Way-ho Deck Hardware Away

Circle:
Sunday was a beautiful day and Square and I removed the deck hardware. But, I was worried about the bow deck...might need someone to look at it. Our prow seemed a little shaky...I wouldn't want it to protect me from the sea...maybe Square, not me! I believe that if I put on weight on it, I might be swept off the deck into the sea WITH the prow.
What to do! Better to be safe and know. But, might need an expert on fibreglass...is it rotted, cored, soggy...and all the words about fibreglass problems!
While Square was sit on the deck supervising the yard...prime time for boat removal with the club's boom....and I worried! The "what if" worries.
On Monday, I sanded the 'crazing' and the cracks...I think I got most of them. Next, open up the cracks so the epoxy can bond in the cracks and crazing.
Inside the cabin, I stripped all the wood to take it home to refinish in my garage. Then, I will start grinding the crazing in the cabin and the cracks in the gel-coat to prepare to begin epoxy.
We live in the Maritimes and winter is coming so I have to work when I can...it would be great to have the boat in a building so I can work all winter and have Pole Pole shape-ship! Does anyone have a building in Halifax where I can work on Pole Pole for free????

Pole Pole...Where is thy mast?

Circle:

No mast! How can you be a sailor if you don't have a mast to set up your sails? Grrrr!!!

The season almost finished and Pole Pole (pronounced Polee Polee) doesn't have a mast! We are frustrated. Our rigger hasn't done a good job of finding a second-hand mast for Square's 22 Columbia....maybe there isn't second-hand mast for 22 Columbia or another one that might fit!

Our insurance claim assayer said why don't you get a sleeve on the broken mask...our rigger doesn't like that idea. The mast snapped off at the middle where the spreaders are connected due to metal fatigue, if the mast has metal fatigue Square is worried that a sleeve isn't a good idea either. Okay, could Square buy a new mast? No....it would be at least $6000. I called a company to have a quote for a sleeve, so we'll see.

But, in the meantime ....what to do?

Well, when Square was away in Ethiopia in July, I decided to surprise her by fixing Pole Pole's deck blisters....didn't seem to be hard. I googled about blisters and read Don Casey's book about blisters. At first, there was about 6 blisters, but when I started open them up and sanded them...I found more...and more and more. I had to warn Square that Pole Pole wasn't pretty anymore.

And, the more I read and search about repairs to fibreglass boats, the more I was scared that Pole Pole would need to be put down...

Circle:

So, I decided to talk with our insurance claims assayer to see what Square's options would be. Stu (claims assayer) told us that Pole Pole was a good boat, but any money that we would put on Pole Pole wouldn't come if Square wanted to sell because of the Pole Pole age. Hmmm....I wouldn't want anyone to decide that because I was old, it wasn't worthwhile to spend money on me! Sounds wrong...there must be a way to make things better. So, Square and me decided (argued) that 'we' would repair Pole Pole this year. After all, if your horse 'bucked' you, better to get on again and bond with your horse!

On fine days, I go to Pole Pole and fought for territory that the seagulls and sea birds captured...oh my god, everytime I would go to the moor there were 4-6 birds on board and they had no giving up "their" boat where they ate and shit! I'm not accustomized in my bathroom...but they seem to be accustomizing to eating on their table!

It takes 2 hours to clean their bathroom before I'm ready to work on Pole Pole! And, everytime I go, it's the same!

So, I decided with Square's agreement that Pole Pole should move to the marina. Then, the birds wouldn't land on Pole Pole AND I could use my tools....did I tell I bought grinder and a dremel...I had to, to repair the boat!

Right now, I bet you are thinking "Why is the boat on the water if she can't sail?" Well.....we decided that we could bob on the water and motor, waiting to our rigger to find a @!#%^& mast!

And, our trailer is getting a redo and isn't ready yet to move the boat to the yard.

So, now Square and I have taken most of the deck hardware away to reset them and to paint.....I haven't sanded all of the deck...yet! But, I'm prepared to reset the deck hardware, ports, hatch and old holes.

Resources:
Virtual Boatyard
West Systems

We Arise Again!

Circle:
Hard to believe that it’s time to raise the sails....our second season of sailing! Easter is a big celebration for Pole Pole. Square and I will scrape, sand and paint her hull AND.....

Square:
Well in order to raise a sail we need to get a sail! That being said, the old girl (the boat not Circle) is getting her much needed replacement “parts’. If you recall, last fall was a short season because of two things.
(1) We are new sailors and didn’t get the boat in the water until mid-July when I took possession of her, then...
(2) we had a bit of a disaster....kinda. On a sunny long weekend day...whilst sailing....the mast snapped in half. So, sails, rigging, and mast fell into the Bedford Basin. Yup....nothing like drawing attention to ourselves.

Circle:
Which we already did on the rocks.....a few times. Someone (Square) isn’t very good navigator.....good thing Santa gave her chart of the Bedford Basin.
Even though we’re virgin sailors, we knew that the mast shouldn’t do that. There were 3 people on board....Bruce (a well seasoned sailor), Square (the Captain) and me (crew). We look at each other, as if .......that shouldn’t happen, should it?????

