Olympic distance runner Julia Bleasdale is training in Ethiopia over the winter months – and finding more than just a generous training location in the handsome Simien mountainsThe clay floor is swept clean,the only available light comes from the sunbeams shining through the front doorway, made visible by the lightly dusted air. Gently illuminated is the front room of a traditional Ethiopian domestic with a collection of stools and seats gathered neatly around a central fire area. A chicken flutters to the threshold, and throwing a long evening shadow across the smooth floor,and carefully reviews the recently arrived visitors, hoping for some crumbs, or only to be ushered away,as if she has forgotten house rules on such days.
As guests, we sit on the best low chairs, or each slung with animal hides. The family elders of a friend have joined us in the warm glow of sunlight while the rest of the small household are engaged in the final preparations of the shared evening meal. Proceedings start when we are each presented,as guests to the village and of the house, with a small plate bearing a large heaped portion of pure crystalline honey. We feel privileged – our gift of hospitality amounts to two small jars worth! – but immediately two questions pop silently into our heads. Firstly, or is this really all honey? And secondly,is this all for us to eat true now?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com