Last Day in Ethiopia

On the last day of my Ethiopian adventure, the team had the morning off.  This gave me a chance to see some of the sights I really wanted to experience before leaving.

We toured Mount Entoto which is within Addis Ababa city limits.  It had fantastic views.

Zanner, Nicole, Steven and the view at Mt. Entoto.

Mt. Entoto jump by Steve.

We saw streams of women hauling huge bundles of firewood up the mountain.  I have tremendous respect for the amount of physical labour the Ethiopian women carry out every day. 

This load of firewood was hauled for likely over 3 kms.

Hauling a large bundle, wrapped up and on her back.

Just for fun we thought we should check out the Canadian Embassy.  Would you believe it was closed?  We showed our passports and asked the security guard if we could enter the gate for a photo.  Nope, not allowed.  We asked if we could look in the open gate but remain outside.  Nope, that also is not allowed.  We asked what would happen if we needed help from our embassy today (lost passport, or political unrest of some kind).  The guard told us to come back tomorrow.  That did not seem very Canadian to me!

The afternoon was spent with the children at Alemgena who put together a very professional presentation that absolutely blew me away.  The show included a dramatic skit that made me cry (it was about the death of a mother and her two young boys forced onto the streets). 

Three students performing in the skit.

To lighten the mood the skit was followed up with dancing and singing.  The kids all helped bake a really big, round loaf of bread of which Dr. Northcott cut the first slice.  Everyone in attendance (kids, guardians, volunteers and teachers) shared a slice of bread with a cup of coffee.

Dance demonstration - so sweet!

Older children performing traditional Ethiopian dances.

Some of the older children made speeches to thank the Canadians for their assistance with the YTH Alemgena program.  It was very touching, moving and emotional.  One of the speeches was captured on video and can be viewed  here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCDYrX_vP6c

Our M.C.s.

As it was our last night in Addis the BEKA project manager, Abiy, invited the team to his home for a farewell dinner.  Abiy and his wife Jeri are very generous hosts. 

Jeri and Abiy.

The spread put on by Jeri and her family was like none I had ever seen.  They had been cooking all day!  She served ten to fifteen different dishes including roast beef, fish, chicken, pizza, Spanish omelet, rice and spinach, battered carrots, zucchini, salad, potato salad, beans with carrots, meatballs, bread and my favorite - beef tibs.

Amazing spread of food for our farewell dinner.

A beautiful presentation.

After dinner, Abiy and his BEKA partner, Alex, presented us with a certificate of thanks for our volunteer work.  I was very touched by their generosity and kindness.  Our farewell dinner was the perfect way to celebrate the amazing group I traveled with, and a life changing 2 weeks!