Prior to embarking on this adventure, and frequently since we have arrived in Ethiopia, we have been asked if we are safe. Although travelling in Africa involves some risk, we have both a driver and a guide and any chances we take are calculated ones.
Ethiopia borders the Sudans, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, and Djibouti.What is currently happening in Yemen is certainly worrying. Today on BBC a UN representative stated that although we proclaim "never Again" that as a collective we are failing to deliver. There is a presence of weapons in the Simien Mountain area. Our guide indicated that there are blood feuds and conflicts between tribes. However, our armed protecter escorted us on our three hour trek through the Simien mountains in case the Gelada baboons acted up. I am happy to report we saw hundreds of docile grass eating baboons and unimaginable mountain vistas. You Are always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
We have now headed out on our 14 day road trip of Ethiopia. It was a crazy long day of driving to get to Bahir Dar. Here are a few of our encounters you won't see in Perth County: 1. Sheep, goats and cattle consistently gathering on the road...and appearing to have the right of way 2. Baboons sitting on the guardrails 3. Live sheep tied on the top of a van or tanker trucks 4. A dead horse lying in the middle of the road with its throat cut...that poor fellow never made it to market 5. Elite Ethiopian runners training 6. Road closures indicated by big rocks 7. Children running along side of vehicles selling Ethiopian Vodka...donkeys just running everywhere 8. Long lines of people walking to Saturday market with everything... women carrying buddies of dried dung that must have been heavier than they were! 9. Kids trying to sell live chickens and then pretending to throw them at your vehicle if you don't buy them (slaughtering a chicken at Easter is an orthodox tradition--kind of like getting back at the cock that crowed thrice) 10. The forest is considered a washroom stop I'm not quite sure when you'll see this post because the Internet and Phones haven't been working here for three days. Regardless, You Are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom. We definitely improved our market experience today with the help of our guide Sami. We were actually able to find the craftsman weaving traditional Ethiopian baskets, identify the smell of Frankincense, and broaden our understanding of how spices (some unique to Ethiopia) are used in local food.
At the National Museum we met Lucy. And yes, the archeologists that discovered her did name her after the Beetles song. Ethiopians refer to her as Dinkinesh which means "you are marvellous" in Amharic. Dinkinesh--fearfully and wonderfully made. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
We have arrived in Addis Ababa and the adventure has begun. Our guide doesn't join us until Friday so this is our chance to muddle about on our own. The weather is in the 80's and the Ruppell's Weavers are hiding in the blossoms constructing nests just outside our door. We managed to visit the Ethnology Museum on the Addis University campus and order a delicious and thrifty meal while not knowing a word of Amharic. We arrived safely back at our hotel with only one encounter with an unscrupulous taxi driver (to be fair--we took an unmetered cab so we handed him the opportunity). Oh, and lane markings appear to be only suggestions! The hotel is fabulous and the rooms massive. They obviously have a preference for hard mattresses. Thaddeus referred to the beds as simply being elevated boards. Ray has already been offered chat (not the conversation, but the mild narcotic chew). Given our jet lag I don't think we will need any help sleeping tonight, even with the 'firm' mattresses. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. |
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Ray & Diane
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