* UPDATED 1/16/14: Pics added!

South Omo, Ethiopia, baby, and it’s brilliant. Omo borders Kenya and is the region of Ethiopia that ‘s home to the most interesting and culturally intact tribes in Africa.

We woke up at 5 a.m. today, as we had a long drive ahead of us. We spent most of the day in the truck traveling the lush and gorgeous countryside — I mean, seriously stunning vistas. My mouth was open the whole time. Extreme beauty does that to me; I’m just in awe. A painter’s paradise, for sure, and my hands long to create these images through my artistic filter.

I have started to rethink the whole plein air thing though. Driving along, watching the majestic landscapes unfold before me, I was in shock to have my paradise interrupted by the sight of an enormous slithering snake crossing the road in front of us. My eyes practically popped out of my head and then — THUMP. Yup, we hit it, but alas, it just kept going. Hope it was off to somewhere to compensate for the trauma it caused me. We might have to paint from our lovely eco lodge in Jinka. Anyway, it happened, and now you know. You’re welcome! 🙂

The Konso tribe and village of Ethiopia is a World Heritage Site, and today we got to visit their village. It was a truly fascinating view into tribal life and the details will have to be shared with you later, as well as the photos, as Wi-Fi is on a timer here at the eco lodge and time is catching up with me. The photos and painting that will be made from these memories are something I look forward to sharing with great anticipation. But for now I must lay my head on the pillow and get some sleep with the sweet sounds of crickets chirping in the background, an occasional distant dog and donke, and, from somewhere closer to the city, disco music. What a combination, and oh, how my senses are gloriously assaulted!

Love from Ethiopia,
Stephanie

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