Square:
It was the one and only time that Circle was at the helm. She is good at disregarding orders and questioning her captain. We’ve had more fights on the boat and on more than one occasion I threatened to throw her overboard. “CREW”...she’s more of a pain in the ass! So after yet another “post-mortem” on how it could have been a better experience, it was decided that Circle see what it’s like to be responsible and be the “captain for a day”. See what happened....she broke the boat. I might have put her on the rocks...well it wasn’t really me, Circle didn’t take the sail down when asked so we just kept on motoring towards shore...

Circle:
“Oh Captain, my Captain”.....I was busy trying to push Pole Pole from crashing into another boats!!

Square:
Yeah...whatever! Anyways...we’ve drawn attention to ourselves before. So a mast snapping topped anything that happened before....but it’s not the end of the world. I now have a motor boat!!! :)

Thankfully nobody was hurt, Bruce was with us, and everybody was nearby to assist and rescue us once again. Boy, were we the talk of the club!

So after filing “incident reports”, tolerating inspections, and filling out more paperwork...it was determined that the mast suffered from metal fatigue or “osteoporoses”. So a new mast, rigging, and main sail are on the horizon and like a phoenix...Pole Pole will rise again.

Circle:
You know...Square and I decided we needed Seamanship classes. We did that. But, didn’t finish because we went to Ethiopia! And, I had a problem understanding the content of the course. AND, every class, Square whispered to me....”We’re never getting out of the Basin”......pessimist!

Square:
Did you hear that..she had a problem understanding the content! I knew the truth would come out...who really was to blame for being on the rocks. Yup....and this is why Santa brought Circle a hat that says “crew” and I got a Captain’s hat. So we can also read when we need to know who’s in charge.
Process that!!!

Captain’s log ....April 1st, 2010

Numerical Problems

Circle has difficulties with numbers (and writing, and reading, and processing, and...). So, the first blog is good.....Jan 2-3, 2010. BUT, after that the Final Week of Ethiopia appears followed by the other weeks in reverse order (Final, Week 3, Week 2 and Week 1).

Sorry. But, I had a stroke!

Ethiopia Jan 2-3, 2010

Well I started a blog last night then promptly lost it due to technical difficulties. Very frustrating to say the least! It was supposed to be Judy’s blob but somehow it got passed along to me,,,,,hhhhhmmmmmm, suspicious.
Last nights blog had lots of Judy’s stories (snoring, mispronounciation/misinterpretations, childish wonderment)…but that was yesterday and I lost that “in the moment comic edge”.
So suffice it to say…..we have survived the trip and the first night in Addis….and are still speaking!!!

Yesterday (Saturday) was spent resting(for some), becoming acquainted with the property, buying sim cards and air time, exchanging money, buying water, and lounging poolside watching the kids playing in the pool. Very cute.
I have a couple picked out already for you Kimmie!! 
Then the energizer bunny wanted to go outside the compound to visit another hotel. Sooo since I couldn’t detain or distract her any longer…and the armed security guard said it was safe….we tromped down to the Jupiter Hotel. Very nice and cozy…..I secretly think she’s worried that I’ll kick her out! And between her snoring all Friday night and wide awake Saturday night (so turned the light on to read, made tea, then when she did fall asleep…talked all night) I may just send her down the road!!

Today we are both tired but have booked a half day city tour. Our driver’s name is Tamrad. We left at 10am and didn’t get back until 3pm….wayyyyy overdue! Our first stop was the Trinity church, an Ethiopian Orthodox church built by Halle Salasse. Then we went to the National Archeological museum followed by Mt Entoto, and a drive through the closed Mercato market.
One thing I can say for Tam and maybe Ethiopians in general…….they know their history and their emperors/kings. Tam could rhyme off every piece of history from the Queen of Sheba (wow…she actually exists!!) to present day. “They” are very proud of their history..and being the oldest country in the world, I guess they should be! AND did you know that the Arc of the Covenant is in Ethiopia?? I thought Indiana Jones found that……I’m confused. Yup, it’s in Axum.
Then to end the tour Tam took us to the oldest restaurant…The Addis Ababa Restaurant…for some Tej. It is honey wine….or fermented honey. I had it before and I called it “straw turbid”!! So it was interesting to see if Judy had the same feeling. Her first reaction was “gasoline”! Kinda harsh I think but along the same lines. Anyway we sat in the smoky restaurant …sipping Tej…and asked Tam all kinds of questions. From tipping to communism to coffee ceremonies to life in Ethiopia. Anyway, maybe it was the Tej, but we are invited to his house for some food and coffee. Boy, wait ‘til his wife finds out!!!!!
Needless to say, we are booking another tour with him for next weekend. Work better not interfere!!!! 
I think we will go to Adida Miriam (sp?)…and several UNESCO sites. The countryside is very beautiful….so more pics next weekend.

Tomorrow I start work and Gimpy will do language and has plans to roam about.
I guess being extremely religious pays off because there is little crime in the city. Those commandments and all!!
The worst is some pick pocketing and that’s if you carry money. Hint Hint Jude

I have no idea what’s in store for me tomorrow. So I’ll be prepared for anything Sand everything.!!
Tonight we are having a quiet evening in the bar skyping and blogging, followed by pizza in the pizzeria. Nothing says Ethiopia more that “pizza”!!!!

Soooooooo………..until tomorrow.

