Saturday, January 28, 2012

Another Carolyn, also an English teacher here, invited us to go with her this morning to the monthly craft sale sponsored by local NGOs. What fun!  Of course the NGOs are all busy helping different groups of Ethiopians, and a way to do that is to have them make crafts to sell, with proceeds going to the NGOs work.

So on a sunny morning we walked into the courtyard of a local church and saw a bazaar of brightly colored cloths, rugs, pottery, flowering plants for sale, lettuce and other fresh vegetables, pies, ice cream, jewelry, toys, embroidery—you name it.  The funny thing we both noted was all the white folks!  When we have been living in a world of black faces, the contrast is quite remarkable. I heard German, English, Swedish, Norwegian spoken and lots of friendly greetings. This monthly event is a gathering place for “foringes” as the Ethiopians call us to have a coffee and a chat together as they buy things to support local charities.  So we did a little shopping too—mostly for grandchildren.

It was a real treat to have some of the lettuce we bought for lunch. We haven’t had any since we got here. Of course we followed the recommended regimen and soaked it 20 minutes in water and bleach, then washed it off with purified water, dried it, and then it was ready for us to have as a salad. Delicious! Funny how you miss something so ordinary when it is hard to get.

We have been fortunate in not getting sick so far. Yesterday for the first time, both of us felt a little queasy and like something was upsetting our digestive tract. Jim took a “cipro” (antibiotic tablet) and it all went away. I felt better today without any medicine. We feel fortunate. But if it happens, as it may, we’re got the antidote, so all will be well. Addis is not a malaria zone, too high in altitude, so we don’t have to worry about that!

By the way, Addis means New, so Addis Ababa means New Flower. The city was named by the son of their 19th century king who kicked out the Italians and founded this new city. So our cook, also named Addis, bears the title "new".  Ethiopians use one name only, and it can be followed by their father's name. Women don't take their husband's name when they marry, but continue to use their father's name as a second name.  But in class, or in meeting someone, people are introduced as Tibebu or Misane or Windebu or Worku, without a second name.  The names are difficult for me though, because they are so different. I find if I can do a word association, I have a better chance of remembering.

Off for now. it is a beautiful afternoon and we are off to the cafe for a macchiato.