Blogs from Addis Ababa Region, Ethiopia, Africa - page 31

Clare and I moved in David and Nadia’s old house in Addis Ababa. We are both working in the capital over the summer and VSO have given us a very nice house to live in. My summer job is working for the National Road Safety Coordination Office. The organisation of road safety in Ethiopia is excellent and they are doing much of what is recommended to improve road safety in a developing country. So far, I have been very impressed. There are many benefits to living in Addis Ababa (or Finfinne - the Oromo name) - nice restaurants (Indian, pizza, croissants …), supermarkets that sell essential items, such as ground coffee, chocolate, cheese and imported wine, and leisure activities. Last weekend, Clare and I spent much of the weekend shopping - buying those necessary household ... read more

Famous for the famine of 1984/85 Famous for barren land, desert and death Famous for images of malnourished children with distended bellies Famous as the inspiration for the world’s greatest charity effort, Live Aid Famous for conflict and war with Eritrea Forget everything you imagine Ethiopia to be and every preconception; it's nothing like the image you most likely have in your head! Ethiopia is full of surprises! Did you know that it was one of only two African nations never colonised? Or that it’s known as the “Cradle of Humanity”, where fossils of the earliest hominids have been found? Or that 18 of Egypt’s pharaohs were Ethiopian? Not only that, but it is home to the oldest written language in the world, Ge'ez, the first ever Christian country, the origin of the coffee bean, and ... read more

Before I start this blog, I have noticed that in my other two there is one serious ommision....Ferenji fever. With the exception of Addis my days have been filled by little children, and some adults in rural areas, shouting 'You You!...Ferenji' at me, with some of the more enterprising adding 'Give me money'. I try to handle it with poise and good grace, but it is fucking hard...as (unknowingly admittedly) these bastards are just so fucking rude. Also what in god names makes someone shout out what the see (apart from that funny disease I can't spell and therefore won;t mention; I mean shouting 'Ferenji' every time you see a white person is like me shouting 'Mailbox', 'Car', 'Cat'...grrrr....anyway.... Well as you read in my last blog I left Addis, and Tatjana, heartbroken; knowing she ... read more

Ok! I've decided last night to skip harar so that i'll have more time in Uganda.. the fact that somebody gave his ugandan guide book to me helped a little towards this decision.. wanted to leave this morning.. but was not prepared mentally.. so decided to stay one more day in addis.. man.. really stayed here for 4 nights.. no plans today.. maybe just hit some internet time.. and catch up on the updates.,. possibly 4-5days of blackout days to come.. and i've confirmed going to dubai for the training.. leaving nairobi on the 5 may.. and going back to nairobbery on 12 may.. there was an overland truck tour that leaves on 13th may to capetown (arrive 23 june).. excellent for my timing.. but they just emailed me that they are full.. shit.. so will ... read more

Christmas in Addis was very different to my usual cheese and tomato sandwiches on a walk with Martin, but it was good - made by being with some good friends from VSO. We even bought, and decorated, a (very small) Christmas tree. Four of us stayed together in David and Nadia’s house, and often stayed up late talking. I had a nightly argument with Teresa, but won the right to sleep in the lounge (which made sense as I was usually awake first). On Saturday night, we invited Nigel to dinner and had a Christmas celebration meal (pasta and tomato sauce by Mary, fruit salad by Teresa) complete with crackers and paper hats. Sunday was Christmas Eve. The four of us went for a leisurely walk along Bole Road, looking for places to have Christmas Dinner, ... read more