Saying “Good Afternoon”

I don’t speak Amharic, the main language of the streets here in Addis Ababa. I can say “good morning”, but later in the day I’m lost (I don’t know how to say “good afternoon”). There are many friendly people who will stop and chat in their best English about their country, and an exchange of phone numbers often follows. I’ll be honest: I’m a little out of my regular comfort area here, but the eager friendliness of most of the people here makes me comfortable.

?Language is a barrier (and I wish I spoke the language of this city), but it’s not always the most important part of communication. I’ve discovered the truth in a lovely little cliché: smiling is the universal language.