Spring 2009
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Habtamu has an Adventure with Dapper Dan
I was handed a back pack and once we were on their first boat ride- We proudly started taking pictures of the Lion back pack Habtamu brought home from school. Later -while on the boat- we saw Habtamu holding a teddy bear and we were panic'd. Habtamu- Where did you get that bear? Etc.. Etc... After all it was Habtamu's first time on a Ferry too.. He pointed to his back pack and we learned...Dapper Dan was not the Lion Back pack.. but a cleaver little Bear hidden inside.
Here is Dapper Dan's Story.
Habtamu removed me from my Lion Back pack and introduced me to his family. We took a vehicle ferry to Long Island.
The next day we went to a Karate Class. The friends we visited go to Karate on Saturday mornings. Habtamu and I went with them and participated in the class. I watched but Habtamu ran around with the kids.
(I cannot get rid of that darn big space below-scroll down)
Then we went to the Zoo. At the zoo we saw Llama, goats, pigs, donkeys, birds and cows.Then we were at the Zoo-Debritu slept most of the time and when she woke up she sat in a puddle landing with a big splash. It was very funny and the whole group laughed. Mom spent a little time in the bathroom under the hand dryer- drying Kako's pants. We finished this long day at Chucky Cheese-where Debritu was afraid of the "bad kitty" aka Chucky Cheese-laugh.
On Tuesday- We got out the vote and learned about democracy!
On Wednesday, I Dapper Dan return to school with Habtamu. I've learned a lot this weekend, had much fun with two different families, learned about Equality and the fight for Equal rights in this country and how that fight continues today. We also learned about Democracy and how important it is for citizens of a country have a right to choose their leaders.. directly or indirectly.
The next day - I risked my life at the zoo by going into the shark tunnel- but on the other side of the tunnel we saw some pretty Tropical fish. This day was Martin Luther King Jr's Holiday so we learned about Equality.
On Tuesday- We got out the vote and learned about democracy!
On Wednesday, I Dapper Dan return to school with Habtamu. I've learned a lot this weekend, had much fun with two different families, learned about Equality and the fight for Equal rights in this country and how that fight continues today. We also learned about Democracy and how important it is for citizens of a country have a right to choose their leaders.. directly or indirectly.
Friday, January 15, 2010
are you kidding- for just a weekend?
It feels more like we're moving out-than going away for just the weekend -laugh....
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
on the "cheap" in london
Going to London is "EXPENSIVE"!!
Many wonder how Denis and I travel "so much"-laugh. After a few years of practice you get pretty good at this. It's difficult sometimes to make the sacrifices you have to make- like missing birthdays, holidays and other "traditional" days that you'd share with your family. But while everyone is with their families-generally-the world's travel prices drop drastically.
Rick Steve's is a good reference for any of you new to this. He's my primary resource-then I use Trip Advisor, and google the location in general. It's helpful to try to find people who have traveled to where you are going- often they have money saving ideas- so get the word out that your trying to make the trip happen.
We spent 5 nights in London. We did make a business meeting there-but unfortunately it feel through.- So here's how we spent the week.
1)We visited the Christmas displays and when we saw people singing Christmas carols we'd stop and listen.
2) We stayed in a small nice but inexpensive hotel- this is often the most challenging booking part of the trip. We stayed at: http://www.gardencourthotel.co.uk/ and loved it! Breakfast and internet access were included in our room rate. The internet access was slow -but allowed us to check in with home in the morning and evenings and answer any business related questions-etc- with out being completely disconnected. Our rooms were huge too! Very Unusual for Europe..laugh.
3) We bought a 7 day train ticket for the tube instead of a 5 day because it was cheaper. We took the train and walked everywhere.
4) We stuck with going mostly to the free museums and free activities.
5) We ate the holiday "street" foods and shared or ate less when we went into a restaurant or pub. (Try to always get non-touristy family owned recommendations from your hotel lobby or pop into places that look like family owned stores and ask where to eat. You'll often find gems that will cost you half of a bigger, known restaurant. We'll snack during the day- so that we eat less during dinner too).
6) Decide on the expensive things you are going to do - and stick to it-but leave a little wiggle room in-case something unexpected Dazzles you. Don't upgrade things-stick with the basics. (We went to two pay museums, saw Chicago and Les Mis-(buying tickets at half price and not caring what plays we saw in advance) and took a group day trip to Stonehenge). Going on the group trip was going to be less expensive than renting a car and trying it alone in this case-but often we do the opposite. DONT get caught up in Shopping-and stay out of the gift shops as best you can!
7) Don't plan so much that you can't change your mind-but plan enough that you use your time wisely. If you want to see 3 big things that day- try to do them in an order - start with the one farthest from your hotel and work your way back- or go in order based on location if you can- so that you are not running around town getting from place to place all day. Remember to eat early, and take some breaks. Don't starve yourself-snack instead-hungry tourists are grumpy tourists.
8) We'd end our days with buying a bottle of wine and drinking it in the community area of the hotel or in our room vs. having wine with dinner-this saved us a bundle and allowed us some planning time each evening!
One of our itineraries looked like this:
Ohh- something new we did this year-we purchased a visa gift card and put some of our "spending money" on it - this doesn't work for more remote locations but was perfect for someplace like London. We used this spending visa card- to book our day trip to stonehedge, our theater tickets, it payed for the london eye and for the 2 museums. When the money was "gone" we knew we had to stick as close as possible to the free stuff. This card was our christmas present to ourselves- so to speak. The total value on the card was 500.00. (this did not include food and hotel). I bring this up because it might be a great way -if family wants to give you gifts- to suggest they buy you one of these. Then you can use it on your trip (sure wish we had thought of something that for our honeymoon-laugh).
Happy Travels.
Many wonder how Denis and I travel "so much"-laugh. After a few years of practice you get pretty good at this. It's difficult sometimes to make the sacrifices you have to make- like missing birthdays, holidays and other "traditional" days that you'd share with your family. But while everyone is with their families-generally-the world's travel prices drop drastically.
Rick Steve's is a good reference for any of you new to this. He's my primary resource-then I use Trip Advisor, and google the location in general. It's helpful to try to find people who have traveled to where you are going- often they have money saving ideas- so get the word out that your trying to make the trip happen.
We spent 5 nights in London. We did make a business meeting there-but unfortunately it feel through.- So here's how we spent the week.
1)We visited the Christmas displays and when we saw people singing Christmas carols we'd stop and listen.
2) We stayed in a small nice but inexpensive hotel- this is often the most challenging booking part of the trip. We stayed at: http://www.gardencourthotel.co.uk/ and loved it! Breakfast and internet access were included in our room rate. The internet access was slow -but allowed us to check in with home in the morning and evenings and answer any business related questions-etc- with out being completely disconnected. Our rooms were huge too! Very Unusual for Europe..laugh.
3) We bought a 7 day train ticket for the tube instead of a 5 day because it was cheaper. We took the train and walked everywhere.
4) We stuck with going mostly to the free museums and free activities.
5) We ate the holiday "street" foods and shared or ate less when we went into a restaurant or pub. (Try to always get non-touristy family owned recommendations from your hotel lobby or pop into places that look like family owned stores and ask where to eat. You'll often find gems that will cost you half of a bigger, known restaurant. We'll snack during the day- so that we eat less during dinner too).
6) Decide on the expensive things you are going to do - and stick to it-but leave a little wiggle room in-case something unexpected Dazzles you. Don't upgrade things-stick with the basics. (We went to two pay museums, saw Chicago and Les Mis-(buying tickets at half price and not caring what plays we saw in advance) and took a group day trip to Stonehenge). Going on the group trip was going to be less expensive than renting a car and trying it alone in this case-but often we do the opposite. DONT get caught up in Shopping-and stay out of the gift shops as best you can!
7) Don't plan so much that you can't change your mind-but plan enough that you use your time wisely. If you want to see 3 big things that day- try to do them in an order - start with the one farthest from your hotel and work your way back- or go in order based on location if you can- so that you are not running around town getting from place to place all day. Remember to eat early, and take some breaks. Don't starve yourself-snack instead-hungry tourists are grumpy tourists.
