Documents, English, and Food!

PROCESS

Prior to completing the applications for the Denver Waldorf School and East High School Rakeb had to obtain a few documents we normally take for granted here in the United States. First, she had to track down a birth certificate. At least at the time she was born, it was not common practice in Ethiopia to hand them out at medical clinics. Luckily this document is not too difficult to get, and she and her mom were able to obtain it quickly. Possessing the birth certificate allowed Rakeb to then apply for a passport. It took three trips to the passport office and over 8 hours of waiting in line, but she was finally awarded the document about a month ago!

Frame of reference…

Cost of Birth Certificate:         $0.75

Cost of Passport:                     $8.00

A traditional "fasting" platter. This just means no meat. 

RAKEB

English is taught in Ethiopian schools almost as soon as children enroll. I thought this was where Rakeb learned to speak English so fluently, but I was mistaken. Much like Panama, the majority of English teachers are usually poorly trained and poorly qualified to teach the subject. Rakeb was able to overcome this challenge and pick up the English language by watching American movies! I sure wish I could learn languages that easily!

Kitfo. Also known as raw meat and served with melted butter. 

ETHIOPIA

Prior to departing for Ethiopia a good friend of mine decided it would be ideal to provide Ethiopian food for my send off gathering. When he arrived with the food I had no clue what to do with it! Brightly colored piles of mush are presented on a large sour tasting doughy pancake. I broke out the utensils and separate plates and we sampled it all. While very tasty something was just a bit off about the whole experience. Upon arriving to Ethiopia, I realized we had done it all wrong!  First of all the plate full of mush piles, which can be seasoned chickpeas, lamb, chicken, beef, etc… are served to a group and meant to be 

shared. No separate plates! The pancake substance, which is actually called injera, is meant to be peeled off and then used to grab a heap of mush prior to shoving into your mouth. No utensils! No using anything but your right hand! Once you get used to the whole ordeal you really start to enjoy the food, the shared dining experience, and breaking all American social norms. 

A traditional meat platter full of beef and lamb.