Saturday was a half day of class and then we had the afternoon to relax and make a trip into the city of Asella. Mitiko ( our Ethiopian CH co-ordinator) kindly obliged us by coming along as our guide. The 3 of us barely squeezed into a bajaj ( mini-taxi) for a lift into town. What a fun experience that was-- the taxi is steered exactly like a motorcycle-- and it was all decorated inside with religious artifacts, fake fur, plastic flowers.
Our first stop was at a shop for batteries for Jake's camera, and then we both had our shoes polished by a "professional shoe shiner"-- a young man called Mohammed. Interestingly enough he was a Christian having converted from Islam 5 years ago. He told us how much he had changed after his conversion and he was so excited to learn that we were with CH Global. Everyone in town knows about CH Global -- they have made such an impact on this community.
We tried three "pharmacies" for more Benedryl and Tylenol cold tablets but those meds were not in stock. We're praying that what we have left will tide us through this next week:)
Of course I had to stop for kaffee-- so Mitiko took us to the largest hotel in Asella built by the Ethiopian marathon runner ( name escapes us but she won the world title 4 times in a row) We had a delicious macchiato there-- mocha expresso) and then it was time to return home. Instead of the baja, Jake and I walked back to Michael's house and made it just before it got dark.
Many of our male teachers decided to get haircuts at the local barber shop-- apparently many Africans go every two weeks for a shave and buzz cut---the shop is a one room "hut"--so minimal but very efficient:)
A final task was assigned to our teachers in which they have to write a 4-5 page "paper" on a topic of their choice from the training. We are so curious to see the results-- it will be peer assessed and we will read them as well to help us gauge the effectiveness of our teaching.
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| the bajaj |
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| Mohammed, the shoe shiner |
We tried three "pharmacies" for more Benedryl and Tylenol cold tablets but those meds were not in stock. We're praying that what we have left will tide us through this next week:)
Of course I had to stop for kaffee-- so Mitiko took us to the largest hotel in Asella built by the Ethiopian marathon runner ( name escapes us but she won the world title 4 times in a row) We had a delicious macchiato there-- mocha expresso) and then it was time to return home. Instead of the baja, Jake and I walked back to Michael's house and made it just before it got dark.
Many of our male teachers decided to get haircuts at the local barber shop-- apparently many Africans go every two weeks for a shave and buzz cut---the shop is a one room "hut"--so minimal but very efficient:)
A final task was assigned to our teachers in which they have to write a 4-5 page "paper" on a topic of their choice from the training. We are so curious to see the results-- it will be peer assessed and we will read them as well to help us gauge the effectiveness of our teaching.
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| At the barbershop-- waiting their turn |
Life is so exciting for you as everywhere you turn, you have a new experience. I love it. The shoe shine, barber shop and then even being able to treat yourself to a specialty coffee. You are blessed. Just missing the pumpkin spice.
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