8) We'd end our days with buying a bottle of wine and drinking it in the community area of the hotel or in our room vs. having wine with dinner-this saved us a bundle and allowed us some planning time each evening!
One of our itineraries looked like this:
- 8am ish - eat breakfast - if you miss it -grab a croissant from a little cafe with a coffee. Watch people go to work.
- 9am walk through park and enjoy the street artists work.
- 11am -go to half tix booth and buy cheap theater tickets for evening
- Walk by Buckingham palace and ogle through the gate.
- Watch the horses change guard.
- Go to Churchill War Cabinet Museum
- Hang out at the Christmas Festivity area in the park -Eat Fair type food while there -drink milled wine or hot cocoa and shop a little bit for Christmas. Watch the hand made crafts- or watch the kiddos playing/families ice skating. (if you ice skate-now would be a good time to go and do this).
- Head over to see Les Miserable
- then head home (hotel)-stop at the convenience store and or the liquor store and grab a snack-and a bottle of wine. and plan the next day. (next day planning does not work at night for group tours-plan those on your first or second morning in town).
Ohh- something new we did this year-we purchased a visa gift card and put some of our "spending money" on it - this doesn't work for more remote locations but was perfect for someplace like London. We used this spending visa card- to book our day trip to stonehedge, our theater tickets, it payed for the london eye and for the 2 museums. When the money was "gone" we knew we had to stick as close as possible to the free stuff. This card was our christmas present to ourselves- so to speak. The total value on the card was 500.00. (this did not include food and hotel). I bring this up because it might be a great way -if family wants to give you gifts- to suggest they buy you one of these. Then you can use it on your trip (sure wish we had thought of something that for our honeymoon-laugh).
Happy Travels.
Plan on Visiting Ethiopia- use Stone Age Tour
Plan on Visiting Ethiopia??
(this use to be planted at the bottom of my blog but it doesn't work with the re-design) so I've added it as a post in-case anyone is looking for the information it will be in my archives)I have a good Ethiopian friend named Mekonnen that runs a travel company in Ethiopia. There's nothing like traveling with a local company. All of the money you spend goes back into the economy. I traveled with his company through out my stay in Ethiopia and loved every minute.
Stone Age Tour is the name of the company and his website url is:http://www.stoneagetour.com/
(scroll down below the fold on each of their pages)
If you would like to speak with him directly regarding your ideas for your next trip:
his email address is: mekonenyet@yahoo.com
Mekonnen's cell phone is: +251-0911413839
Tell him Kimberly sent ya- and he will be likely to treat you like family.
If you email it may take a day or two for him to respond because it is his personal account. If you need a quicker response- utilize the cell phone or contact us location on their website.
Happy Travels.
Prostitution and Addis Ababa
I have been thinking about Prostitution in Ethiopia for some time now. While in Ethiopia I was fascinated by the sheer number of prostitutes or sex workers lining the streets at night in Addis. It is not "formalized" like it is in Amsterdam and it is not possible to compare the two- if you are reading this from only having visited there- please understand there is a stark difference and these two locations are not comparable.
As a visiting "resident" so to speak, I did not spend much of my time on Bole or in Concorde where the more expensive housing is (thus where more expensive prostitutes are)-but traveled to areas where everyday people live. Each night -around certain buildings on my commute home- or on my way out for the evening- I'd see young women-mostly in their teens or young 20's in the streets. They would either be where one less popular road ended -along a long popular road. Or standing near a spot known for prostitution. They sometimes would yes, be on street corners but mostly- they would be hanging out along popular road ways- not usually on corners of intersections like in the movies-laugh. Sometimes they were in skirts, but a lot of the time they are in jeans too. Sometimes they'd have make up on, sometimes not.
One would easily mistake them for a girl waiting for a taxi or a ride to pick them up -if they didn't know better. Before I understood- I'd make jokes about how all the girls get dressed up at night and head out to the clubs. My implied question was-with out a joke-that I couldn't believe all these people went to the clubs on weekdays and to work the next day-the clubs don't open until 11pm and they close around 4am. It was then that I was told- "They are going to work Kimberly- not to the clubs". Ahh-to be so naive... laugh-
So, now I wanted to know how much one cost- so, I asked several of my male friends over the next month or so, to ask one of the girls how much money for an evening. Since I never walked alone at night- I had many people to ask this of-laugh. I'm not sure why, but I just needed to know. To my dismay, none of them would be seen speaking with a sex worker, and of course I could not speak with them in Amharic, so I was not able to determine the exact amount it would cost.
So, I have to be happy with what I was told, and yes, I'm still learning Amharic-laugh. **someday, I'll learn on my own.. But until then... here's what I learned. The amounts were all over the place and seemed to depend mostly on where in the city we were, what social status, where they were to be "hired from", etc. etc... My friends would ask me almost as many questions as I asked them-when I tried to figure out costs. Here's what they would tell me that they've been told by their "friends":
Once, while staying at a one of the Gov't run Addis hotels one evening-we went to a club and saw some foreigners there. At the hotel in the morning- those same Foreigners were at the hotel eating breakfast or in the hallways saying "goodbye" to some Ethiopia women who were also at the clubs. I happen to know-that these men did not arrive to the club with the women as we arrived at the same time the men did. They were prostitutes. I know some of you are thinking they "hooked up"- but they did not- these women were at these clubs every time I went (and yes I do like to dance very much and went perhaps a little more often that I would have if I was here in America) and after a little while- you too learn to recognize the girls working the rooms.
Again- on speaking with my friends about this (Ethiopian friends) it was noted that Foreigners "NGO" workers are often interested Ethiopian Women- and it is not "uncommon" to see an Older White man pay a significant amount to spend the night with a Hot Ethiopian Prostitute. As one could guess, my mouth hit the floor.
Prostitution -at this time- seems a difficult reality- for women- in Ethiopia-and an emotionally difficult "occupation" for visiting women like myself to see in practice. For myself, growing up in a world where "sexual acts" are sacred and shared with only loved ones- it's difficult for me to see so many women participating and choosing in this very difficult "career choice". But with super high family disruption rates, low graduation rate (especially for women) and 50% (aprox) unemployment rate in the country - jobs are few and far between for the uneducated. I find it difficult to swallow-so many of these woman being forced into this work to support themselves and/or their families- simply or very possibly because they have siblings and their father or mother died.
As far as "outside" of Addis- Prostitution- was not as obvious to me as it was in Addis. Although it is there, I noticed it in Mekele, Harar, Awasa, and in Bahr Dahr but there were not many girls in the streets but rather in establishments, these women (minus in Mekele) seemed older than the ones in Addis.
As for men, I asked if there were Male prostitutes-and I'm sure they are out there- but no one could point me in the direction of where to find one nor could did they seem to know a male that considered his occupation as a sex worker -although they did jokingly say they know some of their friends they would "consider" of that nature-laugh.
As a visiting "resident" so to speak, I did not spend much of my time on Bole or in Concorde where the more expensive housing is (thus where more expensive prostitutes are)-but traveled to areas where everyday people live. Each night -around certain buildings on my commute home- or on my way out for the evening- I'd see young women-mostly in their teens or young 20's in the streets. They would either be where one less popular road ended -along a long popular road. Or standing near a spot known for prostitution. They sometimes would yes, be on street corners but mostly- they would be hanging out along popular road ways- not usually on corners of intersections like in the movies-laugh. Sometimes they were in skirts, but a lot of the time they are in jeans too. Sometimes they'd have make up on, sometimes not.
