sights to see part 1

Some days I wish I had a camera in attached to my glasses. I see things no one or at least no one in America would believe.

Some days on my way to Deborah’s house I see a group of people watching a bulldozer or some other type of construction equipment digging dirt and moving it. Yes, people were watching it like it was a sport.

Then other days, I’m walking down another street or alley however you look at it. There is this truck which I’m assuming was picking up empty beer bottles. On the other side of the truck lie hundreds of full beer bottles, literally lying in the street. I think some of the bottles were going in rice bags, but I’m not sure, it was interesting site. I thought about getting my camera out and taking a picture, but I didn’t want to draw attention, I already I get enough attention.

On November 5, 2013, I was at school when I looked over toward the compound gate and saw a group of cow and ox walking in. It was an old site. I’ve see sheep on campus before but never cow or ox. Let’s just say I tried to take a picture, but as I was getting out my camera, someone was guiding them out.

Walking to a friend’s office, I see crates upon crates of beer waiting to be up away. All the crates sit on the side of the road waiting to be put away.

The number of cows, sheep, goats, and ox that roam the street and not to mention the horses is unbelievable. They all look unhealthy and all I want/wish to do id feed them all until they look healthy.

The way to change a tire in this country is fascinating. Recently on December 6, I was on my way back to Injibara from Bahir Dar, when the minibus needed two new tires. It’s not like America were we replace the whole thing, no here they take the tire off and take the hubcap/center off the old tire and put it on a new tire. Needless to say it’s a site to see. Hard to explain exactly how they do it, but they do.

On Thursday, December 12 I was walking to my favorite coffee house to meet up with some friends when I looked up and saw a man in a military uniform with a gun. Then I noticed the other man with a gun, not a hand gun either. Once I realized these men were doing something important I noticed who they were walking with. There were four men and two they were handcuffed together. So I immediately remember a discussion during PST when someone said that prisoners get let out for the day. Yes, this scared me during the discussion until someone said the ones who are allowed aren’t the ones who commit murder or rape, they have less time and their crime wasn’t horrible or something like that. It was just one of those times I wished I wasn’t so scared to pull my camera out and take a picture.  

Again, December 12^th, today was a local holiday or festival I’m not sure which. It’s called Bata, named after the church. I met up with my friend Muluken, Deborah was suppose to come, but she had class. So Muluken, his friend and I set out on this little adventure. First, headed out of town towards his relatives house, were we ate and were offered tela (the local beer, I have yet to try it but it looks nasty). After about 20 minutes or so we headed off further into the country. I thought we’d never make it. Finally we get to an open field where a bunch of people are already waiting, by this time it’s like 1:00. So I’m thinking the festival will start shortly. We sit down and within 15 minutes there are like 20 or so kids lying in front of me for no reason except that I’m white and they are curious. I’m tired of being stared at but I’m also tired of telling people to go away or stop staring. I could have started an English club right then and there. Finally, Muluken’s like “it’s starting, let’s go.” So we move to watch this event. It’s interesting to say the least. Not something I’ve ever seen the in the States. Men on horses’ race and fight, one man have a shield while another man has two spear like sticks. So this lasts for like half an hour. I got some good photos, well decent photos. Everyone wants to be front and center for this event, so it was hard to get great photos. Another site to see…luckily I’ll have pictures posted sometime. 

5 MONTHS!!!!!!!

1^st week of December

Wow, 5 months in country! That’s crazy!!!! I know it’s been awhile since I’ve updated on anything that happening in my town of Injibara. I really haven’t been doing much, going to school almost 5 days a week for a few hours (2-4). I haven’t started doing anything in the school, but I go and show my face. It’s nice when a teacher or student walks into my office or says hi to me as I walk on campus.

I did move houses, not sure if I mentioned that in my last post or even when my last post was. I’m still getting settled in. I don’t have any furniture to sit on in my main room. So for now I sit on my yoga mat and do all my work. It’s not ideal, but it works for now. Now that I have a house I like and feel comfortable in, I spend a great deal of time at home. Within the first couple of days of living on this compound, I was invited to coffee three times, once at another renter’s home. The compound family is nice and the renters are nice. So far I have only met two, but there is a third room, but I never see anyone coming in or out of it. The gentleman to the left of me (or between me and the shint-bet) seems nice, I’ve only had short conversations with him, he does speak decent English, so I could potentially have a good conversation with him. The female tenant is a teacher (at I’m not sure which school, the same school as my landlady), she teaches Amharic. My landlady is a geography teacher. The landlord works in for the administration. There are two children, Samuel who is 4 and Eldona who is 8 months.

