I've been very fortunate to travel to Africa many times in my adult life. These trips have included graduate level field studies, personal journeys, and as a leader of both undergraduate and Alumni groups. I've come to know East Africa and Southern Africa very well; they remain favorite places of mine. One African country has always loomed large in my imagination, and high on my list of places I want to experience – Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has to be on of the most fascinating countries on the planet; fairly claiming one of the oldest of the world civilizations, a cradle of humankind, a fascinating blend of Africa and middle-Eastern influences, connected to the sub-Sahara, but also very much not. Ethiopia seems to exist simultaneously in different time periods – some of the most traditional tribal cultures to be found in Africa – removed from the modern world, bustling rapidly developing Addis Ababa, and the ancient traditions of the Orthodox Christian Church. It's a country of rugged terrain, arid lowlands, Rift Valley Lakes, inhospitable deserts, and soaring mountains – and home to diverse wildlife, including more than 800 species of birds. In short, it's a dream destination for adventurous travelers, and I welcome you to share it with me.

As with all our Earlham Alumni groups, this trip is open to the entire Earlham community, friends and family of the school, and all kindred spirits who value well crafted trips that combine exploration with real, meaningful, group learning.

I look forward to having you join in.

Bill Buskirk
Earlham Professor of Biology, Emeritus / EC Class of '66