First of all, I’m sorry it has been a while since I’ve sent out an update. I have been busy not only in my town of Adigudom but also doing some traveling. Mostly to neighboring towns but I took a trip down to Addis to see off a good friend I met here in the Peace Corps. The Addis trip was bitter sweet as it was sad to say good-bye but also wonderful at the same time because Addis is the closest thing I can get to real Ferengi life.
I’m really starting to enjoy life here in Ethiopia, I can say this is probably one of the first times I can officially say Ethiopia is my new home and life, may it be simple, is also very enjoyable. I’m becoming very accustomed to the traditions and beliefs. It has been important for me to make the decision everyday to have a good day and I believe this has really helped me with life here. If you sit and dwell on the little things that can make life miserable living here as a white person it can be very difficult. That’s not to say that I don’t have rough days but I’m finding those little thoughts help.
As always traveling anywhere here can be stressful, difficult and there is always waiting involved. Thank you to my parents who sent me a travel (light) sleeping bag and small blow up air mattress as I have used it a couple of times and it has been wonderful. I have a suggestion for anyone traveling invest in a light weight sleeping bag and (travel) blow up air mattress as they can really be a life saver. I’m excited to continue to use these two items in my travels around Ethiopia.
A situation that occurred that made me say… “This would only happen in Ethiopia!” Was sitting at a hotel/Restaurant in Mekele enjoying a pretty decent Ferengi meal, there was 5 of us and we were sitting outside. (Oh! And this Hotel/Restaurant caters specifically to Ferengi people traveling through or doing research in Tigray). As we were eating we kept feeling splashes of water coming down on us. At first my thought was, oh it’s just one of those freak rain showers that have occurred this last month. Finally, someone looks up and sees its mop water that is being swished around on the balconies above. For all we know it could have been toilet water that over flowed in a bathroom above. The guard at the front door starts yelling up to the lady mopping up above and we see her peak over the balcony and she did profusely apologize. Let’s just say this would not happen in America and if it did it would be a freak accident.
I went to Wukro for Thanksgiving. It is a town about 2 hours north of me and of course 2 bus rides. Thanksgiving was absolutely enjoyable as there were only 6 of us and Bailey did a great job at planning and pre planning the meal. We had meat loaf, fried chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, apple pie, pumpkin pie, green beans, and salad. And of course good company… Overall I would call it a successful first Thanksgiving in Ethiopia. And as always it’s just nice to be with other Ferengi . Not sure what the plan is going to be for Christmas but I’m not worried I will find someone to celebrate it with. I know that the new group 6 of Peace Corps Volunteers that came into country 3 months ago will just have gotten to their sites so maybe Group 5 Peace Corps Volunteers in Tigray will have to host the new Group 6 volunteers that just arrived. We will see!
You know your standards have changed when:
1. You actually take comfort each night as you drift off to sleep and hear the distinct sound of rats eating your house
2. Poop becomes a normal topic of conversation between pretty much everyone
3. You don’t get bored anymore – Boredom is no longer a word in your vocabulary
4. Your happy to get a solid fart
5. Those snot-ridden children ignite loving instincts
6. You consider bugs in your water bucket to be extra protein
7. You think you can clean anything by sprinkling a little water on it
8. You enjoy listening to Celine Dion and Michael Bolton because it’s a break from traditional regional music.
9. You think radio static creates nice ambiance as you can never get a clear channel and all speakers are blown out here.
10. And as always Dirt and Bugs are still awesome
I will try and be better about writing, hope everything is going well in the states and back home.
I am safe and healthy .
Sham
"Life is tough wear a helmet"
