Tuesday

It has been another extremely full day in Ethiopia. It is almost 1 am and we're just getting to bed. The sounds of the bar across the street and the blaring of the car alarms will continue now for a few hours, the sounds drifting through our seemingly paper thin walls. We SO look forward to being home. At one point this morning, I joked with Erin about getting a Starbucks in one hand and a McDonalds cheeseburger in the other hand. I'm not sure if Eli did something moving or not, but when I turned to look at her, she had tears in her eyes.

We were able to sleep in a bit today with Eli getting up about 7:30. He now has down "MaMa" and is constantly seeking out Erin. Its amazing that she has been a mom for 7 years and still hearing "MaMa" for the first few times can be so very precious. Moving.

At breakfast we met the owner of the hotel, and older, stately woman dressed in red. She spoke to the children (as the entire staff at the hotel do now) in words we didn't understand - but the children did. It is fun to watch and guess what they are saying. She asked about our stay and after we found out she will be in SEATTLE in two weeks offered to buy us a lunch tomorrow. An Ethiopian buffet. We're not quite sure what to expect, but another fun experience - just because we spoke to someone!

We were picked up at the hotel and weaved our way through the city up to the ToTo Mountains (I really don't know the spelling). We wound our way through treacherous roads passing by women carrying sticks on their backs for cooking in their homes. It is illegal to cut down branches and trees, so these sticks must be found on the ground. The forests around the road are strangely picked over. We dodged the donkeys along the route as well. The hills surrounding the outlying areas of the city are breathtaking. A little like Eastern Washington farmlands. In the rainy season - the yellow dry grass will be replenished with green. I hope we can see this one day.

We arrived at the top and were greeted by an armed guard with a large gun. We payed our 5 bir and started on our little hike... guard in tow. We came to a lookout and could see all of Addis Ababa and beyond. Eucalyptus trees were all around us and gave off a beautiful fragrant smell in the crisp cool air of the forest. Very large strange birds rose from the trees with sounds I have never heard. I enjoyed talking with the guard and he let me pose with his gun (after he took out the bullets). After the hike, we went to an art gallery inside of a truck dumpster (?). We met the artist,who did amazing work. We regret not buying anything. We have his number and may call tomorrow. They can deliver to the city. Supposedly Beyonce and Oprah were at the top of this mountain not too long ago.

We worked our way down the curves of the mountain to go to the local market. Of course stopping at a coffee shop - their Starbucks if you will. As we left we were barraged by beggers. As we left, it was hard to see Eli watching them. He turns to me and says something in Ahmeric. I'm not sure what, but it felt like - "don't you see them? are you going to give them something to eat?" A profound moment. Eli looking at them from the other side of the glass. Who knows how close he was - or any of the 28 children I met a few days ago - to being standing there, tapping, tapping.

Our time at the market was cut short as we needed to get back for an appointment. Bartering still isn't for Erin or I. But we made the best of it and had fun shopping where the locals do.

A quick nap and we were back on the road. We were brought to a "mall" to shop some more. I think something was lost in the translation of what we were looking to do, as this was pretty much a "western" mall - prices and all. We bought one thing. Sunglasses for Eli. He was SO proud. Of course, much like our little Zoe, he plopped them on upside down on top of his head. I think he wants to be like his dad. :)

Back to the hotel for another quick nap and we were off to dinner with Ato Teklu and his wife. They brought us to an incredible restaurant - to hard to describe. Decorated from floor to ceiling in Ethiopian decor, this was definitely a special place to come. A four piece band with traditional instruments played a we arrived. Eli was fascinated. You could tell he really loved the drums. We sat in low carved chairs/stools around a basket that would normally hold all of our shared dinner. Eating together is definitely an event to socialize around. We were brought through a buffet loaded with Ethiopian food like you could not believe. I love the spicy food, but my body doesn't handle it well. I happily sat on my stool with sweat pouring from my head. At one point Erin even asked if I was OK. We found out the Ato Teklu's wife is a graphic designer and does ads for magazines and newspapers. Small world. We also sat next to a man from Nebraska (or somewhere like that). Very strange. In all the places to meet someone. During dinner, the band was joined by a lead singer and 6 VERY talented dancers. Photos don't do this place justice. Not sure video will as well - but I tried. The pulsating rhythms of the music made me want to jump to my feet and join them (luckily for Erin I held back). The dancers moved in a way that I have never before seen. A jerky up and down back and forth of the shoulders, neck and hips. They carried on for HOURS. It was almost painful to our own backs to watch them. Amazing food, amazing company, amazing music, amazing dance... an amazing night.The bar across the street just closed (I think). I swear they rivaled any Irish singing pub. These people can party.

Entertainment.

Dancing.

Nice Shades.

Coffee Shop.

Ethiopian terrain.


Havin' a good time.

Walking on the sticks.

Yep... still adorable.

Stop for a family photo.

Talk about a view.

I look cool.

Binoculars are cool!

P.S. A couple more things...

This is a life-changing experience we are on and I don't wish it away... but I miss my other three kids today so bad its almost too much. Nate's electric personality and fire in his eyes, Edie Raye's hugs and dramatic personality and little Zoe's Infectious laughter and heart-melting smile. We want to be home. ALL together.When Eli gets happy he smiles huge and sticks his tongue out just a bit between his teeth on the left side of his mouth. He's a little ham.The first night we had Eli with us. After we tucked him into his bed, I don't want to forget Erin saying (with tears in her eyes), "Can you believe it? THERE he is. Beautiful, little head peaking out of the covers... this is what we've been waiting for."