One would easily mistake them for a girl waiting for a taxi or a ride to pick them up -if they didn't know better. Before I understood- I'd make jokes about how all the girls get dressed up at night and head out to the clubs. My implied question was-with out a joke-that I couldn't believe all these people went to the clubs on weekdays and to work the next day-the clubs don't open until 11pm and they close around 4am. It was then that I was told- "They are going to work Kimberly- not to the clubs". Ahh-to be so naive... laugh-
So, now I wanted to know how much one cost- so, I asked several of my male friends over the next month or so, to ask one of the girls how much money for an evening. Since I never walked alone at night- I had many people to ask this of-laugh. I'm not sure why, but I just needed to know. To my dismay, none of them would be seen speaking with a sex worker, and of course I could not speak with them in Amharic, so I was not able to determine the exact amount it would cost.
So, I have to be happy with what I was told, and yes, I'm still learning Amharic-laugh. **someday, I'll learn on my own.. But until then... here's what I learned. The amounts were all over the place and seemed to depend mostly on where in the city we were, what social status, where they were to be "hired from", etc. etc... My friends would ask me almost as many questions as I asked them-when I tried to figure out costs. Here's what they would tell me that they've been told by their "friends":
- 5 usd would buy you a pretty girl -probably healthy- for the night. 10 usd would get you a really sweeeeett likely sexy and dressed well- girl-laugh.
- But you could "score" for a 1 usd if you really wanted to-but you'd be risking Aids etc. So that's the answer I got-
- I've also been told that some of the Concorde girls look for 50 usd or more from Foreigners and that their are "foreigner specific" prostitutes that shop for just the visitors or NGO workers.
Once, while staying at a one of the Gov't run Addis hotels one evening-we went to a club and saw some foreigners there. At the hotel in the morning- those same Foreigners were at the hotel eating breakfast or in the hallways saying "goodbye" to some Ethiopia women who were also at the clubs. I happen to know-that these men did not arrive to the club with the women as we arrived at the same time the men did. They were prostitutes. I know some of you are thinking they "hooked up"- but they did not- these women were at these clubs every time I went (and yes I do like to dance very much and went perhaps a little more often that I would have if I was here in America) and after a little while- you too learn to recognize the girls working the rooms.
Again- on speaking with my friends about this (Ethiopian friends) it was noted that Foreigners "NGO" workers are often interested Ethiopian Women- and it is not "uncommon" to see an Older White man pay a significant amount to spend the night with a Hot Ethiopian Prostitute. As one could guess, my mouth hit the floor.
Prostitution -at this time- seems a difficult reality- for women- in Ethiopia-and an emotionally difficult "occupation" for visiting women like myself to see in practice. For myself, growing up in a world where "sexual acts" are sacred and shared with only loved ones- it's difficult for me to see so many women participating and choosing in this very difficult "career choice". But with super high family disruption rates, low graduation rate (especially for women) and 50% (aprox) unemployment rate in the country - jobs are few and far between for the uneducated. I find it difficult to swallow-so many of these woman being forced into this work to support themselves and/or their families- simply or very possibly because they have siblings and their father or mother died.
As far as "outside" of Addis- Prostitution- was not as obvious to me as it was in Addis. Although it is there, I noticed it in Mekele, Harar, Awasa, and in Bahr Dahr but there were not many girls in the streets but rather in establishments, these women (minus in Mekele) seemed older than the ones in Addis.
As for men, I asked if there were Male prostitutes-and I'm sure they are out there- but no one could point me in the direction of where to find one nor could did they seem to know a male that considered his occupation as a sex worker -although they did jokingly say they know some of their friends they would "consider" of that nature-laugh.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sofomar, Mud and sleeping in a Village
While travelling this year in Ethiopia we visited the SofoMar Caves. We spent 3 days on gravel roads and when we finally arrives- we got our truck got stuck in the mud- and it took us all day to get it out.
To celebrate- we bought a goat- spent the night with the people from Sofo Mar and enjoyed a wonderful evening of exploring the caves- swimming and a night partying.
This is an amazing story that with newly caring for the kids- I just don't have the time to tell properly. But the kindness of Ethiopians and the amazing love they show one another is the constant I find when I travel in Ethiopia. Again- this is an example of people celebrating life- as they spent their day helping Eldana and I and our driver remove our car from the muddy ground- in the Sofo Mar caves. Sofo Mar is disputedly the largest limestone cave system in all of Africa- it's gorgeous and beautiful- almost as beautiful as the people who had unexpected visitors in their village.
(they cared for us as if we were family or honored guests-and although they have visitors that come to see the cave system- we were the first in a long time- to spend the night). We slept in a house and they slept outside with guns to protect us and the truck. Ethiopia is always interesting- and never boring-laugh.
To celebrate- we bought a goat- spent the night with the people from Sofo Mar and enjoyed a wonderful evening of exploring the caves- swimming and a night partying.
This is an amazing story that with newly caring for the kids- I just don't have the time to tell properly. But the kindness of Ethiopians and the amazing love they show one another is the constant I find when I travel in Ethiopia. Again- this is an example of people celebrating life- as they spent their day helping Eldana and I and our driver remove our car from the muddy ground- in the Sofo Mar caves. Sofo Mar is disputedly the largest limestone cave system in all of Africa- it's gorgeous and beautiful- almost as beautiful as the people who had unexpected visitors in their village.
(they cared for us as if we were family or honored guests-and although they have visitors that come to see the cave system- we were the first in a long time- to spend the night). We slept in a house and they slept outside with guns to protect us and the truck. Ethiopia is always interesting- and never boring-laugh.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
England 2008
Hope that you all are having a happy holiday season.
Denis and I spent last week in England (London, Bath and Windsor). We discovered Hemsley's toy store (the entire store), saw the changing of the guard at windsor castle- of course we then pretended to march like soilders for the rest of the day, drank the water at the ancient bath house as part of the tour ( in Bath) only to find ourselves pooping our brains out in the public restrooms at the end of the tour.
I'm in the process of updating our snapfish photos- so by tomorrow you should be able to see the photos on http://fendesha.shutterfly.com/
I'll send along the Christmas updates shortly.
Hugs and Peace to you all.
Denis and I spent last week in England (London, Bath and Windsor). We discovered Hemsley's toy store (the entire store), saw the changing of the guard at windsor castle- of course we then pretended to march like soilders for the rest of the day, drank the water at the ancient bath house as part of the tour ( in Bath) only to find ourselves pooping our brains out in the public restrooms at the end of the tour.
I'm in the process of updating our snapfish photos- so by tomorrow you should be able to see the photos on http://fendesha.shutterfly.com/
I'll send along the Christmas updates shortly.
Hugs and Peace to you all.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Any recomendations for restaurants in London?
This may be a strange blog but- I'm going with it anyway- (grin).
We're heading to London for business for 5 nights- just before the holidays.
Can anyone recommend a restaurant we should visit?
We prefer places that are not in a hotel and independently own but we're not picky.
(We have the following in mind to start with-Ethiopian , Indian and a pub night, but we're missing that nice customer recommendation restaurant or a nice romantic one if we don't have customer obligations)- any suggestions on all of the above?
Thanks a bunch!
We're heading to London for business for 5 nights- just before the holidays.
Can anyone recommend a restaurant we should visit?
We prefer places that are not in a hotel and independently own but we're not picky.
(We have the following in mind to start with-Ethiopian , Indian and a pub night, but we're missing that nice customer recommendation restaurant or a nice romantic one if we don't have customer obligations)- any suggestions on all of the above?
Thanks a bunch!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Trip North- the details
I took a 14 day trip to the North areas in Ethiopia. We stopped in Dessie, Lalibella, Adwa, Axum, drove through the Semien Mountains- into Gondor - then down to Bahr Dahr and the Blue Nile falls. We got stuck in a town out side of some Gorge and we had 11 live chickens with us. Trying to figure out what to do with them was a challenge-laugh. Then we proceeded back to our lives in Addis.
http://fendesha.shutterfly.com/
Highlights-
We blew through 7 tires while travelling on the dirt roads
We got really good at changing tires-laugh.
We visitedwith family members and hotels along the way.
We went to cultural events, visited museums, argued, laughed and in all had a fabulous journey.
I saw poverty - fed children- visited traditional homes- spoke with different native individuals through out my journey and had the most amazing 2 weeks.
