In Addis with the VSO

Sunday 18th May

The house being very quiet, I set off for the market to see what I could find. Shola market is great. A small market but with a full range of all that is on offer in Addis, not a big tourist venue. I was greeted in a friendly way but not hassled at all. Just like a regular visit to the market.

At lunchtime, Allan and I went to Arat Kilo (a square 4 kms from the centre) where we met up with Gordon and Dave for lunch. Gordon took us to see his office (photo below) utility design from another era.


Corridors of Power

Then a lovely lunch – margherita – yes Arden, if you’re reading this, that’s what I ordered and ate and it was the best margherita in the whole world!

From there, we left for the University to take part in the HIV/aids awareness day being organised by a group of NGOs including some from VSO. The highlight, for me, a small choir made up of street children that were being cared for by a Volunteer Youth Project. All of these children are orphans, many of them due to HIV/aids. Some of them had been diagnosed positive. I took a video of them and hope that I can attach it to this blog.


Aids Awareness day

The next few days were interesting but I don’t think they’ll add anything to my blog. 2 days of cluster conference, catching up with VSO colleagues, cooking dinner, eating pizza and falafel, buying cucumber in the market. Gave up my free day to type up the cluster workshop information. HIV/aids workshop interesting in terms of net working but mind numbingly boring in terms of presentation. Shopping day Friday and... Best of all... Booked my ticket home for the summer – July 1st