Back in the capitol
Trip Start
Aug 02, 2008
1
3
Trip End
Aug 15, 2008
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Saturday, August 9, 2008
We had a DELICIOUS dinner at a Lebanese restaurant which was accompanied by a very awkward belly dancer. I'm assuming the pickings must be slim in Ethiopia for belly dancers, because this girl was bad. Not too mention the painted eyebrows which gave her a very surprised look... scary, actually!
In the morning, Richelle had arranged a circus day for the kids at Gedam Sefer. She hired some tumblers, etc... the kids were really excited and it was nice to say goodbye on such a high note.
In the afternoon, we delivered 420 kilos of oranges to the orphange! One of Jari's friends had sent money for the orphanage. The sisters prefer goods to be donated over money, so we delivered mass quantities of fruit for the kids. We filled a whole minibus with yummy oranges. With the fast increase of food prices, one of the first things to go is fresh fruits and veggies, so this was a fine idea! And, I'm sure the guy at the fruit stand didn't mind this transaction either. :)
We visited a women's co-op pottery and all bought some beautiful things. Unfortunately, my favorite bowl broke in transit back to the states...so sad! After visiting the pottery, we went out for some fish. Orthodox ethiopians fast more than 200 days out of the year and the time we were there was part of an extended fast... lucky for us. As none of us eat chicken or beef, we were glad for our lentils and fish! The Nile perch is served fried and whole... a site to behold and so tasty!
I also visited the fistula hospital during this time. I had heard so many great things about the hospital and was anxious to check it out. A couple of Australians came to Ethio in the 60s to start a midwifery school and discovered so many young women with traumatic birth injuries that cause them to be incontinent. These women are cast out of their villages with this condition, still grieving loss of their stillborn child. This couple founded the hospital which treats them for free with a (most of the time) pretty simple surgery which allows them to return to their society and in many cases marry and have more babies. It is truly a remarkable place and so inspirational. Definitely a highlight of my trip.
We also visited a silk shop Sabara. The women make the silk starting with the worms, dye them with all natural products and make the most beautiful scarves and home decorations. Stunning!
It would be odd to not mention the difficult things one sees on the streets of Addis Ababa. Many people are hungry and the disabilities you see are impossible to fathom. It's hard to know what to do... giving money to kids begging is not solving any problems, especially considering they most likely just hand the birr over to an adult. It's a struggle anywhere in the developing world, but especially hard here. A lot of people are doing a lot of really good things here and I guess the wisest alternative is to give to reputable organization.
I am so sad to leave Ethiopia (everything except the squattie potties!), but I know that I will go back another time. It is a wonderful culture of extremely hospitable, positive, and loving people. I have so many more photos and can't wait to talk to you about this amazing trip!
