I am going to Ethiopia for volunteer work in July. I am a little nervous about the food. Any thoughts?
2007-06-01 13:18:15 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Other - Africa & Middle East
I lived in the West African country of Nigeria for two years. My sister lived in Kenya for 12 years... here's our advice...
*boil your water or drink bottled soda ie. Coke
*clean & wash everything you eat with a disinfectant...fruits & vegetables
*don't buy meat from the open market
*expect to find little variety of European or Western food
*learn to enjoy rice & spices
*appreciate ANY meal cooked for you
2007-06-01 13:26:23 · answer #1 · answered by bwlobo 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm from Sudan, and I have been to Ethiopia. The last thing you need to be worried about is the food. East African food is wonderful. Definitely drink bottled water, though. Keep yourself clean, humble, and polite. Don't reject food just because it looks strange, but use common sense and make sure that what you're eating is alright.
You'll meet a lot of great, kind, and generous people in Ethiopia. And you'll learn a lot about that part of the world. Of course, it will be a rough adjustment, going to the third world. However, you will get used to that lifestyle, and you'll definitely learn of your advantage of living in a developed country. Be sure to keep an open mind and really get to know the people and their culture. Your volunteer work will be a great experience.
Good luck! :)
2007-06-02 06:43:55 · answer #2 · answered by zurish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should be that nervous. The cultural food is very good (My family is from Ethiopia) and you can find western foods there, also. So, you shouldn't be to worried. I think you'll have a great time.
And by the way, I've never heard about "bug salads" in Ethiopia.
2007-06-01 20:28:21 · answer #3 · answered by Rahwa 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The food is pretty good, but spicy. They have this flat bread called injera, which also acts as a plate for their soup/sauce called wat. You eat with your fingers. It is one of the best African dishes, you will enjoy yourself. Only thing I would advise is that you drink bottled water or sodas only. You cannot trust the tap water and the locals will tell you that too. Oh and no raw meats or fish!!! Be sure you get your immunizations before you leave, but most importantly go see a doctor and ask them for a prescription for anti-malarials. You must take these about a week or so before you leave. And if you are in Ethiopia long enough ( for months), take them before you travel from one city to another (and if you are going to stay at the new city for more than three days), only don't pop them like candy. Have a fun trip!
2007-06-01 22:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by Haveitlookedat 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am from Africa, currently living in USA. Ethiopian food is really good but dont eat any raw meat. The tea is amazing. I am totally addicted. But dont stress. I am sure there is some kind of international fast food outlet there. So have fun and takes lots of pics. And always drink only bottled water and take soem kind of malaria pills so you dont have to about diseases. Unless you plan on having unprotected sex or share needles with soemone, you dont have to e scared of AIDS. Most people that write about that havnt really travelled anywhere. Most of the world is safe and suprisingly a little like home.
2007-06-01 22:27:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never been to Ethiopia but I have been to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Africa. First and foremost make sure you have your shots and malaria pills before you leave. Eat only foods that have been cooked thoroughly and fruits that you peel yourself. DO NOT drink their water unless it has been boiled but to be safer it's best to only drink bottled water.
Make sure that you travel in groups and keep your passport and travel visa handy but safe (back pocket is not safe) at all times. Know where your embassy is before leaving and have a photocopy of your passport in your luggage just in case.
Africa is beautiful. Good luck and enjoy.
2007-06-01 20:32:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're unsure about the menu where you'll be staying, ask.Don't eat something until you know what it is or how it's prepared.Enjoy
2007-06-02 00:56:47 · answer #7 · answered by T.I 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd worry more about security, disease, military coups, AIDS, you know :).
Still, we all have to make the planet a better place Roxybaby. Text me on my Caribbean yacht and let me know how the good fight's going
2007-06-01 20:21:47 · answer #8 · answered by rage707_666 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well I hear the bug salads are pretty good there,and the wildebeests steaks are pretty tasty,but watch out for the ostrich omelet's.
2007-06-01 20:24:29 · answer #9 · answered by TEC 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i haven't just been there, i live there.
and the food is great, you have nothing to worry about.
2007-06-02 13:26:12 · answer #10 · answered by andy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