Denadere (goodnight)

Final Week of Ethiopia

Anne:
Due to popular demand and now a feeling of guilt…we apologize for leaving you hanging and resume our blogging activities.

Our last week…..and still speaking! Hard to believe (to both), the time has flown by. Both work life and tourist life are now at a frantic pace. So much to do in a short period of time!!
At work… after 3 weeks of almost solitude…I can barely handle the attention. It does make the day go quickly though. 
Life at the Hilton consists of a schedule… Gym, food, football. There are only so many days to finish shopping, try restaurants that we wanted to try or return to favorite haunts, and catch the evening’s matches in the African Cup of football.
We have become addicted to football. The lobby bar has turned into a sports bar of sorts. Big screen TV…lots of people sitting around watching the games…lots of cheering…so very festive. That’s usually where we end up for part or all of the game. Peanuts, wine/beer and maybe a snack. We usually get the same table…the servers know us (well we were there for a month!!) …..very comfortable indeed. 
Tuesdays schedule was shopping. Back to the shops at Churchill for some bartering and rioting…dinner at Finfine (traditional). Did I mention the rioting??

Judy:
Okay, I know that was a dig at me! I told you about the learned hopelessness that I believed when the kids would ask for money. One day, I decided to give some of the kids things that they could sell (pencils, sharpeners and bracelets) when they ask me for money. So, I gave them things that they could sell…so they wouldn’t beg for money. My vision of making them entrepreneurs….it worked….kinda. Until I had a riot with the kids that gave product! Everyone wanted product! AND, fought about it with each other. I tried!
Anne:
She was “trying” all right. I am so done with shopping….need beer not bartering and tripping over yelling kids.

Anne:
Wednesday night we went to a new restaurant Sangam (Indian). We arrived at 6pm only to find out that it didn’t open until 6:30pm. So back in the cab and off we went to check out a guesthouse further down the road. I almost stayed here but CDC decided on the Hilton. Now after a brief look around the rooms, chat about the amenities, and a scan of the neighborhood …we can give our thumbs up or down to the bosses.
It’s 6:30 so back to the restaurant. Lights were off…2 people staring at us…..finally showing us to a table. Then we were ignored for another 10 minutes or so. Other diners came in and received the same welcome. We finally got menus and asked about a drink and were told “it’s locked”. No other explanation….
The other diners left and said they’d be back at 7pm. This restaurant is opened for lunch so there shouldn’t be this much confusion? We stood our ground.
After staring down the servers, cashier, host?...our order was taken. It was painful painful….little to no English versus little to no Amharic!
I can’t imagine that this is one of the higher rated eateries. Every table had a similar experience and even fight with this server.
But…the chef prevailed…and is was verrrry yummy indeed.


Thursday was my last day at work. I decided to take Friday off and have a day by the pool!! So to celebrate we went to the gym, the bar for football, then room service for the second half…and I even ordered fries and cake.  Judy was still downstairs so I could sneak this in!!!
I know it sounds like a boring way to celebrate my last day of work…but I just wasn’t up for another “episode”. The city has become really busy because of an African Union Summit…so more traffic and roads closed for passing dignitaries. It was nice to spend some time with “friends”.

Ahhhhhhhhhh………Friday. First time by the pool…how sad is that!!! Baked and broiled until early afternoon then it was off to the gym then dinner. We tried to get reservations at Castillo’s (top Italian joint) but to no avail. African presidents and prime ministers are in town so no room for mangy tourists. So we went to DonVito’s…
Traffic is a nightmare….

Judy:
Gech came over on Friday evening and came to dinner with us. I had tried to see Afamily this week, but I couldn’t reach her…maybe she was off of her guardian angel post!

And, I didn’t see Adane and Brook either ;(
Oh well….next time!

Saturday was packing day….we had to pack our stuff AND unpack and repack a large suitcase that was too heavy, from the family of our friends in Halifax!

Anne:
I knew we bought stuff but when it is shoved in the closet for weeks on end you kind of forget. You should have seen the room Saturday morning! Disaster zone!! We couldn’t get a late checkout because of the African Summit so had to be out by noon…housekeeping keeps banging on the door….wow, talk about pressure packing. And what the hell are we going to do with kilos and kilos of spice and unknown white powder which I’m hoping is flour!
When Tigest brought the suitcase on Thursday I could barely lift it off the floor…I know they weigh the bags at Bole airport so it’s time to be creative!! 
Well…she did it. Jude was an amazing packer and we were out of the room by 11:30!
Our shuttle doesn’t leave until 7pm and our flight is at 11pm, so we hunkered down for some coffee and TV at our table in the bar.
And since there was still an ounce of space left in one suitcase, we called Tesfu and went shopping. We had to buy green coffee beans and Tej for family dinner and Missy wanted stamps. It should have been a quick spree but those *#% dignitaries shut down the city for almost an hour, so we sat in the car and waited and waited until finally the road was open. Even as it was Tesfu couldn’t use the road in front of the Hilton so we had to jump out and make our way through the back gates. Actually it made us glad that we were leaving that night! Wayyyy too frustrating.
Tesfu is such a sweetie…he bought us going away presents and gave us some traditional music. Ahhhhhh….he likes us! Or he feels guilty for having to count our panties??
What we thought would be a boring day turned out to be a short breather followed by a good-bye visit by Gech followed by an earlier shuttle (worry about traffic delays) followed by some repacking at the check-in counter (*$# spice) followed by a few hours at the airport followed by a little angst at the gate (*%$#@ spice) followed by hours and hours of flying which resulted in us landing on time Sunday 11pm but our luggage not arriving until Thursday at noon!!
And we are still speaking….a few snarls along the way….but nothing a glass of wine and a nap couldn’t cure.

