by Crooked Trails co-founder Chris Mackay
Crooked Trails’ first Travel 98118 Program was a feast for the senses! On September 24th, twenty participants had an enriching time at the homes of their host families. I acted as the guide for the group who went to the home of Hirut from Ethiopia. We spent 3 hours in her home in Rainier Valley with her two children and had a wonderful time.
Hirut’s home was filled with the fragrances of a special aromatic wood resin mixed with the pungent smell of roasting coffee beans and the spicey smell of shora simmering on the stove. Hirut showed us how Ethiopian women roast, grind and make their coffee in a traditional style. She also shared her homemade honey wine with us, which she makes from the bark of a tree I had never heard of. Other participants made injera bread with their host families, and one group had a tour of a Somali shop which felt and looked like they were right in the Horn of Africa.
Everyone who took part in the Travel 98118 Program also got to volunteer fixing bikes, with the help of volunteers Tom, Giovanni and the great folks from Bike Works. We were able to fix 10 bikes and distribute them to needy kids who were more than excited to ride home that day on a new set of wheels. Many participants had their hair braided and others played soccer. Everyone danced and ate traditional Somalian and Ethiopian food.
Of all the activities we did that Saturday, most people came away saying spending time in the home of their host family was the best. And this is what we hear on our international programs as well. We know it’s about the cultural exchange. It’s about sharing. We hope you will join us on the next Travel 98118 Program, to be held in early 2012.
Here’s a great video collection that gives you a peek into the home visits, service project, dancing and fun!
Also, be sure to check out the rest of our photos on our Facebook page.
Thanks to participant Mishelle Maas and Lauren Leary at HOAS for sharing their photos with us!
