Rick Steves' Europe Season 8 Episode 105 Hunger and Hope: Lessons from Ethiopia and Guatemala

In this episode of "Rick Steves' Europe," host Rick Steves visits two countries, Ethiopia and Guatemala, that have experienced hunger and poverty in different ways and have found their own methods of overcoming these challenges.

Starting in Ethiopia, Rick explores the bustling capital city of Addis Ababa and observes the locals' daily routines, from preparing traditional coffee to weaving fabrics. He then journeys to the Tigray region, where he meets with farmers and learns about a new program that integrates traditional agricultural practices with modern technologies to prevent soil erosion and increase crop yields. He also visits a school that provides meals for students, which not only helps them stay healthy but also boosts attendance rates.

From Ethiopia, Rick travels to Guatemala, where he discovers how the country has been impacted by a history of conflict and inequality. He meets with locals who are working to combat hunger and poverty, including a group of women who have started a cooperative to grow and sell organic produce and a chef who volunteers at a soup kitchen that serves over a thousand people a day.

Throughout the episode, Rick highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the people he meets, as well as the important role that food and community play in overcoming adversity. He also provides historical and cultural context to the challenges facing these countries, offering viewers a deeper understanding of their struggles and accomplishments.