Judy:
And, we were so happy to see our luggage in Chicago….who knew that it takes so long to have luggage moved from Chicago to Halifax!!!!! Come on United Airways…..

And, of course the Customs officers inspected all our luggage….breaking those bags of spice and rummaging through our panties….everything was about those panties!


Square and Circle

Ethiopia Week 3

Judy: Well, Anne was sick most of the week....cold. So I had do things alone....not, that was a problem, but I worried about her not having fun. I know that she wanted to be alone....like an animal that is sick.

So, when Anne came home after work, I really wanted to go to Jan Meda (a large field by the University) for the Epiphany celebration. But, I knew Anne was sick and really didn't want to go anywhere. She didn't say that, but she told that I was wrong and the celebration was tomorrow. I know that I have problems with processing, but I was sure that I was right. So, I visited my friend, the concierge, to see what was happening. AND, I was right! Anne was wrong....but, she was sick so......

I asked her if she would like to go.....even though I knew by her body language (curled in the bed under the covers) that the answer was "No". So, I forged the way to Jan Meda.

Anne: geez...I thought she would never leave!!

At the first corner, when I didn't know whether to go straight, left or right....I asked two young ladies if they could direct me to Jan Meda. One of the ladies said "We are going to Jan Meda....would you like to accompany us." Good thing, because I didn't have clue there I was going....even though I had a map....did I say that I had a problem with processing??Anyway, my two friends Afamily and ?? took me under their wings....protected me...one on my left and one on my right....two guardian angels! I know that I have angels to protect....and they're in Ethiopia too.

Well, I was too late to see the celebration with the Priests, choirs and the services. But, I did see the boys chasing the girls....this was the scene that my friends wanted to see. The boys circled around and danced so the girls would take notice...then, the boys would pull one of the girls around to dance. AND, guess what, I was pulled to the circle to dance! When I finished (or was too tired to dance....me old) , we look around at other groups of boys, AND, guess what, I was pulled in other circles....again, and again, and again! My friends were shocked that I can dance! Really, I was as old as their Mother!

Did, I say that I was the ONLY "france" (foreigner) in Jan Meda at that time? The girls were very worried that I might get lost....so, Afamily put her cell phone number in my phone and put mine in her's, so if we were parted we could find each other again. Her friends were 19 and 20, but I felt like a child again...holding my parents hands. And, I was grateful for my friendship.

After we left Jan Meda, my friends made sure that they accompanied to the Hilton so they would know I was safe. When we arrived at the hotel, I called Anne to see if she felt good enough to meet my friends. I'm trying to see if my friends could have dinner with Anne and me.....but first, Afamily's Father must approve of us. So, we wait!

Tuesday was Epiphany....Timket festival traces its origin to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Yesterday, (the eve of Timket) the Tabot (a replica of the Arc of the Covenant) from each Ethiopian Orthodox church around Addis to taken to Jan Meda and the Priests, elders, choirs and the members of each church congregate to Jan Meda for the ceremonies and to be baptized again. Yesterday, was called "Ketera". Ketera is originated from the Amharic word (national language in Ethiopian) "meketer" ....to contain water.

The origin "Arc of Covenants" (Ten Commandments) is believed to be in Ethiopia in the Axum Tsion Church. All of the Ethiopian Orthodox Churches have a relica of the origin...the Tabots.

All Timket (Tuesday), the Priests carry the Tabots to their respective churches with the masses following on, dancing and singing. Then, at the church there is a service and social event.

So, as the churches were in festivities and Anne was sick, I went on a walk to find a music shop that I heard about! That's how I met my new friends.....Brook and Adane. J

Anne:...seriously, how does she do it!

I started walked to find the "Old MilK Club" (restaurant), but couldn't find it because it is no longer open. Then, I started walking to the music shop....least where I thought it was. Couldn't find it....so, asked two men if they knew where the music shop there. In seconds, I was walking and talking holding Brook's and Adane's hands! They were celebrating the holiday and weren't busy so they accompanied me to the shop.....which was closed because of the holiday! Brook's teaches English and Amharic and Adane is a driver for the U.N. They asked me if I would to go a coffee or a glass of wine. So...we did.... first coffee at first front of a car repair shop, sitting on milk/pop crates ordered by a woman who rinsed cups and poured coffee from a thermos! The coffee was good. After our coffee, thanked my new friends, ready to say goodbye. But, Adane said "When, we haven't gone for wine yet".....so, we did....at a bar/restaurant in their community.

Anne called to see where I was....I told with my new friends having a beer (I decided I didn't want wine....the local wine isn't not good). I did ask her if she would like to join us at the bar...."Not really".

Anne: Hmmm.....you should have heard the invitation. So I just rolled my eyes and left her to her boy toys!

