January 17, 2014

Up again at 7:00 and breakfast as usual.  Tsige takes such good care of us.
David called to tell us he was running late so we decided to go for a walk down the street.  The morning rush was on - lots of people waiting for taxis, heading for school, and rushing along the street.  The bajas were busy getting people where they need to go.

The street here is rocky.  It seems to be covered in rubble as if the buildings were crumbling, but they are all in good repair.  We walked the few blocks down the hill to the small market.  It seems to be a market for household goods.  Vegetables were plentiful as well as shoes of various shapes and colors, dishes, coffee pots and many shirts. 

We saw a donkey nearby so we walked his way.  Tina wanted to pet him, but we didn't end up getting that close.  David drove by just then so we knew it was time to move back up the hill.  It is easy to spot our red van on these streets.  We grabbed our bags and piled into our usual seats.

We had a relaxing day planned.  Tsige came with us for the day.  We drove out to Born Free wildlife preserve.  It was on the road to Holeta so we had been on the road before, but it was a drive we enjoyed.  The area was so beautiful.  Many trees along the mountainside. 

Our guide took us to see the animals, walking along rough trails, or no trails at all.  The tall grass brushed our legs and stuck to our pants.  Cheetahs, lions, jackles, baboons, and monkeys were all inhabitants here.  The animals were amazing - I had never seen any of them before. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we saw the animals we walked some trails and came to an army training tower.  We estimate it to have been built in the '40s - hidden in the trees were no one could find it.  We were able to climb the crumbling steps up the three stories to the top.  The view was spectacular!

 

 

 

David at the top.

 

 

We left there after a wonderful time, feeling refreshed and thankful for the fresh air and sunshine. 

 

Tsige enjoying our day

 

Our little family

 

We headed back to town for lunch at the Top View.  It certainly must have had a lovely view before the big ugly buildings were built in front of it.  We had to take some pretty rough and sketchy alleys to get there so were surprised at how nice it was.  This place is full of paradoxes.  It was my last chance to get injera so I ordered the beef Shiro.  Delicious!

Katie, Jen, and Jaime at Top View

As usual, lunch lasted 2 hours so we headed to FanshionABLE for scarves as soon as we were done.  They were dying yarn and hanging it up to dry so bundles of multi-colored yarn hung on lines in the sun.  The yard was filled with them so you could not walk more than a few feet without ducking underneath.  It was the most beautiful display of color imaginable.  The shop was full of intricate scarves of the same colors.  I could have bought many more, but had to limit myself!

 

 

 

Pochi told us it was time for a coffee and we never argue with Pochi or coffee so we went to Kaldi's for a treat.  Caramel macciato and tiramisu.  It was a very modern shop in an otherwise run-down mall.  We enjoyed our time there very much and had many laughs over our snack.

Kristen and Jaime enjoying their coffee

 

Our ride home was full of laughs.  We hit some traffic problems, which David solved by backing up on the highway (?!?!?) and taking us through narrow alleyways.  I am always amazed that he knows where he is going and that he keeps his patience.  Our little detour took us well over a half hour.  Thankfully, we were feeling good so we kept one another entertained.

It was dark when we got back to the house.  Time to start packing.  We leave tomorrow.