The smell of incense and coffee filled the air, mingling with steam and smoke as the clay pot brewed over charcoal. Rain fell softly at the open-air restaurant, and I moved closer to the fire. After 24 hours of travel from Atlanta to Addis Ababa, that strong cup of coffee revived me and welcomed me to Ethiopia.
But this was no ordinary cup; it was a celebration of culture. During my two weeks in Ethiopia, we gathered for a traditional coffee ceremony every day, often more than once. With our guides, their families, fellow travelers, and new friends we learned about the joys and struggles of the Ethiopian people. We shared pictures of our families and stories from our travels.
Kirsten Harrington 