I learned about their lives and them my life....it was all good. I called Anne to ask if she wanted to go dancing with Brook and Adane.....but, we decided to go when she felt better. The guys walked to the Hilton which was a lesson with children asking for money.....I was struggling about this. Everytime, I walk or shop, somebody asks for money....and I don't know how to handle this. I asked Brook and Adane. They stopped to buy gum from children and one of the kids, who wasn't selling gum, asked me for money...I asked them if I should give him money. Their opinion was don't give him the money.....if the kids were selling things....support by buying their products. That made sense to me.....the term "learned hopelessness" shouldn't be encouraged ....support work rather handouts. The boys selling gum were doing something to support our lives....next time I will support our efforts.

Okay, I think Anne might have a contribution to this blog....and I should support her in her efforts....

Anne

Well I hate to interfere with Jude's creative spell.....but okay.

The rest of the week was a blur really. Wednesday my assistant booked me a massage at the Hilton, which I found out about when I came home from work. Quite a nice surprise! My masseuse was trained by a 250lb German manlady I'm sure. When she drove her fingers through my delicate but beautiful feet I knew I was in trouble. Hard to relax when you are holding your breathe and constantly travelling to your "happy place" (swimming in a vat of hot fudge sauce) J

Thursday at noon I packed to leave for an out of town retreat...only to unpack later that night because it was postponed! So since I was free and in the city....I went off to meet Judy's new friends Brook and Adana for drinks. They do exist....and they are surprisingly nice. Hmm...she usually attracts losers? They again escorted us back to the Hilton and we left with the promise of a traditional restaurant on Saturday night. What am I doing!!

Friday was my busiest day in 3 weeks..at work. Management was in town...deadlines are looming..and everybody was vying for my attention. Oye...I can't imagine how crazy next week will be. Hard to believe that it's my last week. And we haven't even finished working our way through the Hilton menu!!

But it was a good Friday cuz we were back into our routine... Work then gym then dinner off the compound. Back to Island Breeze for pizza...seriously, best pizza! Then had a fight with a taxi driver to end a lovely day. It was a well deserved fight...complete with leaving the cab without paying then being chased by the cabbie...then throwing money at the cabbie. Ahhh...very entertaining indeed. I wasn't worried cuz I knew I could take him. But he did want 200 Birr for a 3o Birr trip!! We just refused...that's all....and stood our ground!

We did go to dinner Saturday night (Yoda Absynnia) with Adana, Brook, and Eramias. We ate traditional food, watched singing and dancing...and then duly escorted to our hotel by our "brothers". It was a fun night. Adani is very protective of Judy...very cute. Oh, he has a fiancé by the way, I don't think I'm leaving her here??

And last but not least...we took off to the country on Sunday. Ohhh so nice to get out of the city and see some churches, baboons, and farms. The real Africa!! :0

Oh my god...it's happy hour in the bar (Hilton office)....And Africa Cup football on TV...so enough of you guys!

Just when I thought it was safe to sign off....she's done it again. This time it's a 5mos baby girl named Seeam. A couple from the US just adopted her and Judy has become the grandmother. She's been holding her for the past half hour. I wish I had the camera....that tiny little black hand in that big white mitt!! Tooooooo cute for words J

Anywayyy...over and out for now

Circle and square

Yeah! The panties are here!

Judy:

Not only is it Epiphany BUT my underwear finally arrived....3 birr (.25 cents) per panty.

People in the lobby bar asked me if I was Brittany Spears!

J

Ethiopia Week 2

January 11-17, 2010

Well, we are still in Ethiopia and we are still talking to one another!!! The highlights of this past week have been

• Taxi rides from purgatory (not quite hell)
• Roaming the streets of Addis
• Laundry
• And Jessica Biels

TAXI's

Anne:

We have ventured out for dinner a few nights over the past 2 weeks. Anytime we took a cab (other than to the Sheraton) the drivers didn't know how to get there. They are good enough to call the office before leaving the Hilton but that doesn't always seem to help. I have learned that I don't have a lot of patience for taxi drivers that don't know how to drive a taxi. It doesn't matter what city or country I'm in.

Well after travelling down some wrong streets, bumping over sidewalks and drainage ditches, continually stopping to ask passersby, turning around in the middle of traffic...we usually do arrive at our destination. People in Addis don't know street names...they use a landmark!

Judy:
AND, the streets most of the time don't have signs....so if you have a map you can't compare where you are. AND, the map seems to confuse people here, so the map is useless!!

Anne:

I guess my only consolation is that the rides are fairly inexpensive compared to home. And when do I have the opportunity to drive around in a ratty Lada, which may have been "hotwired" to start...doors barely closing....diesel fumes pouring in...and springs sticking where springs shouldn't stick!

Yes...all part of the adventure!! AND Thank GOD...they have a no cell phone and driving law.

Judy:
Not to mention that the driver can't see with the black smoke coming from the car ahead.

You know, when we are walking, we try to use the crosswalks BUT, the drivers here don't care that you are in the crosswalk! Oh well, that's life....or not....

Anne:
They probably get extra points for hitting people on crosswalks!!! It's like being in a video game. Seriously, play "Road Warrior" then come to Ethiopia!!!

Roaming the Streets of Addis Ababa
Anne:
So yes, we have been out on a walkabout. We went shopping, scoped out other hotels/restaurants, and just roamed willy nilly. We have been told on numerous occasions that it is safe. Maybe some pickpockets, so keep your money protected.

