july 4, 2010

Good morning! It is 9 am on July 4 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sorry I didn't get an email sent yesterday. I only slept about 4 hours the first night and was exhausted yesterday. We had a great day yesterday, even with the lack of sleep. We had two men come in to talk about the educational system in Ethiopia, and barriers to education that exist in the country. We were supposed to go to the bank to change money, but the banks were closed in the afternoon, so we ended up changing plans. Our guide, Habtu, arranged for someone to come to the guesthouse to change money for us - somewhat black market.  :)  Then we went and did a little shopping. We went to a couple of places where there were little shops. When I say "little shops" I mean LITTLE! Tiny little shops stacked to the gills with all kinds of things! I didn't buy anything - I was a bit too overwhelmed and didn't feel prepared to barter. At all. I did see some neat things, and I think we're going back to some of those places later.  I also was a little overwhelmed trying to figure out the exchange rate ($1=13 birr). I have my "cheat sheet" now and I'm ready for the next time we go shopping!

This morning we got up early and went to an Ethiopian Orthodox church service. It was fascinating. There were many beggars outside the gates, but also inside, near the church. There were LOTS and LOTS of people there outside the actual church. In fact, not that many even went in. Evidently, if the worshipers don't feel that they've been right with God, then they will stay outside and worship instead of going inside. There were speakers on the outside, so everyone could hear, even from far away. We didn't go inside but we did look in, and we spent about 45 minutes experiencing the worship and talking with one of our guides, Habutwold, who is the son of an Ethiopian Orthodox priest. It was nice to have someone to explain to things to us.

This afternoon, we were supposed to have someone who is a bigwig in the coffee industry come speak, but he is ill, so we're changing plans. Good to be flexible! I think we're going to start working on curriculum today.  Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow - haven't looked that far ahead.

The food has been yummy - breakfast yesterday was waffles and fresh pineapple juice, lunch was pasta with a spicy sauce and steamed veggies, dinner we ate pizza out. There is a significant Italian influence here since Ethiopia was occupied by Italy for a time.

Driving around the city is an adventure. There seems to be little regard for lanes of traffic. Today we got held up by a herd of donkeys. We have seen several people selling goats along the side of the road. There are lots of fruit stands that are absolutely beautiful! Avocados, mangoes, bananas, and papayas stacked in the most beautiful arrangements. The van driver today said the avocados would cost about 4 birr for 1 kilo. 1 birr = 7 cents...pretty good price!

That's all for today. I think we might get some breakfast soon.  :)  Will email again when I have time. Hope all is well at home!
 


Alica