Sammy comes in my room all the time. I laid out crayons and paper hoping to get him to write and draw, but it took over a week for him to do that. He likes to run in and run out. He laughs all the time and is a ball full of energy, just like any 4 year old. I try to watch movies with him, but he isn’t interested. He likes to draw and sort of write his ABC’s. We are working on those. He attends KG, which is like kindergarten and pre-school, so he is learning. If there is anything lying around with letters, he tells me the letters, he knows them very well. I don’t see the baby much; she’s normally on either her moms back or the worker girls back. Which reminds me, I forgot to mention her, the worker girl. She is really nice, the first week I was here and the water came on she got water and carried my buckets for me to my house, it’s not a long way, but it was very nice of her.

Last Saturday a few of us G9ers (like 6) got together and celebrated Thanksgiving. We had chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, pumpkin soup, rice, pineapple salsa with carrots, bread, wine, and yellow cake. It was a nice afternoon with great company.

I’ve been having Amharic tutoring, but I don’t know if it’s helping. I get frustrated. My tutor was teaching me something that I had to clue what it was, a different way to say verbs, like a command, but PC didn’t teach us that way. So I got frustrated and explained I had no idea what he was saying. Also tutoring is at night from 6-8pm and then I miss dinner or eat at like 8:30, so that makes me grumpy. I told my friend and my tutor I needed to find someone who could work with me during the day time, I have lots of free time during the day, but at night not so much. So hopefully I can find someone, maybe a high school or college teacher, who can work with me during the day time. I speak to a lot of people who speak a little English, but I do get frustrated sometimes when I don’t know what someone is saying. Language does not come easy for me. It is my biggest struggle most days.

Harassment has gotten better, ever since PC came and gave a little speech at my school. I now get “Chaye, Chaye” instead of “frenji, frenji” or “you, you”. Occasionally there is still that, but overall the kids have gotten better. There are still days I don’t want to travel a certain way because I know there may or may not be someone who says something and there are days were all I want to do is stay in my compound or close by because everyone knows me. I think that’s a PC thing though, to have days were all you want to do is stay in your house all day.

Well, I guess that’s a quick or not so quick update on me. I know holiday season will be rough, seeing how Black Friday was rough for me, all I wanted to do was cry and I’m not sure why. I plan to spend Christmas and New Years with other PCVs so it shouldn’t be too bad. Then I’ll spend 2 weeks in Addis Ababa in January. So there’s plenty to look forward to or at least hope to look forward to!

Until next time, love and miss y’all!!!

2 months of photos

I don't feel like putting captions with every photo...here's some things that have happened within the past 2 months....I promise to write a post soon

Hand Washing Day

A couple weeks ago I attended a Hand Washing Ceremony. Sounds interesting I know. Well to begin, everyone in my school lined up fairly nicely I would say. It was the first time I had really seen Ethiopian children line up so to speak. We then began marching out of the compound and before I knew it the lines became a cluster and the children went crazy. We walked quite a few kilometers to what is known as Injibara Stadium. Kosober Primary school wasn’t the only school in attendance; there were two other schools, Injibara and Bahunk Primary. An American ceremony would then consist of the children sitting in nice, mannerly order with plenty of room form a stage so to speak. Well not this ceremony. The children became what do say, overwhelming to me. Every one of them wanted to up front for the speaker(s). I couldn’t even see the speaker(s), because the children were surrounding them like crazy. I sat in a stage/blechers and was surrounded by children and adults (teachers I’m assuming). The whole thing seems ridiculous to me. There was no discipline except for a few students and teachers with sticks pretending and sometimes hitting the students. I understand that is how they get the students to behave and follow directions, but it does seem crazy and like child abuse at times. There is nothing I can do about it, so I just let it happen. I feel like the teachers and students need a training/seminar on how to properly sit for a ceremony. Maybe I’ll have to attempt to show a short clip of students behaving properly during a ceremony/assembly. I don’t even know what Hand Washing Day was all about, something about how washing your hands is very important and to prevent from getting sick. I think that’s what I got out of it. It was all in Amharic, even the brochure I received. So that is my rant on ceremony/assemblies with Ethiopian children. 

October update

This update is going to be short. I'm in the process of writing two other posts called Sites to See and Changes within Myself. I hope to have both up within the next two weeks.