People can tell that we aren't from here...must be the accent! J

The one thing that we learned first-hand is that you might pick up a "hanger-on"...for hours!

Judy
We are marked as soon as we leave the Hilton gates. I'm getting pretty good with this though...but Anne sucks. "The Look" doesn't even work!!!

She had some guy named Job follow her and chat constantly, spewing facts and bible and shopping tips...all the while telling him "I know, I've been here before". I kept telling him that we don't need a guide but he wouldn't leave........until after the sad story about his grandmother and Anne caving and giving him some money.

We aren't being mean....this is his job!!!

Anne
Soooo....I now use some Amharic that Les taught me before I left Halifax...anI have taught Judy as well
"Becca"......enough!
We were both sooo pissed off at Job (I've never seen Judy be rude before) that it almost ruined our afternoon but we found the best cheeseburger in Addis and all was forgotten.

Island Breeze is a cute little restaurant run by Americans. We had a great meal, cold beer, and a fun chat with the owner. His take on being a boss in this society was enlightening. Of course he is an extremely hyper Type A personality trying to cope in a different culture. Not really working for him!

But it was fun to hear about the rules of employment and listen to music from the 70/80's.

Judy:
Yeah, it was a culture shock for us.....my brother is a server in a restaurant. But, this restaurant is different from his employer. I'm sure that the pay is very little, but the employer feeds his employees....breakfast, lunch and dinner AND, coffee time is around 1 hour, then 1.5 for lunch....And, the employees get paid whether they work a day or not.

Hmmm....maybe I could work here when I'm ready!!!!

Laundry

Anne:
Well...what can I say other than Judy hasn't had any underwear for the past 5 days!!! As my executive assistant I expected her to do a few little chores throughout the day. Every day I come home from work to find her sitting outside reading...sipping a fruit smoothie. And people are always waving at her or hugging her or saying "Hi". I have no idea what goes on during the day!!

Judy:

I can't help it if I'm hot!!!

Anne:
Maybe, hot-flashes!
Finally on Thursday she decided to go to the laundry. I had Tesfu (my taxi driver) take her and the 2 big bags of laundry off to the Laundromat. (I was not feeling well...so was allowed to stay behind).

Two hours later she came into the room and I said "Hey how was that adventure"! That's when I heard "Well Anne...I don't have our clothes". After blinking several times and about to ask if they were stolen, I then got a little lecture on life in Addis. It's funny how she can talk really well when she needs to justify something!

There are no automatic washers/dryers....the people at the laundry do it...probably by hand? So they all had to count every piece of underwear, socks, pants....then count again...then barter over a price. The first laundry service said it would take 20 days. I think they must send it to Italy!!!

So they went to another laundry...which only takes 5 days. I'm wondering if at any time during this process did she think to just bring it back to the hotel for us to wash in the tub!!! But noooo.....let's leave it. And, even though Tesfu had to count our underwear...at least he was there to help her out.

Which then leads us to the term "commando". Laundry girl has learned a lesson...pack more underwear or take back 1 or 2 pairs to wash. I, at least have one pair.......which I constantly talk about. "Oh my underwear is so comfortable"......."No, that's my underwear drying"

Hmmmm....maybe that's why so many guys are waving at Judy the past few days???

Judy:
Ha!
I decided to change my "do" :0

That reminds me....there are so many butcher's shop here...one side of beef pinned on a wall in a stall. It is fresh every morning then at night it is taken down....I don't know where it goes....but.... maybe its best not to know.
You buy a slab (1 kilo) and eat just like that....Ethiopians love their raw meat! WE preferred to cook it!

Anne:
I don't know what that has to do with the laundry???
Anyhooo...the last highlight of the week was rubbing elbows with Hollywood. I rarely go down to breakfast but I was in need of coffee. And lo and behold right in front of me was Jessica Biel. And probably Jacques Cousteau's granddaughter...and Robert Kenndey's granddaughter and who knows who else. Yup....the skinny little wenches just climbed Mt. Kiliminjaro and were now here touring UN camps.
Their climb was Summit on the Summit...bringing awareness to clean water. So that was kinda cool.

Well that's been our week. Tomorrow (Monday) we get our laundry back...hopefully ....and it's the start of week 3!!! Wow....time flies. What kind of trouble can we get into this week...

Stay tuned to Square and Circle Adventures!!
A & J

P.S. This is new....I saw a wedding reception in the hotel tonight that had a side of beef hanging up to serve to the quests...raw slab of beef....we didn't have that at our wedding reception at home! See the photo.....

Ethiopia Week 1

Anne: Welllll….sometimes it's hard to believe that a week has already gone by and on the other hand it seems like we've been here forever.The last you heard of us was last weekend? It was a good weekend…carefree and curious. Then Monday….. Monday was my first day of work. I was up realllly early, eager for the start of my assignment…mind whirling about "things to do." I prepped…"others" slept, unaware that a new day had started…or that I had even left the room!!!!

Judy: I knew you were awake....you were noisy!

Anne: I arrived at EHNRI (Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute) after acquiring a car and driver. I have to look after myself!!! Had to wear my "big girl bloomers"!!!!Met with my colleagues then I was promptly ignored….holed up in Peter's office (CDC). I read master plans, CLSI documents, all the while wondering if anybody was going to talk to me. So, when bored what do I do….call Judy! We have phones with Ethiopian numbers, so I can keep track of her!!

