September 2020 www.womanthismonth.com 10 I have lived through some unforgettable moments during some of my trips, but the one that touched my heart and soul the most is the time I met a Mursi tribe woman in 2015 when I visited the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. When I visited the Musri tribe, who are known to be the most aggressive people in the Lower Omo Valley, I walked around to understand their lifestyle. I saw a little boy standing near a hut, made mostly from mud and branches, with a curious smile. When I approached the little boy, he ran into the hut, so I peeked from what supposed to be a door and saw a woman breastfeeding her child. The woman glanced at me and looked so incredibly exhausted she broke my heart. With a smile and sign language I asked if I could enter the hut and she nodded in agreement. I literally had to crawl on my knees to enter the hut which was likely less than 2x2 meters with a small window; I stood looking at everything in that little place that they called ‘home’. There was animal skin on the floor, some branches for making fire, a big bowl with milk and flies all around it, a pot for cooking and some remaining sorghum. In one of the corners, there was a bottle which I assumed was water since the water they drink is usually mixed with mud. There was also a calf, which I later found out stayed in the hut, especially at night, for protection. The place smelled so bad I could not catch a breath, and couldn’t help by wonder “How on earth do they live like that?”. I was overwhelmed with different feelings; I sat down looking at this woman who chose to live an impossibly difficult life and couldn't stop myself from crying. I guess she probably thought I was a crazy person, sitting there in her house, looking at everything and crying. I still don't know if I empathise or envy the simplicity of their life. As time was running out, I had to pull myself together to take some shots and again I used basic sign language to make her understand I would need her to cover up so I could take a photo. They live naked and proud and usually get offended if they are asked to cover up. Which is the most memorable photography experience you have had? PEOPLE | interview
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