Today we headed out, once again by local transport to Awramba Commune. We had read about this place in the Brandt Guide and it sounded interesting because it is not on the 'normal' tourist track. Awramba is located about 70 km from Bahir Dar. We had to take a local bus from BD. At the bus station, Abebe (our young guide) was swarmed with drivers trying to convince him they had the best bus, rate, whatever. We were happy he was with us. Many people speak English here but he managed to find a good rate in seconds. It might have taken us a while longer and likely we would have paid more. The trip was uneventful - in Ethiopia terms. For us it was an amazing experience once again, watching people going about their day. Women carrying things on their heads that defy gravity and neck/back strength while still managing to walk upright and with great poise and elegance.
We had to take a second bus and then walk about 2 km into the commune . This is a classic commune - familiar to anyone who is old enough to remember the '70's. The people here are Ethiopians who have followed the teachings of a leader (their founder) who eshews formal religion but teaches everyone that they are equal regardless of age, race, religion, male, female etc. The basic premise is hard work and education are the best foundation for life. This is considered very unusual in Ethiopia but the people who live here are very happy and all seem to share the responsibility for one another. Not a bad philosophy for living! They have a small school for pre-school and will also help anyone who wants to learn basic literary skills. The children go to school in Woreta, which is about a 5 mile walk each way. They have a brand new 'elder hostel' and do not turn any old person away.
The community is most known for weaving because they weave and sell their products so it is their main source of income but they also have some agriculture although they have limited land to work with. All taks are shared equally by men and women - very foreign for Ethiopians. It is very odd for them to visit and see men weaving, for example.
The trip back to Bahir Dar was interesting. We walked back to the main road and the plan was to flag down a passing bus (or beer truck!). The road was not very busy so we walked for about 15-20 minutes and then a brand new Toyota pick up truck stopped and the driver nodded for us to hop in the back. We jumped into the back and rode the rest of the way into Woreta. We were quite a spectacle - farengi's riding in the open air, back of a brand new truck driven by an Ethiopian. We got lots of waves and smiles and some surprised looks. From Woreta we caught the usual mini-bus back to Bahir Dar.
Another great day.