What I did during the remaining 15 weeks of my journey I've yet to document- so hang in there- I'll upload them as I*(locate them) and have time to upload them.
Enjoy the pictures.
BTW- I tried the program yesterday that "three continent family" used - and it's awesome (it's a new addition on the bottom of this page)- thanks "Three Continent!!!" There's a cute little slideshow with only 36 pictures of so if you want to see less pictures.
Enjoy!!!
http://fendesha.shutterfly.com/
See me if you want to travel like this and I'll put you in touch with somebody that can arrange it for you.
http://fendesha.shutterfly.com/
Highlights-
We blew through 7 tires while travelling on the dirt roads
We got really good at changing tires-laugh.
We visitedwith family members and hotels along the way.
We went to cultural events, visited museums, argued, laughed and in all had a fabulous journey.
I saw poverty - fed children- visited traditional homes- spoke with different native individuals through out my journey and had the most amazing 2 weeks.
What I did during the remaining 15 weeks of my journey I've yet to document- so hang in there- I'll upload them as I*(locate them) and have time to upload them.
Enjoy the pictures.
BTW- I tried the program yesterday that "three continent family" used - and it's awesome (it's a new addition on the bottom of this page)- thanks "Three Continent!!!" There's a cute little slideshow with only 36 pictures of so if you want to see less pictures.
Enjoy!!!
http://fendesha.shutterfly.com/
See me if you want to travel like this and I'll put you in touch with somebody that can arrange it for you.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Just some pictures of my trip to Wenchi Crater (not part of the trip to the north)
Shopping at the market
carrying water home
Children playing by the water- curious about my presence
Beautiful young girl - watching over her siblings
Traditional country home in Central-West Ethiopia
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Elevation of Addis- It's no wonder Ethiopians Can run!
From its lowest point, around Bole International Airport, at 2,326 metres (7,630 ft) above sea level in the southern periphery, the city rises to over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) in the Entoto Mountains to the north.
USA Elevations
USA Elevations
- Mount McKinley, Alaska (20,320 feet; 6,194 meters) — highest point in all of US territory
- Mount Whitney, California (14,505 feet; 4,421 meters) — highest point in the 48 contiguous states
- Winter Park, Colorado (12,060 feet; 3,676 meters) — highest town in all of US territory. (Note: There is no development in Winter Park above the level of Alma, Colorado; Alma also lays claim to this title.)
- Alma, Colorado (10,355 feet; 3,156 meters) — highest town with permanent residents above 10,000 ft.[1]
- Leadville, Colorado (10,152 feet; 3,094 meters) — highest city in all of US territory
Thursday, October 23, 2008
48 hours in Addis
I just read this article from Reuters and thought I'd write my own- Here's what I suggest you do with just 48 hours in Addis.
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE49G3H020081017?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
If I had the chance here's how I'd spend it- (excuse the spelling errors)
10pm you arrive off the flight- you should go to the Milkhouse and see the city at night.
the next morning- get up eat breakfast -be sure to have a macchiato0 and early in the am go to a church- Bole MarieKadet (sp) would be a great one as it's the largest (although you should ask the receptionist at your hotel if it's a saints day of the month- I suggest you go to a church with the saints name instead)- After you walk around the church if it's lunch time- head to Ishi-Bunne's in that area- otherwise-go to AhMist Kilo- get a fruit drink at a fruit drink store and then visit the national museum - walk across the street if you haven't had lunch yet-eat at the Pizza restaurant across the street- or go to Lucy's and have a traditional meal (or Blue top but you'll find mostly other foreigners there) .
After the museum and or lunch- head to your hotel and take a rest it'll be hot and the middle of the afternoon. Be prepared for a long evening. If you are adventurous-and not with children- head to Aramedia's or another local Chat house (ask around on Bole-lot's of people speak english there).
Head out to the Cultural House around 7pm to see Dancing and have some traditional food -and enjoy trying the local beverage of honey wine. Then head to Cashances around 11:30-and watch some traditional music played at any of the local houses- you will have to stick your head in a few to see which you like-laugh. Have a st. George's beer in Cashanches.
Go back to your hotel for the evening and you've just finished your first day in Addis.
Day 2 -
Get up, eat breakfast at your hotel and head to Entoto first thing in the morning- see a beautiful view of the city and enjoy a quick tour of the church's museum. Don't forget to visit the houses in the back where the King once lived.
Have a snack and a coffee at one of the local coffee shops at the bottom of the hill from Shiro Meda on your way from Entoto. If coffee's not your thing- Tea is also great- and Coca Cola or Miranda is very popular if there no electricity.
Then go to ShiroMeda for a couple of hours and do a little bit of local shopping.
Later in the day-head to the Melenik Museum in Sidist Kilo and enjoy walking through the famous gate of Addis Ababa University enterance. If another museum is not your thing- then Head from Sidist Kilo to your hotel to drop off the items you bought while shopping or head to the Mercato and continue shopping.
Your day is almost over - now take a taxi to Top of the Hill and have dinner there.
If you have additional time- people watch from Kaldi's cafe at Friendship on Bole. It's not far from the airport and its a hub for activity. Have an ice cream and enjoy the view (noise) for a bit.
If you have additional days- pop upstairs to StoneAge tours and see my friend Mekonnen. He'd be happy to help you arrange a day trip (or more) out of the city.
other options-
Take a mini-bus to Amist Kilo and eat at the restaurant next to the photo shop that serves a great fried fish or take a contract taxi to Romaini's -their food is great.
If you would rather-Go to Piazza and have a long cup of coffee at the top of the building on the corner across the street from the electric company and Ethiopian Airlines office. Go in and confirm your flight with the ethiopian airlines office (if it's the next day). If you want to buy jewlery- the Piazza is the right place. Pick a store-there are many-but shop around and bring somebody local with you.
If you've enjoyed shopping -head to the Mercatto. If it's not your thing- people watch.
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE49G3H020081017?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
If I had the chance here's how I'd spend it- (excuse the spelling errors)
10pm you arrive off the flight- you should go to the Milkhouse and see the city at night.
the next morning- get up eat breakfast -be sure to have a macchiato0 and early in the am go to a church- Bole MarieKadet (sp) would be a great one as it's the largest (although you should ask the receptionist at your hotel if it's a saints day of the month- I suggest you go to a church with the saints name instead)- After you walk around the church if it's lunch time- head to Ishi-Bunne's in that area- otherwise-go to AhMist Kilo- get a fruit drink at a fruit drink store and then visit the national museum - walk across the street if you haven't had lunch yet-eat at the Pizza restaurant across the street- or go to Lucy's and have a traditional meal (or Blue top but you'll find mostly other foreigners there) .
After the museum and or lunch- head to your hotel and take a rest it'll be hot and the middle of the afternoon. Be prepared for a long evening. If you are adventurous-and not with children- head to Aramedia's or another local Chat house (ask around on Bole-lot's of people speak english there).
Head out to the Cultural House around 7pm to see Dancing and have some traditional food -and enjoy trying the local beverage of honey wine. Then head to Cashances around 11:30-and watch some traditional music played at any of the local houses- you will have to stick your head in a few to see which you like-laugh. Have a st. George's beer in Cashanches.
Go back to your hotel for the evening and you've just finished your first day in Addis.
Day 2 -
Get up, eat breakfast at your hotel and head to Entoto first thing in the morning- see a beautiful view of the city and enjoy a quick tour of the church's museum. Don't forget to visit the houses in the back where the King once lived.
Have a snack and a coffee at one of the local coffee shops at the bottom of the hill from Shiro Meda on your way from Entoto. If coffee's not your thing- Tea is also great- and Coca Cola or Miranda is very popular if there no electricity.
Then go to ShiroMeda for a couple of hours and do a little bit of local shopping.
Later in the day-head to the Melenik Museum in Sidist Kilo and enjoy walking through the famous gate of Addis Ababa University enterance. If another museum is not your thing- then Head from Sidist Kilo to your hotel to drop off the items you bought while shopping or head to the Mercato and continue shopping.
