Well it has been kinda quiet around these parts. Mostly because I have been getting ready for pack out, and honestly because I haven't had the drive to write.
To update fully on where I am. I arrived into Addis Ababa, Ethiopia late Friday, February 10th. though I was probably traveling for around 20 hours including a 2 hour layover in Frankfurt (can't stand that airport, have to walk 5 miles from terminal C to B), it seemed like I was traveling for 3 days! It was pretty uneventful, little sleep, airplane food, movies, and luckily babies on the flights were well behaved.
Upon arrival I got in that line for my visa as I was instructed to do. About 10 minutes went by before one of the local Embassy staff came through looking for me, I waved her over. She got me through without a visa, as I would get my diplomatic visa at the Embassy soon. So they stamped my passport and off we went. We collected my bags and right outside costumes which we breezed through was Dan waiting for me.
We pushed the luggage cart with my two monster of a suitcases (50 and 70 lbs respectively) to our SUV. Conveniently I found out our house is less than a mile from the airport. While some may be bothered by the airplane noise. They seem to only go over head in the early mornings and evening time, and it doesn't really bother me much as it tends to block out the other street noise.
I think so far my biggest culture shock in the weekend I have been here is all the different noises I hear. I am constantly saying "what is that Dan" or "what direction is that coming from"? The biggest difference is that the church's here call out for prayer in the morning like mosques do. I believe we are in ear shot of two local church's.
So far this weekend was restful as I settled into the house. I am still settling in as I don't have my hangers yet for my clothes, so I am slowly unpacking. We have wall length built-in armor closets which have tons of storage. Funny enough, Dan has already managed to take up a good portion of these, so I will be doing some shuffling around. I have also so greatly enjoyed being back with our three kitties. They were a little upset with me for the first two house, especially my baby Neko but soon afterwards they just wanted to cuddle and play, hasn't stopped since.
Dan also showed me the town some. We ate twice at the Sheraton, once for a lunch buffet and then Sunday night for a delicious Italian dinner. Unfortunately I think I am still getting used to things here as I have gotten sick once from our filtered water system (bottled water for me) and then the Italian food was a little too rich for my stomach so I only at a little and brought the rest home (yay leftovers). Otherwise I have thoroughly enjoyed all the delicious artisan bread they make here, probably some the best I have ever eaten. I am so happy we picked some up French bread, farmer artisan bread and some rolls for sandwiches. Also bought some beef tenderloin, noodles, some sodas, bottle water, and other tid-bits. One huge benefit for us living here is the hugely lower cost of living, it is always a huge surprise and always brings me happiness when we hand over a hundred bier and realize it is only $5!
Ok, so I have truly written a lot for this post and still have so much more to share. I will give more fun details in the next post.
To update fully on where I am. I arrived into Addis Ababa, Ethiopia late Friday, February 10th. though I was probably traveling for around 20 hours including a 2 hour layover in Frankfurt (can't stand that airport, have to walk 5 miles from terminal C to B), it seemed like I was traveling for 3 days! It was pretty uneventful, little sleep, airplane food, movies, and luckily babies on the flights were well behaved.
Upon arrival I got in that line for my visa as I was instructed to do. About 10 minutes went by before one of the local Embassy staff came through looking for me, I waved her over. She got me through without a visa, as I would get my diplomatic visa at the Embassy soon. So they stamped my passport and off we went. We collected my bags and right outside costumes which we breezed through was Dan waiting for me.
We pushed the luggage cart with my two monster of a suitcases (50 and 70 lbs respectively) to our SUV. Conveniently I found out our house is less than a mile from the airport. While some may be bothered by the airplane noise. They seem to only go over head in the early mornings and evening time, and it doesn't really bother me much as it tends to block out the other street noise.
I think so far my biggest culture shock in the weekend I have been here is all the different noises I hear. I am constantly saying "what is that Dan" or "what direction is that coming from"? The biggest difference is that the church's here call out for prayer in the morning like mosques do. I believe we are in ear shot of two local church's.
So far this weekend was restful as I settled into the house. I am still settling in as I don't have my hangers yet for my clothes, so I am slowly unpacking. We have wall length built-in armor closets which have tons of storage. Funny enough, Dan has already managed to take up a good portion of these, so I will be doing some shuffling around. I have also so greatly enjoyed being back with our three kitties. They were a little upset with me for the first two house, especially my baby Neko but soon afterwards they just wanted to cuddle and play, hasn't stopped since.
Dan also showed me the town some. We ate twice at the Sheraton, once for a lunch buffet and then Sunday night for a delicious Italian dinner. Unfortunately I think I am still getting used to things here as I have gotten sick once from our filtered water system (bottled water for me) and then the Italian food was a little too rich for my stomach so I only at a little and brought the rest home (yay leftovers). Otherwise I have thoroughly enjoyed all the delicious artisan bread they make here, probably some the best I have ever eaten. I am so happy we picked some up French bread, farmer artisan bread and some rolls for sandwiches. Also bought some beef tenderloin, noodles, some sodas, bottle water, and other tid-bits. One huge benefit for us living here is the hugely lower cost of living, it is always a huge surprise and always brings me happiness when we hand over a hundred bier and realize it is only $5!
Ok, so I have truly written a lot for this post and still have so much more to share. I will give more fun details in the next post.
So glad you've arrived and are settling in! Enjoy your new home!
ReplyDeletePlease, tell us more! My family can't get enough of Ethiopia! I'm married to an FSO hopeful and I love reading all the blogs. It's fascinating to learn about the places and people FSO folks encounter. I also have learned a lot from the cathartic rants about the "pouch" and how crazy the transition from DC is - especially for the family members/pets/kids. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE Addis! Oh my, I truly love the amazing Ethiopian people. But, I can't imagine being newly weds and starting out life together in a new country, new everything and yet without the comforts of home (occasionally no electricity/water- yes, I remember). Keep blogging, please! I love your writing :)
ReplyDeleteThat arrival to a new home and country is intense with so much to absorb. Looking forward to hearing about more impressions and adventures!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the continent, and a belated congrats on your nuptials.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note, I've nominated y'all for a Liebster award! See my most recent post: www.cheerfulstoic.com/2013/03/award-winning.html