The children simply come running when they see trekkers coming through. They arrive with huge smiles and “hello’s”, reaching out their hands to touch us and take our hands. Most have no shoes, are in clothing that is ripped and filthy, some are without pants, and many will have a plain blanket wrapped around their shoulders in place of a jacket. Water is scarce in the high mountains and therefore precious, which explained their condition. For those that were sick with colds it was clearly evident as they carried it on their hands and faces. However their illnesses did not disrupt their enthusiasm in wanting to touch and grab our hands in excited greetings. In Ethiopia, handy wipes are really handy.
Desert Fox Diaries 