Judy:...it is my job to serve her!

Anne: On Sunday she was all gung ho to go roaming around the city. She was going to walk here and there…meeting the people and getting the feel the Addis Ababa. I gave up trying to talk her out of it, knowing that it would only encourage her!! 

Judy: Hmmmmm

Anne: But then Monday morning I heard this little voice say "I think I'll stay put and rest today…I have lots of time to roam around". True After checking to make sure it was actually Judy talking…I gave a little "Pheww" and ran off to greet the day. Then I called…
After rambling about my morning I asked what she had been up to….and I heard "I wasn't going to tell you this…but"! My first thought was (1) Oh my god, she adopted a couple of kids and they are in the room and (2) oh my god, she got married and now all the family is in the room……because she's been on her own for at least 5 hours!!!! But no, it was "I left my carbamezapene at home". Her anti-seizure meds.I could tell that she was upset and I was stunned for a bit, but we did a little bit of brainstorming and with that fake laugh…signed off.

Judy: Ditto 
Anne: Well we both did some spinning…me with my CDC co-worker and ready to call the Canadian Embassy here in Addis and Jude back with Google, internet, and Hilton Addis Ababa. The bottom line…they have a clinic at the Hilton…the doctor was in who wrote a script…the concierge took the script and sent someone to the pharmacy ….and lo and behold…in Ethiopia…Judy got a month worth of drugs for a $25 consult and about the same for meds.

Judy: AND friends forever at the front desk concierge!!! AND, I made lots of friends with staff also in the clinic!

Anne: Back at EHNRI, I finally met with my co-workers at 4pm. We hammered out deadlines and duties…and let's just say I have a lot of work to do. Then by 5:30 I packed up and headed back to the hotel.It was a big day!! To celebrate drugs and first day of work, we went over to The Sheraton for dinner. The hotel itself is wayyy over the top…belongs in Saudi. So I figured the Christmas decorations would be impressive….and they didn't let us down. Unfortunately I left my camera at home, so no proof. J But it was extremely opulent and the perfect way to end that rollercoaster day. Hard to believe a few hours earlier we were ready to put Judy on a plane and send her home!!

Judy: HEY I didn't know that was the plan!!!

Anne: Tuesday I was given my own cubicle in the CDC wing of EHNRI. Very grandiose!! I set out my new pencils, pens, sticky notes, laptop..then after an hour was told I was in the wrong cubicle and had to move!! L Oye vey….. Had lots of meetings…found that I have even more work to do especially since they don't have any policies written but expect a quality manual!!! So guess what I'm doing first! After work it was a flurry of emails and skype calls back to the US. And at 8pm, we are ordering pizza from room service. How sad is that????? But you know…Ethiopia has the best pizza. The Italians "tried" to take over the country for a spell…didn't succeed but left behind some good recipes. J The other one or "Dingledrawers" as I call her…once again stayed in the compound.

Judy: I also have choices for names for Anne!

Anne: Spent time reading, doing her language on the balcony or in the Gazebo by the pool. That's where I found her…talking out loud….to herself….telling neighbouring dinners that she wasn't crazy!!! Hmmm….glad I was at work!! :0 True Wednesday was a blur…even more work but nothing has been surprising yet.

There was another quiet day at the Hilton. Jude touched base with the clinic doc, ventured out a bit, then spent the day reading and doing her language. We decided to be "wild" that night and go out to dinner….so went to "Jewel of India". That's one of Judy's chores…..read the travel book, take notes and come up with "things to do, places to go". Between the book and recommendations by co-workers…we have a lot of exploring to do. Dinner was fabulous!! Even better was knowing that the week was half way to being finished and I had a holiday from work the next day. Thank-you! Yup, Ethiopian Christmas falls on Jan. 7th…so no work. Yeahhhhhhhh…..sleep perhaps? Jetlag or responsibilities are messing with my sleep pattern so I am looking forward to a day off. God I sound like a civil servant!

Santa has found me in Addis. I found a bottle of beer, chocolate bar, and fingernail clippers on my pillow. I briefly wonder if Santa read the wrong letter but how ungrateful does that sound? After all, a girl just had a materialistic Christmas in Canada……and maybe Santa has a quota?

Judy: Santa also came to me! I got a bag and a CD....which probably won't listen again. But...

Anne: .Everything is closed today but the hotel is having a special Christmas brunch/dinner. We had thought to "play it by ear" but by early afternoon were scrambling to the brunch. I want you to know that we have been at the fitness center almost everyday…and Christmas day was no different. Just meant we could spend more time there….like 90minutes!!! AND everyday I have brought my lunch to work (PB and banana wrap) Just so you don't think we are constantly eating, drinking, eating, drinking…..okay, but it's after the gym!!!

Anyway…we had Christmas brunch with traditional Ethiopian foods, dancing, and singing. Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Tibbs (cubes of meat in a spicy sauce), Kitfu (minced raw meat), Injera (see below)…BBQ, Blue Nile perch, raw meat (we skipped that)…all chased down with the honey wine called Tej. Or what I call "gag"!

