By Bridget Boynton This past week, I took a four-day trip to the southern city of Hawassa. Going by bus, the journey took about 5 and a half hours each way. Before leaving, I can't say I knew much about the city or its environs. To be more precise, I had heard from friends that it offers beautiful countryside scenery, there is a lake, and lots of animals. Sounds nice, but not very telling of the deeper culture that defines the city. I also knew from doing some rudimentary research that the city is part of the homeland of the Sidama people, an indigenous culture of the region. But that pretty much summarizes my knowledge of Hawassa prior to embarking on my journey. Scarce at best; I was in for many surprises. When I reflect at the image I formulated in my head of Hawassa before arriving in the city, I see a picturesque postcard image of a vast lake, sprawling hills, and an abundance of flora and fauna. I also envisioned circular huts, dusty roads, and marketpla