Wow..I've been living on my own in Injibara for a little over a month now. Things aren't perfect and I don't think they will ever be, but I'm managing. The first few weeks I was eating out a lot, because well I couldn't make a fire on my charcoal stove. I now have a electric stove, but it is expensive. I plan to buy propane, but haven't gotten around to it, it's a trip to Bahir Dar. My house isn't comfortable or at least I don't think I'll enjoy living her for two years, so I'm in the process of looking for a new one. It is harder than it seems. I've been trying to go to school at least three times a week for a couple hours a day. Next week I am going to begin observing the English teachers. I also start Amharic tutoring next week, thanks to my friend Shmeles who connected me with one of his friends. Ummm...I'm not sure. There's so much going on, so much I need to do within the next few months and so much I wish I could do. Hopefully I'll tell you one day about this ceremony I attended for three of the primary schools. It was "Hand Washing Day" and it was madness. Kids would not and could not behave like they did here in the USA. I'll go into more detail another day. I'm sure there is more I should tell about, but right now I have nothing.
Please keep in touch!

Randomness from July 23rd

Sorry if I mention things multiple times, because I write my blogs throughout the week and post on weekends, I never know what I’ve mentioned and what I have haven’t.

On my first Sunday in Butajira, I went for a walk with Kat and Joel. Both of them are my neighbors and we are the only three who live in Kebele 2 (which is alike a small community). On this walk, Joel decided he wanted to see the river. So off we went to find the river, which wasn’t an easy task. Off we started down this….let’s call it a mountain, because that is what it felt like. It was steep at times, wet, muddy, and rocky. Joel is the adventurous one and like flew down it seemed. Kat and I took our time and didn’t even go all the way down. We did make it about ¾ of the way. We had help from, I think Kat’s brother and friend, they stuck with Kat and me to make sure we didn’t fall or anything. After climbing back out of the gorge we headed to town. On our walk we ran into a few friends, which was nice to know we were closer than we thought. So back to our walk through town, Joel stops and talks to everyone it seems like. While he stops, Kat and I continue walking. We were ahead of Joel and some neighborhood boys, when a cow turns toward me and takes a few steps. It scared the crap out of me. I jumped got away as quick as possible, while everyone laughed at me, including myself. So since that experience I have been hesitant of cows. It’s hard to avoid livestock in general because they roam free and are everywhere, cows, chickens, sheep, goat, donkeys, okay I think that’s it for now.

I haven’t been feeling to well the last two days. I’ve had a scratchy throat and a runny nose. It just ruins my whole mood though, because all I want to do is crawl in bed and watch movies. However I have a strict schedule and the rain hasn’t helped. It’s rained off and on for two days now.

I start teaching practicum tomorrow. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I co-teach, then next week I’m on my own. I’m a little nervous but excited. I’m co-teaching 8^th grade three times this week, 7^th grade twice and 3^rd grade once. From what I understand of what  a PCVL (Peace Corps Volunteer Leader) on the ED. Team told me, next week I’ll teach all grades (3-8). There’s a great group of PCVL’s who are on training us.

October 6 Update

October 6, 2013

I went to Bahir Dar this weekend. Yesterday upon arriving I went out to eat with other PCVs. I had a yummy (sheep) meat ball sandwich with slaw. Afterwards, we went to the market and did a little shopping. In the evening, we went to Beer Gardens had some good pizza (without cheese) and hung out. After Beer Gardens, some of us went to a Jumbo Bet (beer house). We headed to the club (Office Bar) first but it was too early and we were the only ones there. We ended the evening in the club. This is where Amanda attempted to teach me to dance. It was a fun evening.

Today a group of 10 of us went to the Blue Nile Falls. It was beautiful. I felt like a tourist and not a volunteer. It rained this morning, so it was really muddy and the slippery. I almost fell a few times, but caught myself. I took lots of pictures and hopefully will be able to post soon.

The weekend was relaxing and exhausting at the same time. I got back to the hotel late from the club and had to be up early to head to the falls. I didn’t get the one thing I came into town for, which was a propane stove, but I plan to head back into Bahir Dar sometime this week.

I am getting better with the charcoal stove, when I ask someone on my compound for little wood or fire. I still don’t know and can’t start the stove myself, but I figure as long as I have someone else on my compound I’ll be fine.

There isn’t much else going on right now. I went to school twice last week and observed my liaison three times. I plan to go to school at least two-three times this week and observe some other English teachers or at least meet the other English teachers. I am slowly learning more and more about the education system in my town. Hopefully within the next few weeks I’ll have a tutor and continue to learn more about my school cluster, the education system and the town in general. That’s about it for now.

