Happy Canada Day!
Belated Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians! 150 years and going strong. Encountered an unanticipated challenge when I decided to hand out Canadian flag lapel pins. Most people had to be shown what to do with the pin.Was helpful to be wear a pin to help explain how the pin was used. I typically have some pins with me when I travel. Amazing the overwhelming positive response I receive when I give the pin out. I had a merchant in Lima Peru chase me down the street to give me a fridge magnet after leaving a pin with him. On Taquille Island on Lake Titicaca in Peru, one man responded after getting the pin - 'Canadian? Bonjour!'
 |
| Lapel pins I was handing out |
 |
| Birthday swag from Cdn. Embassy birthday celebration in May |
Around town
Well, my friends, the daily grind of routine in Assosa has firmly set in. While I am becoming much more vigilant with taking photos, the sad reality is that I am slowly running out of content to share with you. Here are a few photos from my travels in the past week or so...
 |
| Making crushed gravel The pile of gravel on the right was made by a man taking the large rocks on the left and pounding into smaller pieces with a mallet. |
 |
| Rainy season has arrived Our lane after the rain No end of fun and mud! Yuck! |
 |
| Typical traffic obstruction - beware of marauding goats |
 |
| Monday morning - about 8:40 am Just in front of where I work at the Health Bureau |
 |
| Monday am rush hour in Assosa |
 |
| So, how am I supposed to get into the store now? |
Other stuff
The children of Assosa are incredibly special. They go out of their way to greet me; sometimes want to shake my hand and practice their English.
 |
| Meet Acquilla Whenever this beautiful little girl sees me she comes running and I get the best hug |
 |
| Greeting me with two thumbs up is rapidly spreading in my 'hood! |
 |
| Notice how full this cup of coffee is Takes great skill (still working on it) to drink without burning one's self. |
 |
| Farm fresh eggs - bought in the market About half the size of eggs bought in Canada |
 |
| Newest cookie Oatmeal cinnamon cookies - Yummy! Replaced butter with oil; unable to adapt to the taste of the local butter |
Meanwhile at work
Holy smokes! Almost forgot to mention what I am doing in my volunteer role - the reason I am here. Nothing! Another week of showing up to sit at a desk, spend a few hours writing in my journal, doing some emails and having the world's best coffee. We were without power and internet at work for a couple days this week. Hard on productivity. Maybe things will change in the next couple weeks with the start of the new fiscal year which begins on Monday, July 3. Fingers crossed!
In closing
Happy 21st birthday Jonathan! Wishing my oldest son, Jonathan David, the best birthday ever as he celebrates turning 21 on July 3. Miss you big guy!
Thanks again for joining me this week! Have a terrific week ahead. Remember to take a minute to say thanks for everything you do have.
No comments:
Post a Comment