresh, so relaxed. I know that if I lived near the Village, I would frequent this park often. Maybe it was the man who wheeled a piano to the fountain, or the two boys who jukebox karaoke'd for money; whatever the reason, the Park felt alive!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

A Taste of the Jersey Coast

World War II meets the Jersey Shore.

Some beaches have shells, others have jellyfish and unknown sea creatures.
These items do not encourage any sort of frolicking in the sand.

It was surreal seeing dolphins come so close to shore. Absolutely gorgeous!

Fishing on the beach. Not the safest for swimmers. Or the jellyfish.

Cape May was a "tourist" town with a relaxed feel. At the southernmost tip of NJ, it's separated from the party life of Atlantic City, and lends itself more towards the family. All in all, a relaxing vacation.