Your day is almost over - now take a taxi to Top of the Hill and have dinner there.
If you have additional time- people watch from Kaldi's cafe at Friendship on Bole. It's not far from the airport and its a hub for activity. Have an ice cream and enjoy the view (noise) for a bit.
If you have additional days- pop upstairs to StoneAge tours and see my friend Mekonnen. He'd be happy to help you arrange a day trip (or more) out of the city.
other options-
Take a mini-bus to Amist Kilo and eat at the restaurant next to the photo shop that serves a great fried fish or take a contract taxi to Romaini's -their food is great.
If you would rather-Go to Piazza and have a long cup of coffee at the top of the building on the corner across the street from the electric company and Ethiopian Airlines office. Go in and confirm your flight with the ethiopian airlines office (if it's the next day). If you want to buy jewlery- the Piazza is the right place. Pick a store-there are many-but shop around and bring somebody local with you.
If you've enjoyed shopping -head to the Mercatto. If it's not your thing- people watch.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Would you like to Volunteer as a Teacher in Ethiopia?
Getting ready to play soccer (football). It's the female teachers against the 8th graders.
Yes, that's me-but don't get any ideas- I had no idea what I was doing out there.
Teachers- and the upper school line up.
I heard from my "sister" Eldana in Ethiopia. The school her family owns just opened up the first floor of the school they are building and have an additional 21 students in 9th grade. They are so excited but overwhelmed.
They just received the results from the 8th graders national exam and almost all of the students passed in the 80-90 percentile. The lowest grade received by any taking the exam was a 69!!! I'm so proud of them and the students after reading that email I had to share it with all that would read. Go LemLem- they work so very very hard and it really shows!!
Hayel is proud to say that we have received sponsorship for one more student- prior to the paperwork being completed.. I can't wait to be able to watch our company grow! One more kid will stay in school- thank you thank you thank you. It's so exciting to be a part of something that really means change and a future to another child.
If you know anyone that would like to volunteer at a school in Ethiopia and teach- for a month or so- they need volunteers -currently it's difficult to keep teachers for what the school can afford to pay. The family is wonderful - the school is energized and I can put you in touch with Eldana and her mom. As a volunteer you pay for your trip and when you get to the school they board you and feed you in exchange for your work-they'd also get you at the airport I'm sure of it. You would need spending money. I can also put you in touch with somebody to help you travel if you'd like to do that as well at the end of your trip. Just email me at kbrus2@yahoo.com if you are interested.
Rangeley in the Fall
Fall is Gorgeous and the smell - when I say "the smell of fall" doesn't a certain scent come to mind? That smell of leaves falling and settling on the ground? Laugh. If your from New England or the North East I know you are thinking of the exact same smell I'm thinking of. If your in the south - the Smell of Spring time is kind of what I'm talking about here.
Having to turn on the heat, the freedom to use your stove to bake something, the deep breath of moist cool mountain air. I just love it here (in October- by February I'm the cheapest bid would be happily accepted-laugh).
This weekend - Happy Birthday to mee-laugh- Denis, Geneva and I visited our friends gorgeous ski in/out condo on Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine. We hiked most of the main trails of the ski hill (in the rain), we wandered around a water fall, visited a gorge I use to swim in as a kid and met a lovely woman that ran a bakery out of her house. After a depressing weekend in factory focused Maine last weekend- a weekend in the resort towns is exactly what was called for. My Dreamy Maine is back. I'll post pictures tomorrow- the camera's in the car and I'm so sick of being in the car. The weekend was awesome. We almost drove to quebec -but we had Geneva this weekend- and if we had thought of it-could have dropped her by mom's- but I'm so pleased we didn't. Watching her tromp around in the water-burrrr- and hike the mountain off lead-brought giant smiles to Denis and I. She so comes to life in the Colder weather -it's always delightful to watch!!
GO RED SOX!!! The game is totally tied up at the moment and my heart is pounding. Go Beckett... Why do they have him pitching already??? Ughghghghg...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Visting Wenchi Crater
Project Abroad’s Ethiopian Volunteers and Staff went on a trip together to Wenchi from Addis Ababa. On the way we visited the Ambo farmers market, passed a number of buildings dedicated to horticulture and Ethiopia’s booming flower industry and travelled for over an hour on a dirt road stopping only briefly to watch an annual athletic competition between the areas. At the athletic competition we had the privilege of watching with the local population a short distance running competition. The best short distance runner from each kebele completed for the honor of being the fastest. The locals were exuberant as their runners passed. Running on a gravel track I was impressed at their speed as they primarily ran barefoot. Eventually, feeling slightly fatigued from the experience of riding on a dirt road for so long, we arrived at Wenchi Crater. We hired horses on the craters rim and rode them down a very curvy dirt road that leads to spring fed, Wenchi Lake.
In just under an hour we reached the lake, where we hired a boat to take us to an island that is the home of Wenchi Chirkos, a 13-15th century monastery. We all enjoyed a traditional picnic lunch and some laughs on the beautiful island and then we walked around to visit the monastery. The monastery (like most Orthodox Christian Churches) is hexagonal in shape and located proximately on a hill with a gorgeous view of the lake. As you look around you the ledges of the crater surround you and appear to touch the sky.
We learned the history of the church and met the priest of Chirkos. The priest invited us into home, a small wooden structure with a fire pit, bed and some logs for inviting guests. He offered us all some local honey and blessed our journey. The surprise and delight of being invited into his home stayed with the group for some time.
We boarded our hired boat again where some of the volunteers took a shot at rowing the boat back across the island. If you look over the edge of the boat you can see some petrified wood at the lakes bottom. This wood is apparently left from the forests that use to reside in the lakes location prior to the volcanic activity that created the crater. Boarding the horses again – we proceeded back up the crater, into the mini-bus and again onto the bumpy road for another hour or so.
At the end of this very long day we found ourselves checked into our hotel- cleaned up and settling in to a dinner at the hotel.
The next morning we went to breakfast and drove to Negash Lodge, where we spent the afternoon enjoying a hot spring fed swimming pool, a bountiful wildlife that included many birds, monkeys, and foliage. We enjoyed a good laugh as the driver of the mini-bus was being chased by a turkey. At the end of a restful and enjoyable afternoon we boarded our mini-bus and drove back to Addis. Stopping briefly at the Meta Beer factory to ride camels, see a waterfall and feed some monkeys.
The two days provided the volunteers, most of which had not yet left Addis Ababa yet, a delightful glimpse at the diversity that is Ethiopia.
In just under an hour we reached the lake, where we hired a boat to take us to an island that is the home of Wenchi Chirkos, a 13-15th century monastery. We all enjoyed a traditional picnic lunch and some laughs on the beautiful island and then we walked around to visit the monastery. The monastery (like most Orthodox Christian Churches) is hexagonal in shape and located proximately on a hill with a gorgeous view of the lake. As you look around you the ledges of the crater surround you and appear to touch the sky.
We learned the history of the church and met the priest of Chirkos. The priest invited us into home, a small wooden structure with a fire pit, bed and some logs for inviting guests. He offered us all some local honey and blessed our journey. The surprise and delight of being invited into his home stayed with the group for some time.
We boarded our hired boat again where some of the volunteers took a shot at rowing the boat back across the island. If you look over the edge of the boat you can see some petrified wood at the lakes bottom. This wood is apparently left from the forests that use to reside in the lakes location prior to the volcanic activity that created the crater. Boarding the horses again – we proceeded back up the crater, into the mini-bus and again onto the bumpy road for another hour or so.
At the end of this very long day we found ourselves checked into our hotel- cleaned up and settling in to a dinner at the hotel.
The next morning we went to breakfast and drove to Negash Lodge, where we spent the afternoon enjoying a hot spring fed swimming pool, a bountiful wildlife that included many birds, monkeys, and foliage. We enjoyed a good laugh as the driver of the mini-bus was being chased by a turkey. At the end of a restful and enjoyable afternoon we boarded our mini-bus and drove back to Addis. Stopping briefly at the Meta Beer factory to ride camels, see a waterfall and feed some monkeys.
