Blogs from Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa Region, Ethiopia, Africa - page 13

Tacoma seems so far away right now. Katrinka, Tigist and I have enjoyed our last full day in Addis Ababa. We accomplished quite a bit for having a relatively simple day. We had a bit of a late start. Our little princess decided that she would wake up at about 2am and call it a night of sleep. Nothing would really console her; I took the first shift. We tried looking out the window and pointing at things. That is usually good for about 30 minutes before something captures her attention. An hour later, I think her eyes were actually open wider than they were when she first awoke. We tried looking at books, stacking blocks, even television. Nothing. Katrinka took the second shift. Ultimately, we all awoke with Tigist comfortably nuzzled between Katrinka and me ... read more

Well, today we finally brought Tigist home from the foster home. It was a very good day as good-byes go. We arrived at the foster home around 10:30 or so with the intention of a brief visit to get the last details of Tig's routine and to say good-bye to the staff and children. I think it was bitter sweet for the other kids, as they were more somber than we are used to seeing them. When we arrived, Tigist was smiles and gave us a wave. She was given a quick change into her cute orange dress and shoes (keepers). The other kids were enjoying their crayons and coloring books as we questioned the staff on Tig's typical morning routine. In about a half-snap, the driver was back to pick us up and we said ... read more

After a large breakfast buffet we bravely set out determined to find the Former Women Firewood Carrier's Co-op AND we decided to walk. Hence the adventure. First, we needed to cash traveler's cheques. Note to travelers to Addis Ababa: don't bother bringing traveler's cheques! Not that it is impossible to cash them. Just be prepared to witness the most interesting first-hand account of bureaucracy in action. After following directions through the back gate of the Hilton compound, and across the street of neverending traffic, we found the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (apparently the ONLY bank that will cash the cheques). We were lead to the appropriate desk in the inner sanctum of the bankers only to find out the cheques could not be cashed without the purchase receipt (even though we were told at the point ... read more

After a mostly sleepless night for Katrinka and I, we got an early start with a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant. We met Yayu (our in-country coordinator) at 10:00 am to review our I864 and I600 forms. We gave him some gifts (a computer bag, thumb drive, world atlas and some cash), and he took us to the foster home to meet Tigist for the first time. Tigist was all dressed up in a very cute orange dress. She didn't quite know what to make of us at first, but Katrinka had a few breakthroughs, beginning with bubbles. In one of the photos, you'll notice a rare but beautiful smile. After warming up to us, Tigist fell asleep in Katrinka's arms. While she napped, we exhausted ourselves playing with the other children, all of ... read more

Kovas writing… When school ends at 3:20 we go to after-school clubs till 4:30. These clubs include basketball club, soccer club, chess club, table tennis club, volleyball club, and a puzzle/games club ect. At 4:30 we get together and do the seven minute walk to Bole Bras, a line taxi station. We listen intently trying to figure out which of the fourty plus taxis are going to Haya Hulet, our destination. Once we have found one of the taxi is going to Haya Hulet, we cram in and wait for the twelve-seater taxi to fill up with at least fifteen people. When the taxi fills up it drives its route. The fare is sixty five cents, but because we are white the conductor (person who collects the money and screams the destination) sometimes tries to cheat ... read more