The Importance of Soft.

Dear Past Me,

Thank you so much. I am extremely grateful that you had the foresight to hide little pieces of toilet paper in random pockets of our backpack. As we all know, I can be a little forgetful at times to bring my soft with me. When I was struck with the need to use the facilities today I had what I needed, all because of you. You truly are a lifesaver.

            I will try to remember to replace what I used so future us will not be without (we both know she's an airhead).

Sincerely,

            Present Us.

YeWubalem Megibet (Wubalem's Restaurant)

This is from my favorite restaurant in town. They always present coffee on a little tray. It has all the fixings for a proper buna ceremony. There's even an adorable little mini-stove for the incense (itan, I like it better than sandal). I can pour as many cups as I want in my own time and put as much sugar as I want. No more, when I say "sikwar yellem" (no sugar) will I get looks that plainly say "are you crazy?!"

My Students Are Awesome

Here is a traditional Ethiopian dance from the Amhara region as described by a few of my students.

The Spider Chronicles, Arachnid Colonies

I was understandably excited when called upon by my superiors to attend a two week training session. I was not unaware of the potential hazards that accompanied such a long excursion and subsequent absence from my home.

            Before leaving I made certain to secure my domicile and belongings from the enemy. Locking my garments in their suitcase and tucking every corner of the bug net under my mattress were among my chief concerns and preparations.

            It was not enough.

            Upon my return home, a swift survey of my surroundings proved that the spiders were emboldened and took advantage of my long absence. The fat bodied and fuzzy legged arachnids that were my sole tormentors have allied with their cousins who are much the same as daddy long-legs. They have taken up residence in the far corners of my ceiling where I am unable to reach them save with a broom – an unreliable weapon in this war if there ever was one. And even despite my efforts, my foes have penetrated my security and made their way into my garments and my bug fortress.

            One such foe escaped impending doom. When I first discovered it crawling on my clothes I was startled. It took advantage of my momentary lapse of composure and scurried into hiding. I was unable to locate it. Its friend, who was caught crawling up the headboard of my bug net, was not so lucky. I noticed it as I looked up from my documents. With my foot clad in a sandal I aimed but in the half light of my flashlight I missed my mark. The spider escaped the crushing blow and crawled over my open toe and dropped to my mattress. At this point I lost what little composure I had struggled to maintain, and let out a shriek at the touch of the creepy, crawly creature. I startled my neighbors who rushed to my aid. However, I did not need them. I rallied and smacked the spider with my shoe and then snatched up his still twitching body with a tissue so as to dispatch its corpse far from my place of residence.

            I am afraid that my confidence has been shaken. I am startled by the shadow of a piece of lint or the slight brush of a loose strand of hair. Even now, as I write this in the small glow of my flashlight I imagine them crawling towards me just outside the circle of light illuminating my pen.  

Timket

Timket is an Ethiopian holiday that comes about 10 days after their Christmas. It is a lot bigger than Christmas. It means "Epiphany" and it's a two day spectacle. I'm not sure if it always falls on a Sunday but that would make sense. This year it was on January 15th. Apparently the best place to go to view this celebration is in Gondar. That is, they have the biggest celebration.

            I was stuck in Addis Ababa and then had to travel back home through town after town whose streets were crowded with people marching to the church. It was a lot of fun to see everybody in their best, chanting and singing. I wish I could have been home in Deneba and participate with my community. There's always next year.

This video was taken outside my hotel in Addis. The building you see behind them is a College of Ministry. (This is my first upload of a video so I hope it works.)

Anachronism

The Spider Chronicles, Aerial Excercises

My enemy is cunning. They never strike in the same way twice, and with their fluctuating offense, I fear it is only a matter of time before they succeed. Ground attacks have proven difficult, and now an enemy combatant was discovered in the early stages of an aerial assault. The true range of my bug spray was tested as it was sprayed at his high distance. But, as always, my bug spray struck true and he fell from the ceiling before he could attack. A swift stomp with my shoed foot and there was nothing left.

I must admit, I am confused in their decision to attack from the air. If there is any weakness in my bug net fortifications it will not be found at the top. But maybe this particular spider's mission was to attack me while on the move. In which case, I need to be ever vigilant, not just when resting, but at all times. In and out of my home.