The two days provided the volunteers, most of which had not yet left Addis Ababa yet, a delightful glimpse at the diversity that is Ethiopia.
Friday, August 8, 2008
stepping back into America- from Ethiopia
I have been home now almost 1 month and day to day life is finally feeling normal again. It is difficult to explain normal unless I explain my wonder at my life as I walked back into it.
When I walked into my house it was as if I had never left. Magazines in the same place, my eye glasses where I left them, even my winter clothes (some dirty) sitting where they had been placed- but inside I felt totally different.
I was amazed at the size of my home- having thought it was small when I left I was shocked by how "large" it was on my return. How open our home is to other peoples homes- there are no gates and there is much more to be aware of to look at with out the gates.
I was surprised by how "kid" ready/friendly my home is. But wait- I don't have kids, It's been months since I considered having children- and yet my home felt sad - ready for children but with no children in it. In fact- there's no one but Geneva and I in it during the day..with Denis joining us in the evenings.
Lonely- after living in a community it is lonely to walk around this big house- find only the dog to chat with- occasionally a husband :-) and then have to alone - get in my car to drive and see somebody after calling them to make arrangements to get together. There are no crowded buses- no one to visit with when you walk around your house- and no children outdoors playing in the neighborhood (even though there are 26 kids on our street and it's the middle of the day). People don't leave their homes unless they are in their cars and they wave as they drive by. Most even drive up to their mailboxes.
It's also amazing how the food here- has little flavor, of course when compared to Ethiopian food, giggle. The texture of our chicken/ meats was strange on my tongue. Our veggies are so pretty - but they taste different too, perhaps it's the wax, their age- I'm not sure. Our fruit-I bought a mango the other day and wanted to gag-it was terrible. The banana's here are sweeter and huge. Apples though- boy did I miss our variety of apples.
Clean- there are no smells either- life in America feels sterile when compared to live in Ethiopia. Not that I miss the diesel.
Overwhelming- the choices we have in our stores both in product and in the number of stores and in the size of the stores- it's all overwhelming.
But now that it's been awhile- I'm getting back into our life and find a sense of enjoyment in this peacefulness that also feels so lonely. Now the noise from the heat bugs and the hum of the distant highway are becoming noticeable again (even perhaps a bit annoying-laugh). I even noticed the light from the street-light last night- as I went outside to look and figure out what light it was that I had left on.
Man shopping here is great though- can I tell you how much shopping in Ethiopia sucks? I use to hate shopping here and now it feels like an oasis!
What all of this has me thinking about is I think I now have a slight idea of how overwhelming this is for adopted children. Only they didn't make the choice to be here- they are not in control of these changes that just happened to them-sometimes don't even understand them. They go from leaving their rooms and seeing tons of people to hug them, pick them up, love them or just another child to play with (this would be at home or at the orphanage) to our lives which are much more isolated, smell free, noise free, taste free and well shockingly different.
I just want to point out that after 4 months with little contact with home and life here- that I was not prepared for the difficulty or challenges that re-integrating into my life would come with. Because I was not prepared (at all)- it seems to bring me closer to understanding the experiences our adopted children will have. And that, although it is difficult, I am thankful to have experienced these difficulties. It's all a part of the process our children are going to face.
Life in America is really amazing folks- we have so much- and we should be sensitive to the immigrants and adopted individuals as they try to integrate into our culture. I grew up here, it was all I knew minus some extensive traveling in developed nations and if I'm having difficult imagine the wonder you would experience if you were someone who has never seen a sprinkler system the sprays our veggies in the grocery store- never mind a grocery store itself in all the size and wonder that ours contain.
When I walked into my house it was as if I had never left. Magazines in the same place, my eye glasses where I left them, even my winter clothes (some dirty) sitting where they had been placed- but inside I felt totally different.
I was amazed at the size of my home- having thought it was small when I left I was shocked by how "large" it was on my return. How open our home is to other peoples homes- there are no gates and there is much more to be aware of to look at with out the gates.
I was surprised by how "kid" ready/friendly my home is. But wait- I don't have kids, It's been months since I considered having children- and yet my home felt sad - ready for children but with no children in it. In fact- there's no one but Geneva and I in it during the day..with Denis joining us in the evenings.
Lonely- after living in a community it is lonely to walk around this big house- find only the dog to chat with- occasionally a husband :-) and then have to alone - get in my car to drive and see somebody after calling them to make arrangements to get together. There are no crowded buses- no one to visit with when you walk around your house- and no children outdoors playing in the neighborhood (even though there are 26 kids on our street and it's the middle of the day). People don't leave their homes unless they are in their cars and they wave as they drive by. Most even drive up to their mailboxes.
It's also amazing how the food here- has little flavor, of course when compared to Ethiopian food, giggle. The texture of our chicken/ meats was strange on my tongue. Our veggies are so pretty - but they taste different too, perhaps it's the wax, their age- I'm not sure. Our fruit-I bought a mango the other day and wanted to gag-it was terrible. The banana's here are sweeter and huge. Apples though- boy did I miss our variety of apples.
Clean- there are no smells either- life in America feels sterile when compared to live in Ethiopia. Not that I miss the diesel.
Overwhelming- the choices we have in our stores both in product and in the number of stores and in the size of the stores- it's all overwhelming.
But now that it's been awhile- I'm getting back into our life and find a sense of enjoyment in this peacefulness that also feels so lonely. Now the noise from the heat bugs and the hum of the distant highway are becoming noticeable again (even perhaps a bit annoying-laugh). I even noticed the light from the street-light last night- as I went outside to look and figure out what light it was that I had left on.
Man shopping here is great though- can I tell you how much shopping in Ethiopia sucks? I use to hate shopping here and now it feels like an oasis!
What all of this has me thinking about is I think I now have a slight idea of how overwhelming this is for adopted children. Only they didn't make the choice to be here- they are not in control of these changes that just happened to them-sometimes don't even understand them. They go from leaving their rooms and seeing tons of people to hug them, pick them up, love them or just another child to play with (this would be at home or at the orphanage) to our lives which are much more isolated, smell free, noise free, taste free and well shockingly different.
I just want to point out that after 4 months with little contact with home and life here- that I was not prepared for the difficulty or challenges that re-integrating into my life would come with. Because I was not prepared (at all)- it seems to bring me closer to understanding the experiences our adopted children will have. And that, although it is difficult, I am thankful to have experienced these difficulties. It's all a part of the process our children are going to face.
Life in America is really amazing folks- we have so much- and we should be sensitive to the immigrants and adopted individuals as they try to integrate into our culture. I grew up here, it was all I knew minus some extensive traveling in developed nations and if I'm having difficult imagine the wonder you would experience if you were someone who has never seen a sprinkler system the sprays our veggies in the grocery store- never mind a grocery store itself in all the size and wonder that ours contain.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Introducing a few new friends
Making friends with people that live in a developing country comes with many challenges. Calling them using the best financial ways available includes a one second delay between talking. Add in the language difference and it can be very challenging. Ethiopia is a culture where most people still check their email once a week or so- so emailing doesn't have the response time we are use to here either.
So- when you've just left the country and are missing people terribly- it's actually quite challenging to reach out and have the same in-depth conversations that you have with them while you are in country.
Here is a snapshot of 3 of the people who not only became some of my best friends in life (in such a short time) but really took the time away from their lives to help me learn the culture, and with much persistence kept me on a path of learning what different aspects of life in Ethiopia are life.
Since I'm certain many of my stories will include these individuals I thought a good place to start is to introduce them to you.
From Left to Right-
Aron- is a purchaser, import and export trader and part owner of a bar and travel company. He spent a lot of time teaching me how business works (or how to make one work) and introduced me to many people (friends and professional) in the Addis. He also taught me a lot about the social life in Ethiopia.
