Similarities between the Gelada Baboon & Americans

On Sunday (6 days ago), Tiffany & I took a cab into the city
centre. We visited the National Museum, which is famous for being
home to the 2 oldest hominid skeletons, Lucy (3.2 million years old &
40% complete) & Selam (3.4 million years old & 60% complete). Lucy is
currently touring the U.S., & Selam is still being studied, but we saw
tons of cool things like a pair of dice from 500 A.D.
Next, we visited the Lion Zoo, which houses the Absynnian Lions &
endemic Gelada Baboons. We knew this zoo would be depressing, but
honestly, nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. The visitors
took great pleasure in taunting the animals, who were clearly
frightened. When their harassment caused a lion to roar or a baboon
to bare its teeth, the crowd would cheer. I don't think i could
recommend this zoo to anyone.
While walking around downtown, I couldn't help feeling like a
Gelada baboon in the zoo. Obviously, ferengis (foreigners) are quite
an attraction here in Addis. Many people approach us asking for money
or food. Others approach us hoping to practice their English.
Sometimes, however, people approach us with the intention of treating
us like a Gelada baboon in the zoo. One little girl slapped my arm
when I ignored her requests for birr (the Ethiopian currency). One
time I thought a man was reaching his arm out in an attempt to steal
my bag. As I turned my back towards him, he punched my arm. I'm
assuming these acts were merely done to get a rise out of me. Please
don't worry, these instances are incredibly rare and I haven't really
experienced this type of behavior around my neighborhood. Most people
don't even notice us. Only once did a man grab my arm as he was
asking for birr, but a second man quickly stepped in & yelled at him.
Addis is truly safe, but it is interesting (and important) to take
notice of the few who are fascinated by us ferengis.