Dear FB friends and family, I have been trying to create a web blog for the last 3 weeks to no avail so I have decided to post as an Update Status. This is what I have been up to in a nut shell. Enjoy! A Narrative Of A Perceptive Observer 10/11/13 It will be a week today that I departed from the soil of good old USA ~ my haven ~ to embark on a journey back to the land of my origin. The beloved land of my ancestors on the other side of the Continent from the New World of America. My journey back started at the Dulles International Airport in VA where Ethiopian Airlines originates its long flights. The exceptional service providers at the airlines counters were hospitable and very accommodating. It was interesting to note that the vast majority of fellow travelers were not of Ethiopian origin. Some were transit travelers, as well as, different groups on medical/business mission to serve in Ethiopia, while others were sightseeing tourists. The service on the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 Dream liner was excellent. The stewards were very obliging. We were fed and hydrated through the long and tiring 12 hours trip. As it turned out I sat next to siblings that were family friends, which made the long travel manageable. We arrived at the Addis Ababa International Airport 2 hrs earlier and needless to say had time to process the necessary essential paper work ~ like visa and so forth in a timely manner. The initial experience of astonishment happened right there at the airport while waiting to be picked up with the conversation I had with the Porter. It took a minute to figure out what he was discussing and inquiring about when I realized how very well versed he was regarding the Government shutdown in DC. He was not only well informed but was able to empathize with the cost of such unacceptable actions by politician that is affecting and ultimately hindering the life of many wage earners. Listening to his concern and assessment of the situation over yonder was a pleasant surprise. Global community at work! First stop after being picked out was at The Holy Trinity Cathedral where I spent most of my growing years that was such a blessing on its own. At a glance everything that used to seem to be so grand appeared to have shrunk or I have gotten immense! Driving through some parts of the city one can observe the many changes that are simultaneously happening at the same time. High rises and road are being built all over in a frantic manner. New streets, bridges and massive rail tracks are being laid down while older new roads are being expanded. In spite of these entire organized rackets the air still feels fresh. In my new neighborhood friends and neighbors came over to greet me and welcome me back home. The food has been just delightful to the palate. Locally grown assorted greens, vegetable and fruits have been a delicious blessing. Also the outpouring of invitations and gracious hospitality from family and friends has been a great gift through this transition. Discussions and laughter’s are in grand scale. People at large appear to be relaxed and tranquil as well as very charitable. The sounds of the birds and the different variety of vegetation are an exciting stimulation for our senses. On the other hand, it took a few days to get used to the sound pollution at night with all the watchdogs barking ~ and now just after a week I hardly hear them. In comparison, after enjoying the benefits of country living in MI over 3 decades ~ I have to admit I never could get used to the light pollution of the Metropolitan DC area for the last few years. Don’t have to fret about that now! By the way I hear the majesty beauty of the countryside is totally captivated and still awaiting my arrival. At this juncture got to also share my extremely good experience in processing some necessary paper work. Both the officials and clerics were efficient and very helpful. Very Professional will surmise the experience. At the end of the process people are asked if they will voluntarily rate their service performance. I say a great system is set up to make employees efficient as they work on meeting the demands of the client. I can’t finish this first WEBLOG without sharing my awesome experience with fellow Ethiopians and other nationals, as we were totally captivated by the soccer game that can qualify our Ethiopian team for the world cup. Have never witnessed such a frenzied excitement. People who wanted admittance to the arena were lined up the night before to get a sit for a 4 P.M. game. And some of us who were fortunate had the pleasure of watching it from the Millennium Hall (in a VIP lounge, no less, thanks to a very special friend) with 21,000 hysterical fans. The team really played very well, even though they did not win but the loyalty and the nationalistic support was simply over the top. Finishing this page I am declaring that the team will be successful in Lagos! 