Eldana is an amazing history teacher. She majored in Political Science and is now finishing her History Degree. With 8 years of teaching under her belt- and the daughter of the school's owner I was teaching at- she was an invaluable resource to me as I learned to become a teacher and work through lesson planning. Eldana became like a sister to me and my life is forever altered because of our introduction. She introduced me to the diverse and complicated political situation in Ethiopia and explained much of the countries history to me. With out Eldana my trip would have been much less valuable.
Yonas (Yoni) is a high school teacher in the public school system and is going to school to become a lawyer. Yoni kept me grounded and reminded me of the cultural difference I was dealing with. I learned a lot about the struggles and strengths of large families and a ton about Ethiopian humor and openness.
Our relationship was really strengthened when we spent 12 days strait traveling to the north of the country. Something I'll write about in depth in the future.
So- when you've just left the country and are missing people terribly- it's actually quite challenging to reach out and have the same in-depth conversations that you have with them while you are in country.
Here is a snapshot of 3 of the people who not only became some of my best friends in life (in such a short time) but really took the time away from their lives to help me learn the culture, and with much persistence kept me on a path of learning what different aspects of life in Ethiopia are life.
Since I'm certain many of my stories will include these individuals I thought a good place to start is to introduce them to you.
From Left to Right-
Aron- is a purchaser, import and export trader and part owner of a bar and travel company. He spent a lot of time teaching me how business works (or how to make one work) and introduced me to many people (friends and professional) in the Addis. He also taught me a lot about the social life in Ethiopia.
Eldana is an amazing history teacher. She majored in Political Science and is now finishing her History Degree. With 8 years of teaching under her belt- and the daughter of the school's owner I was teaching at- she was an invaluable resource to me as I learned to become a teacher and work through lesson planning. Eldana became like a sister to me and my life is forever altered because of our introduction. She introduced me to the diverse and complicated political situation in Ethiopia and explained much of the countries history to me. With out Eldana my trip would have been much less valuable.
Yonas (Yoni) is a high school teacher in the public school system and is going to school to become a lawyer. Yoni kept me grounded and reminded me of the cultural difference I was dealing with. I learned a lot about the struggles and strengths of large families and a ton about Ethiopian humor and openness.
Our relationship was really strengthened when we spent 12 days strait traveling to the north of the country. Something I'll write about in depth in the future.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ethiopian Airlines
Hi Everyone. I am on an Ethiopian Airlines flight at the moment. We are Re-Fueling in Rome and then we will continue on our way to Addis. This trip has been amazing so far.
I've met a gentleman from Somalia that was relocated to the US through the Refugee program. This is his first trip outside of the US in 3 years and he is very grateful to be living in the US and to have been given new opportunities in life. We ate dinner together and to be able to hear some of his story was refreshing. It was a great experience (and much needed after having it) to talk with somebody that is pleased with the United States these days. I really felt a ray of pleasure and pride in my country of origin after an hour with him.
Then on the flight I've had the pleasure of sitting with a native of the Congo and a scholar of African Politics. The conversations they have had (and I have listened to) have been facinating. Personally it feels like the most relavant BBC conversation I have ever heard- only they kept answering my questions-when I'd say- what is this rulers name? Do they have term limits. It's been just awesome.
Funny Enough when I got on the flight the Somalian gentleman was sitting to my right (I'm in the center).
I am one of just a few foreigners on this flight. It seems because it is a more affordable airline that many many African natives are with me-many of whom are Ethiopian.
There is one adoptive family that I've met from Colorado on the flight. A lovely family with 2 children with them. They are picking up siblings age 3 and 5. They have waited just over a year and are very very excited. The kids are getting tired and feel that sitting around has been quite challenging but they are doing very well. We talked mostly about luggage and how overwhelming the packing experience was-laugh. After trying to pack for this trip (which I will talk about some time if I have a chance) I can't imagine what it will be like to pack to pick up the children.
I can only say that it's the most friendly flight I have ever been on. The people have all been fabulous and I'm very very happy to be on this journey. Saying goodbye to Denis was really hard - Geneva even more difficult but I'm already very much aware that these 3 months are going to be richer than I can imagine at this point.
I've met a gentleman from Somalia that was relocated to the US through the Refugee program. This is his first trip outside of the US in 3 years and he is very grateful to be living in the US and to have been given new opportunities in life. We ate dinner together and to be able to hear some of his story was refreshing. It was a great experience (and much needed after having it) to talk with somebody that is pleased with the United States these days. I really felt a ray of pleasure and pride in my country of origin after an hour with him.
Then on the flight I've had the pleasure of sitting with a native of the Congo and a scholar of African Politics. The conversations they have had (and I have listened to) have been facinating. Personally it feels like the most relavant BBC conversation I have ever heard- only they kept answering my questions-when I'd say- what is this rulers name? Do they have term limits. It's been just awesome.
Funny Enough when I got on the flight the Somalian gentleman was sitting to my right (I'm in the center).
I am one of just a few foreigners on this flight. It seems because it is a more affordable airline that many many African natives are with me-many of whom are Ethiopian.
There is one adoptive family that I've met from Colorado on the flight. A lovely family with 2 children with them. They are picking up siblings age 3 and 5. They have waited just over a year and are very very excited. The kids are getting tired and feel that sitting around has been quite challenging but they are doing very well. We talked mostly about luggage and how overwhelming the packing experience was-laugh. After trying to pack for this trip (which I will talk about some time if I have a chance) I can't imagine what it will be like to pack to pick up the children.
I can only say that it's the most friendly flight I have ever been on. The people have all been fabulous and I'm very very happy to be on this journey. Saying goodbye to Denis was really hard - Geneva even more difficult but I'm already very much aware that these 3 months are going to be richer than I can imagine at this point.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Inefficiencies drive me nuts.
I've learned that the Ethiopian Gov't blocks blogger.com and that before you go to Addis that you have to alter your blog to accept posts. It's also difficult depending on where you are to upload pictures. So- I was hoping to update this blog during my stay in Ethiopia but we will see when I get there. If there is a change required I'll have Denis update it with a new location to redirect to.
On a note that is completely unrelated to adoption or Ethiopia - shocking I know. I don't understand the American medical system. We as technologist- should never have put P2P/B2B technology in the hands of doctors- they should stick to the human body.
My doctors office recently moved from a traditional paper based environment to a new computer based system. PC's in the examination rooms-It's kind of cool and has a creepy aspect to it as well. In my field of business- I really dislike that my PHI is being transferred through more and more"disconnected" networks.
I find the concept of multiple companies storing my information and transferring my personal data back and forth nerve wrecking-although it's bound to be yet another driving force sending business our way.
I pay as a self employed person almost 10K a year for my husband and I with no children to have BCBS of NE- HMO. It's a disgusting amount of money-but I think because of the amount I expect good service. Note that I love BCBS (I don't like many companies but they revamped their systems years ago and appear to the customer to be well run-it's impressive really). I could pay much less but want to stay happy with my medical insurance provider.
Now, although they are unrelated- somehow my dissatisfaction with my current medical care facility circles back in my head to the cost I pay to have this coverage. This whole story boils down to I need a new Primary Care. But since this is my blog - I'm going to whine about this little situation anyway.
I called my doctor's office in October -having learned about something-and asked for advice from my doctor and if she'd like to make an apt. to see me because of something or if she could simply advise changing or renewing a prescription for me. Each time I call they need to "leave a message for my primary". The office responded with a letter 3 weeks later that yes- she's like me to set up an apt.
Of course - I don't respond immediately as I am aggravated by then, busy with work and life and forget- so in early December I make an apt. With the holidays - her plans, my plans etc- I can get in to see her in - Early January.
When I see her- she fills out an e-prescription for me. It's weird leaving the doctor's office with out a piece of paper in my hand-I had to stop and ask the front desk if I should have anything. After the 48 hours they asked me to wait- I go to where I asked to have the prescription sent to.
Of course- they had not filled the prescription because they didn't have my medical insurance information. Makes since- so I give them my information.
Day 3 -Apparently -My medical insurance won't cover it- with out a certain letter and they need to wait till the morning to reach my doctor.
