On Tuesday I decided not to sleep in. This was not a problem because my night’s sleep at the Panoramic Hotel was quite invigorating.

I awoke and went for a city stroll that unbeknowst to me lead into a round trip six hour hike to the hilltop monastery.

When my legs could take me no further I rode a mule.

When I realized that after an hour into the hike I was still a ways from the monastery I became annoyed, but I persevered.

Just around the mountain’s ridge I entered the territory of two lovely Ethiopian girls, Abeba and Asmera. They spotted me on the ridge and yelled out the most pleasant words in perfect English “I love you… my name is … nice to meet you.” they yelled. We were extremely far from each other but the acoustics were excellent so we were able to hold a conversation.

The girls decided to make their way up the mountain. When they arrived to me, Abeba, eager to make my acqauintance extended her hand to shake mine. I was impressed with her professionlism.

Her older sister was just as impressive with her reserved but friendly nature. She smiled.

I immediately fell in love with their gorgeous smiles and cute afros. We said our goodbyes and I continued up the mountain to the monastery.

Later, while making my descent from the monastery I ran into my new little friends as they walked to school. They were happy to walk with their American uncle as I too was delighted to see them again. “What a nice coincidence”, I thought.

At one point I stopped to have coffee with the family who helped me by supplying a mule when I became tired.  It was at this point that I was to forever part from my new little friends.

Abeba and Asmera continued to school, but not before we shook hands and said goodbye just as Abeba showed me was appropriate for our interaction.