Friday, December 11th - Axum to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Another morning in Axum with no power.  It's amazing how these people survive.  We've only been here two days and there have been way more hours without power than with.  And of course no power means no internet but that's really not their main concern.  At least when the power is off during the day everyone can still function - except for maybe the kitchen area where some of their cooking methods don't work.  Randy couldn't even get coffee this morning so he had to go down the street to get his morning fix.

We had breakfast at 8 a.m. outside in the garden.  It is cool and brisk in the mornings but watching the birds kept us occupied while we waited for our food.  After breakfast we did the final packing and went to pay our bill.  The girl on duty had no idea what we were supposed to pay so it was an interesting process trying to check out.  We had paid for our rooms but the food was being charged and yet no one seemed to have a list.  We tried to remember everything we each had to eat and drink for lunch and dinner for two days.  Then she compared her total but it turned out to be just last night's dinner and two breakfasts and the breakfasts were included with the room.  Eventually we got it sorted out and paid her the amount she had in her total, although we still thought it was on the lows side, so we left her a good tip just in case.

We left for the airport just before 9:30 and arrived by 9:45.  Going through security at the airport entrance was quick except that they kept searching my bag.  I think they thought I had coins in my bag or something like that.  First she had me take out some spare batteries for my travel alarm.  Then she rescanned my bag and asked if I had money in it.  I said yes.  She asked how much.  I said about $125 US.  She said show me so I did.  She still looked confused and then proceeded to look through everything in my bag.  We weren't sure exactly what she was seeing on her screen but we finally decided the problem might be the box of foil-wrapped macadamia nuts I had.  Personally I think they are as good as gold or silver but I've never had them mistaken for gold or silver.  And if it wasn't the foil-wrapped macadamia nuts, I have no idea what it was.

We checked in and went through the second security right away as they were saying it was for Addis.  Unfortunately that led us right to the departure lounge at the only gate and there were no shops so I couldn't replace the water they had stolen at the second security check.  There were washrooms though so that was good.   The incoming flight arrived and we then boarded the plane and were ready to go 30 minutes before our planned departure time.  We waited a bit before finally departing but we still left at least 10 minutes early - definitely an African thing because it has happened more than once.

Raz met us in Addis at the airport and took us back to the Bow.  It was just like coming home.  Now we are sitting on the patio having just had lunch, and our laundry is being done for us.  Everything is good except that the power is off and the internet is not working at the moment.  Hopefully it will be up soon as I have some bookings to make.

We spent the afternoon visiting and doing some computer work but not much.  Then I went to my room and totally emptied my suitcase and repacked everything.  I left home on June 9th so I've just passed the six month mark and needless to say in six months your suitcase gets really messy.  Unfortunately I didn't find a lot to throw away - some, but not a lot.  Between Lynn, Randy and I, we do have a bag of cloths to go to Bisrat at Canadian Humanitarian so he can distribute where needed.  

We had a fantastic steak dinner and visited with Aster for a while after dinner.  Then I went to my room to continue computer work and repacking.  Staying at the Bow was a great way to end our Ethiopian holiday.  It's so relaxing and you really do feel right at home.  If you are ever planning a trip to Addis be sure to keep the Bow in mind.  

The internet started working faster as the night went on so I was up until the wee hours of the morning  uploading pictures and posting some items on facebook.  It is absolutely amazing how dependent I am on the internet, even when I travel.  Postcards used to seem like a chore but I'm starting to think they were actually easier because people only expected an occasional one now and then.  With the internet I seem to feel I have to do it every day or two at the least.  Maybe I should jsut change my way of thinking.