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The Ethiopian Church lent begins tomorrow, sooner and lasts longer than lent in the U.S. It is a lot more focused on sacrifice too. No animal products. Every day. For 55 days. Worse yet, no food or drink until 3 p.m. Every day. That means coffee too. No alcohol at all. Of course, some people don't observe these customs. Others are even stricter. Some butcher shops, dairy stores and cafes close during this period. For a great pictorial explanation of Ethiopian lent go to https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-fasting-for-55-days/g-38067533 But today, most everyone is feasting on the literal sacrificial lamb or goat. I was no exception, thanks to the kindness of my Guesthouse family. The dishes were delicious, if difficult for a mostly vegetarian to digest. But it will be easy to find my favorite vegetarian dishes for the next 55 days.
Shed to table. As I got ready to go on my bike ride the camera shy goat above had taken up residence in the bicycle parking lot. Since today was the last day before the 55 day Easter fast I thought he might end up on the table for dinner. I did not think he would end up on my table. My Guesthouse treated me to their pre-Easter fast feast on the right. Donkey carts are still a common way to move agricultural products and building materials. They don't have to wait in line for gas (benzene as they call it in Ethiopia). This donkey is bypassing a line for gas that stretches about a mile long. https://www.africanews.com/2019/01/16/ethiopia-djibouti-road-blockade-causes-acute-fuel-shortage-in-addis/ Below you can also see one of the best views of Bahir Dar from just below the last palace built by Haile Selassi.
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