Much love!!!! <3 

September 29 Update

September 29, 2013

So I don’t remember the last thing I wrote about, so sorry if I already said this. I said goodbye to my family on September 18^th. It was hard. My mom cried, I cried, my brother (Bisrat) was nowhere to be found as I as leaving. My dad had to yell for him. My parents walked me to the hotel where everyone was gathering. It was a rough 30 minutes that’s for sure. I stayed in Addis Ababa for 3 days. On the 3^rd day, I swore-in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer!!!! We (G9) was taken to the US Embassy were, the directing ambassador swore us in. It was crazy and emotional, I shed a few tears. Then one-by-one, all 57 of us walked across the stage and received a certificate. My time in Addis was good as always, I ate American type food and ventured around town on Addis Day (a day designed for the volunteers to do some shopping and get to know Addis). There isn’t much else to say about my short 3 days in Addis.

On September 21^st, I arrived in Injibara and it was another culture shock. I went straight to my liaison’s house and had coffee. I then wanted to see my house; I shortly learned I didn’t have a house. The house I was shown on site visit was not finished. I was upset, I almost cried. Luckily I knew who to call and where I could stay. I ended up staying with my friend Deborah (who is also a G9). The truck/driver that was bringing our luggage on Monday would be able to find me a house. He did and now I am in my own, 2 room house. The main guy stationed in BahirDar still has to visit me and do a final approval, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be staying here. I haven’t bought much, but it feels like a lot. I’ve learned I don’t know how to make a fire using a charcoal stove; which is all I have right now, until I get to BahirDar and buy a propane stove. I’ve already learned that is rains a lot and it’s cold.

I received 3 packages from my mom and Aunt Kelly already. I was grateful for everything they sent. I walk around town a lot, just to show my face, because PC wants us to be seen. Within my first 3months I have to complete a CENA (community, education needs assessment). It’s all about getting to know my town and what the needs are in this community. I will have to talk to some important people and get some important information, but it’ll all be worth it is what I’m told and I’m sure it will.

My landlord seems really nice. She own one the many hotels in this town (it’s not a hotel like you would think) and a suk (shop). The compound is all concrete so it’s not too bad. My 2 rooms are in the back behind the main house attached to other rooms and the shint-bet (toilet which also holds the shower). It’s not Butajira, but it’s nice and it’s my own. I do miss my family and the food they provided me. I don’t eat often here, mainly because I have no means to cook (well the charcoal which I can’t lite).

There was a holiday recently, Meskel, it’s the holiday of finding the true cross. I’m not sure what the celebration is for, however they burn a tree shaped like a cross. Deborah and I attended the town celebration in the market and were the main attraction for the most part (everyone stared as us non-stop). Then the next day the individual families/compounds burned a tree. All I know it means lots of food and lots of coffee. I’m sure there are other things to it; hopefully I’ll understand more about this holiday next year.

Well it’s been an eventful week here in Injibara. I hope to have my internet running soon.  Love and miss everyone!!!! <3 <3 

UPDATED WISH LIST!!!!!!

Wish list!!!!

Always good to send:  hand sanitizer, tissues and gum (peppermint and fruity)

Candy: gobstoppers, chewy sweet tarts, Swedish fish, starburst, peanut M&Ms, anything chocolate, Hershey, sour gummy worms

Instant pouches (just add water): pudding, mash potatoes, mac’n’cheese, etc. 

Meat: Slim Jims, beef jerky, salami, pepperoni or any cured meat, tuna

Cheese: Velveeta, there are others you can send that won’t go bad, I just don’t remember which ones

Nuts: almonds, pistachios, cashews

Dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, etc.

Poptarts: chocolate, cookies and cream, s’mores

Oreos, anything oreo!!!

Marshmellows

Graham Crackers

Fruit snacks

Chocolate chips

Hot Chocolate!!! (I’ve got a cold site and hot chocolate would warm me up!!)

Seasonings: butter flakes, garlic salt, sweet’n’low, sea salt

Anything you feel I’ll like. There are slim pickings for American type foods and snacks.

Magazines (anything really)  

Command hooks (my walls are cement)

Stationary (envelopes, paper, postcards, etc.)

Cough drops (Strawberry, Halls Vita C)

Burt’s Bees chap stick

Air freshener/car freshener

Kids games (banagrams, flash cards, etc.)

Journal (I only brought 1 and it’s almost finished)

Send me letter and I’ll write you!!!!! (Make sure your address is clear so I can write back)

SURPRISE ME!!!!!!