Awassa Break
Trip Start
Feb 21, 2006
1
5
6
Trip End
Jun ????
Awassa, Ethiopia
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Up until our deadline (April 15) to have a transfer formula for the tigrian government, we were working our butts off (7 days a week). The day after James gave our presentation we left for wonderful Addis. Well, actually it is quite dirty, it is worse than D.C.! However, we did get to swim at the Hilton, we did not stay there, which was a nice change.
Then we were off to the wonderful land of Awassa! We took a 3 hour ride in a pickup truck with three people in the back. It was very tight. Plus the ride took a little bit longer because we were stuck in awful traffic in Addis.
Anyways, we arrived to Awassa, were there was sooo much green and a beautiful lake, wildlife, and monkeys! DSA has a house there so it was comfortable too. We had drinks by the lake, went to hot springs near Awassa, and did a little bit of work. Basically, had two meeting with the SNNPR (Southern Nations Nationalities Peoples Republic, something like that) Bureau of Finance. We gave them a few scenarios and solutions for their new set up of their transfer formula, gave them an excel taining guide that Mike and I made for Tigray, and promised to do some things in the future, of course.
All-in-all it was a fantastic trip. On our way back to Addis, we picked up charcoal, a sheep, a chicken, papaya, strawberries, tomatoes, onions, and watermelons. Most of this was for James and a friend Messy. Mike and I ended up with some strawberries.
The next few days, we have just been relaxing. This weekend is a holiday because it is when Ethiopia celebrates Easter. Since people have been fasting (no meat) for 55 days, today begins the meat fest! We are going to have a huge feast with our land lady and her family, and then we go back to work tomorrow....
Comments
Curious
Sounds like a working vacation, but no pictures?!? When does Mike's mom arrive? Does she get to stay with you? Why do they celbrate Easter a week later that most of us? Okay, all these questions mean you have to answer! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooomom
a much needed break from sera sera sera...
glad you had a chance to relax, the hot springs sound wonderful! I am guessing they recognize the Orthodox celebration of Easter a week later than we do(b/c by a different calendar)? Thank you for all the recent info. It really is helpful for answering questions like 'why is your sister and her friend in Ethiopia?' Which is asked pretty frequently believe it or not... It sounds like your diet is repetitious, what do you normally eat each day? It is a surprise to have Carlyn sound excited about MEAT :-)
ridin tall
Yessir, I liked the movie. Very nice coreography. Or however one spells that. I bet that monkey would poop his pants if he saw the trader Joe dumpster. Anyway, keep up the good work
sammo
First Wooster, then Africa, next Hollywood!
I didnt think you had it in you, but man Mike, you almost made me cry. A true heartfelt shed of tears. What a great tune and that ride... good golly, you guys are good. peace out and keep the camera roll'n
Hi there!
I don't know if this is the most recent place to post- but I've been keeping up with you Mike! I hope I get to meet Carolyn sometime- if you two ever decide to come home! I am at Ohio State again, getting my masters in City and Regional Planning. I am sure that after your adventures, the mundane economic problems of US cities will be boring- but maybe we could work together someday! Wouldn't that be fun? : ) Anyway- I am living vicariously through you, although I have been visiting more developed parts of the world- I just wish you all the happiness I can give, and hope to see you again sometime within the next year or two! Be safe- much love- Lauren