Judy: Turpentine?
Anne: The dancing is amazing….I think they are double-jointed? I don't understand why they don't dislocate shoulders or necks or hips or entire bodies. The costume or dress is beautiful. And, it will come as no surprise to most of you…but some of us also danced. They grabbed Judy first.

Judy: Of course!
Anne:It was a congo line type of dance followed by individual performance. The whole performance has been captured on video for future bribery!Then they were at the table again…first Judy then yours truly. We danced at that table, following the dancers lead. Had to shake shoulders, necks, shoulders…all to the music.

We were AWESOME!!!! Hmmmm…..you never know, we might be asked to perform on a regular basis!!!

Judy: I was better than Anne! :)

Anne: Christmas was a lot of fun. Traditionally it revolves around hours and hours in church, then feasting and games. Very few presents if any. Some families pool funds and buy a goat or a cow, which they slaughter and share. I saw a cow kicking and bucking on my way home Wednesday evening…now I understand why!!!No big screen TV's, cameras, or PS3's here for presents!!


Fun and dancing were over and Friday was back to work. Judy came into work as well, as a favour to Gech. One of my co-workers wanted a consult on an EQA presentation, so off to work we went.

Judy:  Yeah! I got out of the hotel gates!

Anne: I downloaded pictures and watched "football"….I know my place! esides our date with Gech, the main highlight of Saturday was lunch with Les and Lilly's family. Les works in Chemistry at home and I have been bringing presents to his wife, Lilly's family, the past 2 trips. We were picked up at 12:30, brought to Mekonnen's house (Lilly's brother) where other sisters, cousins, father, children…were gathered…..and treated to traditional Ethiopian dishes.

It was amazing…even the Tej was palatable! After lunch we had a traditional coffee ceremony. The green coffee beans are roasted over a small coal fire…pounded or ground using a wooden mortar and pestle……then the powder is added to boiled water…reboiled…then poured into espresso-like cups. The coffee is amazing. Can't get any fresher and the roasting gives it a beautiful nutty flavour. This coffee ceremony is a daily event in Ethiopia in every home...morning, noon and dinner.

Coffee was discovered here and it is so a part of the culture….and it is meant to be enjoyed with family/friends/neighbours….all taking time to share and chat and enjoy. No coffee makers on timers then poured into travel mugs here!!!

As an expression of our gratitude, we brought the family presents. Jude had picked up snazzy pencils and sharpeners for the children before she left home.

Judy: The kids liked me more than Anne.

Anne: I brought over bags of maple candy from Robertson's candies……and we also shared a traditional food item from our culture. Yes…..there are now 2 boxes of Kraft Dinner in Mekonnen's kitchen for the whole family to share. Can't get any more North American than that!!!! 

Judy: Sara would know that was my idea!

Anne: After coffee the whole family piled into the van and brought us back to the Hilton at 4:30, then trundled off to see the Christmas lights at the Sheraton. Life can be simple!

That and Gech made our Saturday…to say the least.

Today, Sunday, we took a guided tour out into the northern countryside. We visited Melko Futurno (archeological dig) , Adida Meriam (rock hewn cave church (12th century), and a World Heritage site...Teya Steli ( ancient burial site)…Ethiopian's version of stone henge…then late lunch at a traditional restaurant. Fascinating!

The countryside is beautiful. Volcanic rock, trees, open plains, and people everywhere.Walking, herding, riding buses, riding donkeys or horses, walking. People upon people heading to the market…working in the field……waiting for buses. I don't know where they come from!!! And animals everywhere…especially donkeys, goats, sheep and cows. All the field work is done manually. Cows are tied together and led round and round, stomping the wheat, then the farmer thrashes it to separate the grains from the stalk.To cut the wheat they use a sickle, then pile it onto a donkey to bring it to the farmstead.

Very "old fashioned"…very hard work.

Judy: Just getting to the market is hard work.....lots of walking often with sacks of wheat or tef (something like wheat that is used to made injera). Injera is a large pancake-shaped with a foam-rubber texture and a slightly sour taste. Injera takes time to prepare.....the tef dough is fermented for up to 3 days BEFORE it is cooked.

Injera is used like a spoon....a piece in your hand is used to scoop the stew (wat) into your mouth.....hmmm, we are clumsy with this! The stew (wat) is poured on the injera and strips are tore to was your "spoon". It is normal for everyone to eat off the same plate.

Anne has a problem with digesting injera, I think. ;)

Anne: Oh, we tried trippy or should Judy tried trippy....she didn't know what it was but she said that it was licking her mouth.....looked furry on one side....kinda' like a tongue BUT it wasn't tongue...it was the stomach of the animal.

Judy: Think about when you food gets in your stomach....the stomach walls are licking your food!!!!

Anne: The houses are made out of sticks, mud, straw …and use dried dung as a fuel source. Quite often there is more than one house, so a compound of family homes. They add a privacy fence made out of twigs, branches, and rocks. Looks very nice.

Sometimes the houses are painted but mostly they are mud coloured. But the grounds are very neat and everything and everyone has a place or a job. No lazing around here!!!It's like going back in time…… Well that was the week.

Sorry, I know it's like a tome so maybe one of us will have to blog more often!!! Thanks for all the emails, skype calls/chats. It's good to know what's going on back home. Especially knowing we are missing the snow and cold weather…HaHa.

Toodles for now
Ciao Square (Anne) and Circle