I absolutely love the opportunity to engage in conversations with expatriates, especially those who have lived in Ethiopia for many years. It's fascinating to hear their stories about the incredible hospitality and warm welcome they have experienced from the Ethiopian people. Just the other day, a close friend of my husband, who had been living in Ethiopia for over two decades, paid us a visit. Despite being away for a while, his first desire upon returning was to visit Langano. Langano held a special place in his heart, as he used to frequent the place with his family and friends almost every week during his childhood.
Although he wasn't born in Ethiopia, his family relocated here when he was young, and he attended school alongside my husband. Their reminiscing about their cherished memories of Langano seemed endless, and I couldn't help but be captivated by their nostalgic conversations. In the middle of the banter, he turned towards me, he questioned, "Why do Ethiopians have a fear of water?" Expressing his surprise, he continued, "It's ironic that a country abundant in water has many individuals who don't swim as frequently as one would expect.
"Even during our visits to Langano, I noticed Ethiopians preferred observing from the shore rather than taking a dip. Their fear of water combined with the belief that the water was muddy and dirty because it was brown. Even after many non-natives who have been to many lakes reassured them it was actually minerals in the water not mud."
He continued "as a child, I remember hearing stories about mythical beings residing in the waters of Langano and other lakes. While my Ethiopian friends avoided these waters at certain times, my non-Ethiopian friends and I ventured out without any issues. It seems the lake creatures have no effect on us non-Ethiopians," he sarcastically remarked about the lake’s ‘super powers' failing to work on them.
Interestingly enough, his words did have a certain logic to them. I recall hearing tales of individuals meeting their demise in those very lakes. Legends spoke of rituals and superstitions practiced near the water, resulting in tragic drownings as offerings, particularly during midday and late at night. Some even swore by the truth of these stories, urging caution around bodies of water to avoid a similar fate.
However, there were exceptions - Children raised in rural areas close to bodies of water, where they partook in pastimes such as swimming, boating, and fishing without any sense of trepidation, experienced a unique and enriching childhood. Despite this, my own fear of water and inability to swim persisted. It seems that these deep-rooted beliefs and stories have instilled a sense of dread and caution in us when it comes to water bodies.
He shared how his childhood was filled with exploration and adventure, where he learned to drive, fix cars, sail boats, set up tents, and more, all because he was allowed to fully experience his surrounding in a fearless manner. My rebellious nature of course helped, he smiled. These experiences molded him into a confident, skilled individual capable of surviving anywhere on his own. Hearing his stories made me realize how different my own upbringing was, limited to the confines of home and school. As a mother now, I find myself being overly protective of my children, hesitant to let them experience even a fraction of what he did at such a young age.
I expressed my admiration for his childhood, mentioning that being non-Ethiopian might have played a role in his autonomy. In my experience, Ethiopian parents are typically more cautious and less likely to allow their children to engage in risky activities at a young age, such as sailing or fixing car parts. It seems that the current generation of parents, tend to be more protective and involved in managing our children's activities, unlike the previous generation who may have been more lenient.
This shift in parenting style could be due to various factors, including societal changes and personal experiences. While I want my children to explore and learn, I struggle with the idea of allowing them the same freedom he had. I know I need to find a balance between protecting them and letting them grow, but it's a constant battle within me to step back and give them the space to experience life on their own terms.
Listening to his reminiscences of his youth, I came to the realization that he truly savored every moment, even in his early years. It is a common occurrence for many of us to be shackled by baseless beliefs that prevent us from living life to the fullest. Whether it be the dread of uncharted territories, the mysteries of the unknown, or the judgments of others, these notions can impede our genuine potential. However, the time has come to release those apprehensions and lead our lives with absolute liberation. Only then can we boldly proclaim that we have authentically experienced life to the fullest.