I Am the Tourist Attraction!

Since I last wrote, I am again without electricity – yesterday in the office and again at home today. And, at dinner last night the power went off during dessert. Nobody flinched. I guess my electrical experiences in Ukraine will come in handier here than I imagined. I purchased an electric torch today which I expect will be worth every penny and already proving to be useful.



In an attempt to explore my new neighborhood, I ventured out for my first walk only to discover I am as much of a tourist attraction for locals as a tourist myself. Walking down the street, I literally stopped traffic and construction on a building. People don’t talk to me (unless they are asking for money) but they do gather around and stare.






I spent today with my new friend Birhanu at the Merkato, the largest market in Africa. We took public transportation, the mini-bus, and walked around the market for hours. I have visited different markets in many countries and have never seen anything like this.

Shoppers can find anything from shoelaces to live chickens. The area where cheese and butter is sold by women was just unbelievable. They themselves hunched down into their products on tiered wooden levels, almost like bunk-beds if you can imagine it.





This week, I also began work on my assignment. I will be writing an in-depth report that chronicles the non-sectarian work at JDC Ethiopia. I will research documents that evidence past projects, collect stories, interview recipients and partners and analyze the impact. By understanding the value of past projects, we can better understand how to move forward and coalesce ideas for future planning. I will spend next week in Gondar, in the north, to examine JDC’s impact in bringing potable water, grinding mills, medical and veterinary clinics, food relief and agricultural development to villages throughout the region.



The good news about being in the dark is that I have plenty of time to blog. The bad news is that internet connections are few and far between and a BIG thank you to Clare for posting these entries. My blog site is blocked and I am unable to post much less send pictures but I'm working on it. Thanks Clare!