Week 1 in Ethiopia

Friday, May 12

Hello from Addis Ababa,
First week in Addis is quickly coming to a successful end. Here's what the week looked like.

Arrived safely on morning of Sunday, May 7. Kind of pleasant surprise to whiz through customs. Did meet a couple Canadians in the immigration line that worked at the Canadian embassy. Coincidentally we met them again on Thursday evening - more later.

Spent the week in the Cuso offices completing In Country Orientation program. Going through the program with three other volunteers - Terry, Nancy and Jennica. Terry (communications guru) will stay in Addis, Nancy (GP) and I will take a one hour flight to Assosa on Sunday, May 14 and Jennica (midwife) travels to Pawe around the same time (two day trip by car). Been a real delight to have three fellow volunteers to spend time with during the first week. We had chance to learn together and do some initial exploration of the city.

Orientation focused on sharing more about the country, a high level overview of the health system/health transformation plan; how to stay healthy and about six hours of Amharic language training. Amharic is the national language in a country with over 80 ethnic groups. While most professionals learn English, having a working knowledge of Amharic is important for on the job success. Got SIM cards so our phones are now working. No long distance calling in Ethiopia - all local calls and so much less expensive than Canada.

Ethiopian people are very warm and friendly. Overall, a very positive first week in Ethiopia. The city of Addis Ababa feels somewhat chaotic as compared to Toronto. Unsure of the purpose of the lines on the road; cars go anywhere and everywhere. Independently taking a bus would be the ultimate test of successful integration. Addis suffers from pollution, roads are in disrepair and somewhat unclean.

I'm going to be returning to Addis next week (week of May 15) as we need to complete my resident and work permits prior to the expiration of my 30 day business visa on May 21. Fingers crossed all goes well.

So what does Addis look like? Here's a glimpse so you can get a first hand impression.

Want a haircut? On the way to the Cuso office

New construction 

Meet another new friend of mine.
On the way to the Cuso office.

Pick up your fresh beef on the way to work or home

How about a mango or ten?

Neighborhood view from Cuso Office

New building construction

Accommodation - Staying at the King's Court Hotel. As you can see the hotel is undergoing construction to expand its capacity. Convenient as it is a five minute walk to the Cuso office. Learning about the joys of internet connectivity. Small episode with bed bugs. All part of the experience of getting out of my comfort zone.

Kings Court - Entrance

Hotel Lobby

View from hotel room

Celebrating Canada's 150th Birthday - Thursday, May 11
Had a chance to participate in a cultural evening and attend Canada's 150th birthday party celebrations at the Canadian embassy. Nice shindig with 1200 of the ambassador's closest friends. Met the ambassador and his daughter. Ambassador insisted that he had met me previously. Also in the receiving line was the two Canadians that I met in the immigration line at the airport. Happy to report that one of the two actually remembered me. And they say it's a small world. Lots of great food, plenty to drink and a DJ for dancing. Great time was held by all. Held party in May in order to avoid rainy season that starts in late May/early June. Embassy was about a ten minute walk from our hotel. Talk about convenient!

Wow! The ambassador wants ME at his party

Meet my two new friends at the Canadian Embassy.
What a party!

Spending an evening enjoying the local culture

Enjoying local culture

And our Cuso friends also arranged a visit to the National Museum so we could visit Lucy, Ardi and Salem. Nothing like being in the cradle of civilization!

National Museum entrance

Let's go see Lucy

Ardi

Lucy

Lucy