The last night in Addis

we went to a traditional Ethiopian dinner. Now, after our very eventful days, we were hesitant to take the kids back out, but traveling companions Dawn & Bernie convinced us it was something not to miss.

And, it wasn't! The dancing was amazing! The photos we took don't do it justice & we were somewhat limited in the photo taking as Atsede & Kebrom wanted the cameras every time we brought them out. To keep the peace, we left them hidden. The dancers would involve people from the audience (thankfully not us) but did get a couple of the boys & one dad from our travel group. The dancers could clap LOUD, and move their feet & shoulders so fast.

The waitress was so kind helping us order; we had no idea what we were doing. The chairs are low to the floor. And there are large baskets & the tops open & they become tables. The platters are set on the tables, in Ethiopian family style. Injera lines the platter, then each 'main course' ordered is put on top of the injera in separate piles. Each person tears off the injera & uses it to scoop up the beef tibs (spicy or no spicy...we ordered no spicy!), doro watt, or whatever they ordered. The staff does come around & wash your hands before you begin & at the end.

Now, we thought we'd been feeding Atsede & Kebrom quite well, thought they were happy. BUT, at this dinner, they ate like there was no tomorrow. In fact, Kebrom crawled off of my lap to stand nearer the food & ate 2 fisted!! Atsede was eating straight berebere (hot Ethiopian chili powder) with her injera, several bites, then drinking a half glass of water.

We had to laugh at ourselves. We ordered beverages by US standards, 4 medium bottles of water. The bottles were HUGE! No wonder the waitress looked at me strange & clarified when I said we wanted 4.

One other note, and this was consistent at every restaurant we ate out at, it takes a LONG time to get the check. If you're heading to Addis, keep that in mind & ask for it early.

I tried making injera since we've been home, with beef tibs. The two children scorned my efforts. Okay, to be fair, Kebrom ate it the first time & we would handfulls of the injera...think I need a new recipe. My good friend Candace has been so kind to track some additional recipes down. We'll have to try those.