July 8, 2006

It has been two weeks since we arrived in Ethiopia. On the one hand, time has gone by very quickly. It’s hard to believe it has already passed so quickly. But on the other hand, it seems as if we have been here much longer than two weeks. So much has happened, we have seen so many things, and met so many people. Our time here has been wonderful so far, we look forward to the second half of our time here in Ethiopia.

Last night we missed dinner at the SIM compound where we are staying. Actually, we forgot to sign in, so there wasn’t enough for us to stay and eat. We had already tried several western style restaurants, and wanted to see if there were any other options. Brad, a short term worker from Canada, said he had heard about a small restaurant near our compound that might be a good place. He did not know the name, or even the exact location, but we decided to try it anyway. We set off with Brad to find something to eat.

After about 1 block, we turned down a side alley and saw our destination: The Oasis Hotel. Hotel here is not what you would expect to see in America. We went inside, and were greeted and sat immediately. It was dark and musty. It was more of an alley between two buildings, with a tarp overhead for a roof. A lady, probably the owner, who spoke English, came to our table. She asked us what we would like to eat. Of course, we didn’t even know what to ask for, so we asked for a menu. No menus here. She asked what we would like, and she would prepare it. We thought as quickly as we could, and with a little further discussion she told us that she could prepare some sheep. We asked how much, to which she replied “40 Burr for 1 kilo.” That is about $5 for a kilo. So we ordered 1 kilo, not sure exactly how it would be prepared. We ordered drinks, and waited to see what would come next.

After a few minutes we saw the owner, who must also be the cook, pass by with a chunk of raw meat on a platter. She took it to the butcher, who was next door, where is was diced. Then she went back again to the kitchen. It wasn’t much longer before she came out with a small charcoal stove that is used here for cooking. The bottom part of the stove contains hot coals, and the top part was full of meat, still cooking on the stove. The stove is about 12 inches tall, and about 5 or 6 inches in diameter. She set the stove on the table, and gave us a plate with Injiera (the local Ethiopian staple, it is much like sourdough bread, very much, and often quite sour), as well as a basket of bread. We began to eat, and we were thoroughly amazed and pleased with the results! This was by far the best Ethiopian meal I had eaten since our arrival here! We thanked the cook/owner, and she told us to come back. She promised to prepare more food for us, and asked us also to tell all of our friends. So that is what I am doing! If you are ever in Addis Ababa, be sure and find The Oasis Hotel, and drop in for the best Lamb and Bread in the world!