Demisse: The Grocer-Turned-Uncle

Here in Addis, we buy all our produce from a man named Demisse. He’s one of the people who has made Ethiopia feel like home to our family. We stop by his shop every Monday and Thursday to get all sorts of fruits and veggies that are in season: strawberries, mangos, pineapples, cabbage, collard greens, tomatoes, onions, you name it. If it’s in season, Demisse has it, and for a fraction of the cost of the supermarkets here in Addis.

But it’s not about the money to be honest. We go to Demisse’s because he feels like home, like an old friend, like an uncle you chose to have. He always gives every member of our family a small treat whenever we go to his shop: whether an apple, a banana, or a few limes to take home. And on top of the physical goodies, he’s also always willing to bestow the latest news onto us customers. Making sure his clientele are well nourished and mentally aware of important current events is of utmost importance to him.

One time, Demisse was busy with a load of customers (lucky him!) and he forgot to give us one of his usual stocking stuffers. The next time I went to his shop, I teasingly (and very casually) said, “I think we come here so much, you’ve decided to cut back on the greetings and treats. Cool — I see how it is.” He was absolutely mortified. I was truly kidding, but he’s never forgotten that statement since then. He makes it a point to say hello even when swamped and his hello’s are never phony. He flashes a huge grin and greets us like we’re his favorite people on the planet every time he sees us.

Demisse’s shop is a family business – his wife is often there as well. She’s a lovely woman with light brown eyes, caramel brown skin, a short, curvy figure, and impeccably braided cornrows. Demisse and his wife have five daughters and a big house (he’s shown me pictures of his beautiful home a few times, a possession he has worked hard for, and one I can tell he’s proud of.) Every time I go to his store, I get the latest on Ethiopia’s political situation. When we were leaving for the US during the Christmas holiday, Demisse joked, “Ethiopia is too much for you all, huh? Packing up and moving to where the electricity and politics is more stable?” 

We assured him we were coming back and upon our return, we were gifted with delicious, ripe mangos (Thank God they’re finally in season!)