Introducing Isharak
One thing Mary, Eric and I noticed when traveling this past weekend is that local people outside of Addis are fascinated by firenjes (foreigners) – i.e. us. Whenever our car stops on the road even for just a minute, the car is surrounded by locals who press their faces against the glass and peer at us inquisitively. It is often the children who are the most bold and will come up and ask you questions with the English they know.
While walking in the town of Bahir Dar, we are often surrounded by children who chat us up, most with an eye to getting some type of money. One day, a little boy and his friend approached us and said hello. Eric responded by saying Bonjour which immediately had the boy laughing. We thought he would just move along thinking we didn’t speak English, but in yet another example of expecting the unexpected, the little boy begain engaging us in conversation in French. “Comment Ca Va?” “Comment appelles-tu?” “Ca va bien”. He was really good. He then proceeded to ask us for money until we reached the hotel.
On our trek to the Blue Nile Falls, there are a number of children selling scarves, art and flutes (wooden flutes) to the many visitors. Instead of just approaching us and attempting to display their merchandise, many children adopted a tailored, individualized method of selling their goods. One little girl in particular, named Isharak, came up to me and asked, “Good afternoon Mister, what is your name?” I told her my name at which point she said, “Prasanna, that is a very beautiful name. My name is Isharak, would you like to buy a scarf? Don’t feel pressured. Take your time and on your way back from the falls, come and see me. Remember, my name is Isharak. Don’t forget Isharak. I will not forget you Prasanna.”
Breaks.my.heart. And true to her word, on my way back, she did not forget. She remembered my name and then told me that I promised I would buy a scarf from her. I most certainly did not make such a promise, but I most certainly could not refuse her request to buy one now. I bought this beautiful, traditional wool woven scarf which I was told was made by her father who supports her entire family through his weaving and tapestry work, which he sells to tourists. I like when my purchases have a story. It makes them interesting and it makes me feel less guilty for engaging in my worst possible impulse: shopping.
