I just got back from Ethiopia where I was in a conference to help the Ethiopians start up a film industry. I didn't get out of the hotel as much as I'd have liked but I did have an unforgettable experience.
Here are women buying grain to make njera, the signature national dish (it's that spongy pancake thing)

All the other Westerners were getting sick but not me. And then on the last day, right before boarding the plane for my 21 hour travel back to New York via Rome and London my digestive track rebelled on me. I'm still recovering. Still, it was worth it. I felt so at home there. Everyone, but especially the Ethiopians themselves, were convinced that I was one of them. I learned a few words too, like "Thank You" ("Amenesigenalu"). It goes such a long way in a new country. And "Ishee," which means "O.K." that works for everything.