Day 4 So- now the pharmacy calls for the letter or a substitution.
Day 8 The weekend passes and on Tuesday the doctors office calls me to confirm the substitution
Day 9 the prescription is filled and I pick it up.
I can't help but wonder - what if this was "important"?
30 days later (5 months from my initial phone call)- I learn that now that it's a generic prescription and my pharmacy offers a better prices for a 90 day prescription. So, I call the pharmacy to find out what to do. They recommend that I contact the doctors office for a 90 day prescription instead of 30 day. So I do, of course they have to call me back after they confirm with the doctor, and then e-mail a new prescriptions to the Pharmacy which they request 48 hours to fill. After the 48 hours- I have to again follow up to see if it was faxed over and approved-etc- or we start this all over again. It's really ridiculous.
This later part is simply to save time and money on my end-but costs so much on every one else's end because Pharmacy, insurance and Doctors are so disconnected. I just find that, with the kind of money I'm spending on health care annually, the access to amazing medical care we have in the US, and the fact that every single one of us needs it- that it's astonishing that it's so difficult to navigate your way through being cared for.
Being a project manager by trade - inefficiencies drive me crazy. And with that said- It'll probably be a good thing that I'll only understand a 10th of what is said to me while I'm in Addis- ha ha.
Anyway- because this is not an "emergency" and when you look around in the world this concern of mine boils down to "peanuts"-but it's still annoying.
Want to hear about town hall and permits?
Would you believe (of course you would- but this is my first time applying for a permit in Massachusetts) I had an approved permit sitting in town hall for over 2 weeks (after they wouldn't let us pay them when we applied for it). They had it sitting in their office -on hold because it was approved but not paid for. Hello... how exactly were they planning on telling me this exactly??? Peter-pan and Pixie dust I suppose?? It would have been nice if they had contacted us and told us it was approved. They just never called-any of the 3 phone numbers the application requests. Ugh. It just drives me crazy you obey the law and -you pay too much money to get permission to do something to your house that no one outside of your home would ever see.
People ask for a ton of information to "approve your request"- but don't use the information you've given them. Options-let's see: phone, snail mail, email.. hmmm. Simple contents needed- congrats - your approved, bring money!
Okay- so we all have to much to do - and too little time in a day to get it done- but this is a process. You apply- they refuse the check- they send you away to wait- they have you fill out this lengthy information packet - finally apparently but unknown by you- they approve you... then the process seems to break??? let me finish it- town hall calls/emails or snail mails you a letter that let's you know that your application is out of conundrum as the clerk you note how the notified the resident- the resident calls - the clerk pulls up your application and read said note or comes in to get application and pays. Ugh, boy that was hard and with just a teeny tiny correction you have happy residents.
It's one thing if they didn't ask for the information and refuse the check and told me to check in with them in a few days- it's another when they select to own the contact and don't do it.
In the end. What a painful life I lead since inefficiencies drive me nuts. Usually I can take all of this with some sort of added in Dilbert related humor- for some reason today-the humor is escaping me.
On a note that is completely unrelated to adoption or Ethiopia - shocking I know. I don't understand the American medical system. We as technologist- should never have put P2P/B2B technology in the hands of doctors- they should stick to the human body.
My doctors office recently moved from a traditional paper based environment to a new computer based system. PC's in the examination rooms-It's kind of cool and has a creepy aspect to it as well. In my field of business- I really dislike that my PHI is being transferred through more and more"disconnected" networks.
I find the concept of multiple companies storing my information and transferring my personal data back and forth nerve wrecking-although it's bound to be yet another driving force sending business our way.
I pay as a self employed person almost 10K a year for my husband and I with no children to have BCBS of NE- HMO. It's a disgusting amount of money-but I think because of the amount I expect good service. Note that I love BCBS (I don't like many companies but they revamped their systems years ago and appear to the customer to be well run-it's impressive really). I could pay much less but want to stay happy with my medical insurance provider.
Now, although they are unrelated- somehow my dissatisfaction with my current medical care facility circles back in my head to the cost I pay to have this coverage. This whole story boils down to I need a new Primary Care. But since this is my blog - I'm going to whine about this little situation anyway.
I called my doctor's office in October -having learned about something-and asked for advice from my doctor and if she'd like to make an apt. to see me because of something or if she could simply advise changing or renewing a prescription for me. Each time I call they need to "leave a message for my primary". The office responded with a letter 3 weeks later that yes- she's like me to set up an apt.
Of course - I don't respond immediately as I am aggravated by then, busy with work and life and forget- so in early December I make an apt. With the holidays - her plans, my plans etc- I can get in to see her in - Early January.
When I see her- she fills out an e-prescription for me. It's weird leaving the doctor's office with out a piece of paper in my hand-I had to stop and ask the front desk if I should have anything. After the 48 hours they asked me to wait- I go to where I asked to have the prescription sent to.
Of course- they had not filled the prescription because they didn't have my medical insurance information. Makes since- so I give them my information.
Day 3 -Apparently -My medical insurance won't cover it- with out a certain letter and they need to wait till the morning to reach my doctor.
Day 4 So- now the pharmacy calls for the letter or a substitution.
Day 8 The weekend passes and on Tuesday the doctors office calls me to confirm the substitution
Day 9 the prescription is filled and I pick it up.
I can't help but wonder - what if this was "important"?
30 days later (5 months from my initial phone call)- I learn that now that it's a generic prescription and my pharmacy offers a better prices for a 90 day prescription. So, I call the pharmacy to find out what to do. They recommend that I contact the doctors office for a 90 day prescription instead of 30 day. So I do, of course they have to call me back after they confirm with the doctor, and then e-mail a new prescriptions to the Pharmacy which they request 48 hours to fill. After the 48 hours- I have to again follow up to see if it was faxed over and approved-etc- or we start this all over again. It's really ridiculous.
This later part is simply to save time and money on my end-but costs so much on every one else's end because Pharmacy, insurance and Doctors are so disconnected. I just find that, with the kind of money I'm spending on health care annually, the access to amazing medical care we have in the US, and the fact that every single one of us needs it- that it's astonishing that it's so difficult to navigate your way through being cared for.
Being a project manager by trade - inefficiencies drive me crazy. And with that said- It'll probably be a good thing that I'll only understand a 10th of what is said to me while I'm in Addis- ha ha.
Anyway- because this is not an "emergency" and when you look around in the world this concern of mine boils down to "peanuts"-but it's still annoying.
Want to hear about town hall and permits?
Would you believe (of course you would- but this is my first time applying for a permit in Massachusetts) I had an approved permit sitting in town hall for over 2 weeks (after they wouldn't let us pay them when we applied for it). They had it sitting in their office -on hold because it was approved but not paid for. Hello... how exactly were they planning on telling me this exactly??? Peter-pan and Pixie dust I suppose?? It would have been nice if they had contacted us and told us it was approved. They just never called-any of the 3 phone numbers the application requests. Ugh. It just drives me crazy you obey the law and -you pay too much money to get permission to do something to your house that no one outside of your home would ever see.
People ask for a ton of information to "approve your request"- but don't use the information you've given them. Options-let's see: phone, snail mail, email.. hmmm. Simple contents needed- congrats - your approved, bring money!
Okay- so we all have to much to do - and too little time in a day to get it done- but this is a process. You apply- they refuse the check- they send you away to wait- they have you fill out this lengthy information packet - finally apparently but unknown by you- they approve you... then the process seems to break??? let me finish it- town hall calls/emails or snail mails you a letter that let's you know that your application is out of conundrum as the clerk you note how the notified the resident- the resident calls - the clerk pulls up your application and read said note or comes in to get application and pays. Ugh, boy that was hard and with just a teeny tiny correction you have happy residents.
It's one thing if they didn't ask for the information and refuse the check and told me to check in with them in a few days- it's another when they select to own the contact and don't do it.
In the end. What a painful life I lead since inefficiencies drive me nuts. Usually I can take all of this with some sort of added in Dilbert related humor- for some reason today-the humor is escaping me.
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