Keep them rolling! Hi!
I'm an Ethiopian, daughter of a UNHCR diplomat. Unfortunately, didn't have the chance to grow up at home. Well, fortunately too certain aspects. But, my word, just reading your blog is taking me straight back! :P It's great, really you made me laugh very hard (and I'm in a very quiet library). And you're an excellent writer! Please keep us 'netizens updated!!
PS. I picked up that you're Canadian. Which college did you study at? If you don't mind me asking.. :)
PPS. Have you tried pasti yet??? Go to any bakery and they should have it :) It's what my sister and I eat once we've stepped foot in Addis... you might want to check it out :P
Thanks Aunt Jean - Interesting info! Ill have to look into that book if you recommend it. Yes, you could tell that this was a very special celebration. Lining the red carpet at the entrance were pictures of the royal family including a large portrain of Queen Beatrix and I would estimate that ALL Dutch guests were sporting at least one item of orange clothing.
Orange Ball Just finished the book, "Occupied Garden". The annual Orange celebration was so special to the Netherlands that they risked imprisionment or death from the Nazi soldiers. Their symbol of "orange" ( love of the royal family and all things dutch) became a rallying point against the occupation. Quite like our love of the Maple Leaf.
msg it is broken intentionally as ethiopians do not like open car windows because of what they call "bird disease" so they purposly do that to prevent passangers from opening the window
haha Hi Idriss,
Not knowing anything about your personal/professional life or currently living situation, I would say DO IT. There is lots to explore in Ethiopia and if you were staying for 4years, perhaps you would get the opportunity to explore outside of Ethiopia as well. I know MANY people here who only planned to come for 2months or 6 months and have already been here for 2years if thats any indication of how this city draws you in. There is plenty to do, great food, great nightlife, lots of possibilities for day/wknd trips... So what you have to ask yourself really is: why not?
Best, Amanda
Hi Al + Sara,
Congratulations on your new family member!! What a beautiful name! BSG is already in my heart after just 3months -- I can only imagine how it might feel after 2years. If you ever feel like sharing some of your experiences there, I'd love to hear them! Thanks for reading and I wish you all the best, Amanda
terrific Good morning,
I have been reading a few about your experience in Ethiopia. I have to say that I'am doing this in my office at the ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rabat. Well, I'am doing so because my ministry wants me to relocate to Addis Ababa, for an assignment. I certainly will be there by september for at least a 4 years term. So, I though may be if you'are interested to communicate a moroccan guy, you could let me know what if you were a diplomat, will you accept to work and live in Addis for such a long time ?
Please tell me your opinion.
Sincerly
Idriss
Love being able to start my mornings reading your blogs and being brought back to Africa!
Hope despite all the valley's that you have been through that the mountain top experiences enough to make it worth the while.
Regardless Africa is going to be in your heart forever! Just this week I woke up super early to go to Toronto, it was still dark and as I walked out the birds were chirping and the air was that cool but clean air that always sets of my senses and takes me right back to Africa mornings!
Miss ya
Melkam Guzoh (happy journey) Great to read a blog from BGRS! We got back from living in Assosa for 2 years and had a stopover in Debate on a field trip to "the Woredas".
Although my wife and I are back in the UK and just become parents to a lovely daughter called Sahai (the Amharic name for "sunlight" or "sunshine") I still look back with very fond memories of Assosa, Beneshangul-Gumuz and Ethiopia.
Enjoy your time in that wonderful country :)
All the best, Al
I really enjoyed your Melkam Manget post. I have always wanted to go to Ethiopia. My blog is looking for some travel photos. If you have the time, you can email us at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com, or check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com
Continued fun on your travels,
Eric
Fantastic I very much enjoyed reading the latest chapter in your epic adventure. It was positively moving and realistic. It was good to see you recognize the staff in the medical clinics who do an amazing job with limited resources and most often with no doctors on hand. In wrting your CPAR blog this is also important...being positive and recognizing great work doesn't in any way lessen the need for additional donations to support more initiatives on the ground...in fact quite the opposite. Your travel blog and especially the CPAR's blog will be read by an audience much wider than you can imagine. You have been touched and your passion shows....you have a real talent kiddo. Luv Ya...Dad xxooxxooxxooxxoo
I like Big Butts...lol How much do I love that you sang that song - I can literally picture you in the car singing it and laughing...
Look at you getting hit on by famous Flag designers ;)
I like "aman" peace that is a nice nickname
SQUATTY POTTIES - DOn't miss em
But I do miss you and your edge :D
Love the moments I want to see the dance!
I loved the Michael J Fox quote with the pic
Glad you had a good experience at the clinic
Keep smiling and making others smile!
Keeping ya in prayer
Thanks so much for reading! Glad to have be a help!
I hope you have an amazing time here in Ethiopia! If you are looking to see some Ethiopian dancing while in Addis -- and maybe to even give it a shot yourself -- I rec. 2000Habesha, Bole/S.Chechnya. Other things do check out if you only have a few days: The National Museum to see 'Lucy', Meskal Square early in the morning to see the runners, and shopping in Piazza/Merkato/Entoto! Definitely grab fresh juices and macchiatos everywhere you go, and if you can find it, there is a place N of Tele Bole called Fendika (an azmari house) -- its as local as it gets and serves real tej!
Took a dat trip to Mt Wenchi outside of Ambo this last weekend -- stay tuned for some pics of paradise!
All the best in your travels!
Amanda
Hey Lucy! Thanks for reading!
Im glad you are enjoying the blog! Took a trip this last weekend to Mt Wenchi outside of Ambo -- it was what I imagine the definition of 'paradise' to be so stay tuned for some pics!
Best,
Amanda
Hey - Tried tej in the field a few weeks ago. Sweet and mighty.
If you have any recommendations, absolutely send them my way whenever you get a chance and hopefully some day youll be reading about 'em!
Thanks,
Amanda
Thank you for providing a good introduction to Addis. Probably more realistic, and certainly more interesting, than the description in my guidebook. I may even consider staying a day or two there before fleeing to the provinces.
recommendation I enjoyed reading your blog. It looks like you have a lot of learning to do on your Amharic. It is good to hear you are enjoying the city. I would say knowing the right people and having money can make you go from zero to sixty in three sec.
Things I would recommend you do.
Try Tej (Ethiopian wine made out of honey), the best place for it in my opinion is Sululta, it is normally 25c CAD in the city, but the real thing is a lot more expensive about 2CAD a glass.
I don’t have time right now but if you want me to I can recommend a lot
To my friends and family and any other readers who stumble upon this page, I hope you enjoy the stories and that some day my experiences might come in handy when you are out in the world having adventures of your own!... full info
Helina Mengesha Kebede
non-member comment
Keep them rolling!
Hi! I'm an Ethiopian, daughter of a UNHCR diplomat. Unfortunately, didn't have the chance to grow up at home. Well, fortunately too certain aspects. But, my word, just reading your blog is taking me straight back! :P It's great, really you made me laugh very hard (and I'm in a very quiet library). And you're an excellent writer! Please keep us 'netizens updated!! PS. I picked up that you're Canadian. Which college did you study at? If you don't mind me asking.. :) PPS. Have you tried pasti yet??? Go to any bakery and they should have it :) It's what my sister and I eat once we've stepped foot in Addis... you might want to check it out :P