Apologise for being so rubbish and not maintaining the blog on a weekly basis as originally planned...I can say that I've been quite a busy girl and am much happier, settling into Addis life. Andy, my boss, invited a group of us to Debra Zeite last weekend with his wife a boys. The huts were beautiful and the gardens a mini paradise, only to be disturbed by the resident rooster and turkey gobbler who physically attacked any poor unsuspecting victim crossing their path. We had lunch at the Air Force Officers Club overlooking a lake and had a ride in a horse drawn carriage. It was great to get out of Addis - and has wetted my appetite to discover more.
As the Ethiopian calender is completely out (they have just celebrated New Year 2004!!!) I thought I'd help along with the festivities, and school were even kind enough to give us a 4 day weekend! it is customary to treat staff to a chicken to share with their families, but my friend Sammy offered to buy live ones. He produced 3 - one for Eya the maid and one for Windy the night watchman. The little hen was so cute, I decided to keep her and call her Camilla. She got quite attached to the black rooster and Windy didn't have the heart to separate them ,so I called him Charles and had to get another one! After the massive chicken escapade, I couldn't get a rooster as big as Charles, so Windy dicided to take Charles after all and Camilla is distraught being left with a rude, abnoxious red rooster. He may well be Sunday lunch for some next weekend!
We partied all night on Sunday and I was honoured to be invited to some Ethiopian families through a friend on New Years itself- even if a big tired and hung over. It's back to school tomorrow and am enjoying the little ones. Rich harris is due to come and stay on the 27th on his way around Africa, and have decided to take Ruthie on a tour for a week here during the Christmas hols, before flying out to Zanzibar for some sun and relaxation - life's tough!!! I have a landline now, so onwards and upwards!!
