It’s been more than a month since I’ve had a chance to put
something together for your reading pleasure. The previous post pretty much
explains why – a 36 page research report and a two-week training conference
effectively zap one’s ability to do anything else. I’ve been so busy that I
didn’t even realize it’d been so long. I’m now back in Bekoji and preparing to
start working on some of the activities put forth in my report. Since I’m still
recovering from the calamity of the last month, traveling on public transport,
and whatever was in the food at our training hotel, I’m going to keep this one
pretty light. Here are some recent highlights of my life in Ethiopia, told
mostly through pictures and a couple video clips.
A kitten was born on the compound. It’s a well-known fact
that I’m not a cat person, but watching this thing wobble around and be all
kitten-like has just been OMGZ adorable. It was born to a stray that had taken
shelter in a haystack behind my room. Knowing that it would either be abandoned
or eaten by the mother cat (not kidding), my landlord’s family pretty much
adopted the little booger, taking it into the house, feeding it fresh milk from
Tractor, and basically just letting it frolic around swatting at flies and
stuff. All that being said, I still never, ever want to own a cat.
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| Just 3 PCVs in an
Addis line taxi |
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| Teambuilding! |
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| More teambuilding! |
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| This one might actually qualify as bodybuilding. |
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| The sunset view from our room in Ambo was pretty spectacular |
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| Paper Football Tourney #2, Championship. I won! |
Over a Thanksgiving dinner of enchiladas, quesadillas, and
lasagna (it was amazing), a few of us discussed how being the door guy in a
line taxi is the secret wish of just about every Peace Corps Volunteer in
Ethiopia. Little did we know that later in the very same evening, a one Michael
Quiroz would have his moment in the sun.
There’s really no way for me to explain how amazing this
was. The driver didn’t have a “helper,” so we collectively volunteered to the
task, but Michael was the man with the money, making him the star of the show.
All of the Ethiopians on board, and especially the driver, were as enthralled
as the Americans. When the short ride was over, the driver didn’t even count
the money Michael handed him. He just put it in his pocket, along with a
life-long memory and one helluva story to tell all his friends.
And from the amazing to the downright horrific…
Just before this picture was taken, the monstrous subject
was ON MY BODY. I let off a round of shrieks and squeals I never before knew I
could produce. The spider is no longer with us.
Don’t worry. I won’t leave you with a case of the heebie-jeebies.
Prepare for maximum cuteness…
I know, right? The sheep on my compound had a baby while I
was away. This sprite little chap is all of a week old. But just wait…
Wait for it…
Wait for it…
Wait for it…
Baby sheep prancing!!!!
As if my quality of life hadn’t already increased enough
with this fabulous new addition, I had two care packages waiting for me at the
post office when I stopped by yesterday. Massive, endless thanks to my dad and
my friend Christopher for their significant contributions to my overall
well-being.
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| A treasure chest of amazing, courtesy of Papa Bear |
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| Christopher really ought to teach classes on packing care packages. Impressive. |
And for the cherry on top, only 25 days ‘til Laura and me and London!!!!!!
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| I will never get enough of this picture. |
Yay life!!!
Great post - Ethiopia is so amazing!
ReplyDeleteI saw in an earlier post that you were living in Sagure. Do you know if there are any hotels there? I know it's a small town, so maybe Asela is a better bet, but I just wanted to ask.
Thanks!
Jon
Hi Jon - Thanks for stopping by. As far as I know, there is one hotel in Sagure. It's Hotel Harar, which is in the middle of town on the main road. If you were stuck, I suppose it wouldn't be the worst imaginable scenario for hotels in Ethiopia, but if you have a choice, Asela would be a much better bet. The Kenenisa, at the bottom of the hill across from the bus station, is probably your nicest option, but Derartu, at the top of the hill, is also nice. Directly across the street from Derartu, the Soljam is also decent and I believe it's a bit cheaper.
DeleteIf you ever find yourself wanting to stay south of Sagure, Bekoji has a pretty nice hotel in the Wabe (pronounced Wahbay). It's where I'll have my family and friends stay when they come to visit.