10-18-13 Would like to start my second week of my narrative with mentioning how cold, yes cold, I was the first week in the evening after the sunsets. For a long time Michigander it was a shock to my system to realize that I can be so cold in a temperate climate. The temperature drops fast. I hear not only is the rainy season lingering on this year but also October is known to be a windy chilly month. This week I am not as cold as I was the first week ~ of course I am sleeping with socks on and I am totally amused as I have never done so. I personally don’t recall Addis’s sun to be as scorching, sunscreen is not an option but a sine qua non. This probably is the first and last time I will mention the weather because it is going to be the same now until the rainy season starts in June. I am in the land of only two seasons ~ dry and rainy. Visually I am getting accustomed to the major changes and am trying to figure out some old neighborhoods I used to know and still remember. Driving on the other hand is plain crazy. Somehow and I cannot understand how the traffic moves and one gets from one location to another. If and I reiterate if I ever drive here it will be a miracle. Will keep you posted. There are many visible changes in the neighborhoods, roads, city proper ~ all the work that is being done appears to be on the right track. Our generation might not get to luxuriate in the final transformation of all this hard work but I am sure our children will get to savor all the benefits of this industrious foresight. So far my personal experience working with staff members and overseers at government offices has been over the top. I have been able to obtain all the documents I needed expeditiously. Very thankful for all public service providers for being so proficient. I am still working on how to operate my new fancy phone that was a gift from my darling daughter and the services I need. I am also shopping around for an effective Internet service so I can stay in touch. These are the two last essentials left to do that will be done for sure this week by this posting. Mingling with the public has been very rich. Most are witty and extremely gracious. The majority of the residents in the city appear to be attired with jeans ~ that hard wearing pant made of denim of course! That sure is very different than what I can remember. Another interesting sight is the continuous line by the bakeries, as bread seems to have become quite the staple of the city resident slightly replacing Injera ~ I hear. Coffee shops and pastries are in every corner and all I can say is that they are striving and full at all times. I was treated by my brother for macchiato coffee and some still very delicious assortment of yes, Enricho pastries. Now that tasted as heavenly as I remembered and it was ambrosia after all these years. Attended a wonderful cultural show that was very impressive and entertaining. Oh my, some of those dancers were unbelievably great. At the same time it was great to be with so many of our young people enjoying the show as well. As I close this week’s narrative I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to post this two-week narrative tomorrow as I work on expanding this Web log. 10-25-13 My third week started with a very generous gift to the spa by one of my favorite relative. She has moved back from the States about 6 years ago and totally loves being back. Morocco Bath, the same as Turkish or Korean Bath seems to be the rage with signs all over the city. At this exclusive new spa the day started with this treatment and all I can say is that it was a delicious experience. Followed by message, a much needed shellac manicure and threading of the eyebrows. Again it was exceptionally excellent. An Affair to Remember pping these indulgences of the day was getting our hair done and we left looking like pampered stars for a dinner with other relatives for some Italian food. Followed by a lovely evening at Meazie’s a traditional late night hung out. I can say that people are extremely laid back and appear to be very content. One can feel the ease of the people at large. As noted earlier Addis has grown in leaps and bound with lots of new high rises, roads, homes, train tracks etc. As a visiting friend eloquently stated Addis contains underdeveloped, developed and developing spots. It appears that everyone is constantly on the move. Even through this entire chaos people are always patient and gracious. The weather helps as sun always shines brightly. It is a beautiful city encircled and cuddled by splendid green mountains and vegetation. The evening clear sky glistens with bright stars. Reminisce of time gone by yet very visible on the roads along with a vast pedestrian are working mules, donkeys, as well as, cattle, sheep, goats ready for market, and all sort of cars (from the latest to the oldest, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rovers, assortment of Japanese cars, Buses and Taxis). In a nut shell it is a beguiling rich colorful sight. The roads range from fine blacktop and cobble stone to ditches and hollow places. Every day is a charming adventure. Stunning new Orthodox churches are also adorning the overall landscape. Faithful local parishioners work very hard volunteering and raising money to have newt churches in their new neighborhoods. Lots of people appear to be worshiping diligently and attending evening Gospel teachings in the evening. Most services are transmitted through microphone and can be heard for miles. I am sure a blessing for most if not for all.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 07:34:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015