April 6 - It's difficult to believe that communities like this one still exist today. Founded over 1,000 years ago by a group of Arabian refugees, Koromi people still live today like their ancestors did when they built the village. There is no running water, no electricity, no transportation, no telephone/radio/TV, and no regular contact with the outside world. The village sits on a remote hilltop 17km southeast of Harar. The people speak a language that is unique to their village. They have learned to speak an Oromo language, too, which is spoken by many other tribes in the area.
While we were visiting, it started to rain very hard and continued for about 45 minutes. One family graciously invited to shelter us in their home until the rain passed. They even scooted one of the village roosters in with us (and the photo below shows him patiently waiting to get back to his business). Ben, our guide, speaks a little Oromo which allowed us to communicate. They were very gentle and friendly. We passed the time learning so much about each other. They had as many questions for us as we had for them.
Visiting Koromi has been, thus far, the highlight of our trip.
I feel like I am almost there with you because of your beautiful pictures and explanations. Thank You So Much!!! This whole experience has got to be the trip of a lifetime!! T.G is so beautiful, I can't wait to see her and hear your stories.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Emily