Coffee and things

Tuesday 6th May

Something happened to Meleshew and Mulugeta. They both turned up early for work today (that is within an hour of my arrival). Nobody disappeared when I suggested we go through the diary for the month. Both of them offered to do tasks to help with the training tomorrow! What is this about I wonder?

I was glad of a good start to the day as I was feeling pretty lousy – everywhere seems to ache, I feel a bit tired and listless. Have had a bad stomach again over the weekend. Will have to get this check out when I go to Addis if things don’t improve.

Worked through lunch and left early to sort things out at the bank and my airline ticket to Addis which now needs to be extended. Had been told the Dashen bank do VISA so I thought I would give it a try – it works. Not quite in the way you would normally expect. No ATM machine asking which language you’d like to use. Just a sign over a desk from where I was ushered into the main part of the bank, sat at a desk, offered coffee and waited patiently for the various forms to be filled out, ID to be shown and the disappearance of the clerk for about 10 minutes. But despite the tootling about, I did get my money.

Collected the volley ball and net for Anichow school (see " Visit to Anichow School" post) and was just making my way up to the airline office when I heard my name called from a café. Escheti from Kebele School came rushing out and invited me back in for coffee. He reminded me that he had invited me at Easter and I said I would come some other time. I don’t want more Doro Wot, but what can I do?


Coffee Ceremony - Part 1

Home to Mekdes who made me coffee and popcorn.


Coffee Ceremony - Part 2

Mekdes loves doing the coffee ceremony – she knows it’s time to chat.


Coffee Ceremony - Part 3

This time, to the background of the whining priest over the megaphone, we discussed whether Michael or I were more antagonistic towards the chanting priests! I am ashamed to say I am beginning to harbour quite unpleasant thoughts towards them. Especially when woken at 3am on a Saints day to be an unwilling participant in their devotions. I get up, close the window, put in the earplugs and try to go back to sleep but that drone gets through.


Coffee Ceremony - Part 4


Coffee Ceremony - Part 5