Departure Time 1935

While I sit at Addis Abeba Bole Airport waiting for my return flight, I thought I would make another entry.  It may not be the last as I expect to share photos, videos and stories after my August tour.  However, my time as VSO volunteer here is nearly over. 
 
I left Abi Adi 2 weeks ago and after spending some time in Mekelle organsing cars, hotels and maximising my return stay, I travelled to Addis.  Here I have been completing my exit visa, police clearance, exit interview and settlling accounts.  I type with mixed emotions as I remember some incredible times but I am more than looking forward to returning to the UK and catching up with everyone.

---

View your Twitter and Flickr updates from one place - Learn more!

The Final Cut

Baring in mind the previous entry, some of you may be wondering where I am at.  Well after a number of conversations, decisions and thought processes, I shall be leaving Abi Adi this weekend and will not be transferring to another placement and therefore shall return to the UK on July 2^nd after completing my exit process.  I shall then return with my brother on July 22^nd to tour Ethiopia until the end of August.  I am very much looking forward to seeing as many people as possible in July and apologise in advance if I do not get around everybody.  My reasons for leaving are complex and not really appropriate to explain here, but rest assured I am happy to explain fully when I return to the UK.

 

Since arriving in Ethiopia back in September, I have had an amazing experience, one which I will never forget and will also struggle to ever put into words.  Although there have been stressful, boring and even lonely times; overall I have fantastic memories and ones I will never forget.  While I have started reading more, begun drinking coffee and learnt even more about computers; I don't think it has changed me greatly as a person but I will let you be the judges when I see you in person.

 

Finally to the people who have emailed, posted and thought about me this year.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will forever be indebted to your kindness.  You cannot imagine the positive vibes you get from seeing Inbox (1) in bold or seeing your name in the post office ledger that records every parcel that arrives.  I would like to extend the biggest thanks to my brother who has transferred money, organised a huge amount of paperwork and generally sorted loads for me back home.

 

And to finish off:

 

·     Happiest moment:  sitting and sharing time with many college colleagues.

·     Saddest moment: making the decision to leave

·     Funniest moment: dancing to Tigrinya music – I will share these skills

·     Weirdest moment: jesting on a scheduled power cut that the power could return any second – and it did!

·     Most useful item brought: discounting my laptop of course, non-stick frying pan

·     Most useful item I did not bring: Fish slice – essential for non stick

·     Most useful gift before leaving: solar shower

·     Most useful gift I've received: myriad of sauces and spices for cooking

·     Holiday Work music: Teddy Afro – you will be introduced

 

See you soon :-)

---

Beyond Hotmail — see what else you can do with Windows Live. Find out more.

This is the news

On 7 May after my VSO meeting, I declared my intentions for my second year.  However, since then I have decided to make alternative plans and shall be leaving Abi Adi this month.  The current plan is to return to the UK in September or transfer to another placement in Ethiopia for my second year.

---

Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8 Optimised for MSN. Download Now

New flavours

Recently I have been making the following new items from scratch:

 

·     Various cakes: (Carrot cake, Banana cake and Lemon cake)

·     Chocolate Biscuits

·     Thai sweet chilli sauce

·     Lemon juice concentrate

·     Bread rolls

·     Hash browns

·     Guacamole

·     Coleslaw

·     Mayonnaise

·     Dried garlic and chilli

·     Yorkshire Pudding

---

View your Twitter and Flickr updates from one place – Learn more!

What a load of rubbish

Back in the UK prior to my departure I tried to recycle as much as possible.  Paper, Cans, Glass and Plastic all found their way to the local bank.  Unfortunately there is no such system in place here.  Let alone recycling there is a distinct lack of care for the environment.  I regularly witness paper simply discarded in the street.  Teachers on our training at the weekend throw their biscuit wrappers onto their school playground.  The grounds surrounding houses are littered with bags of rubbish.  Paper is sometimes burnt, plastic bottles are often reused by people, particularly by shoe cleaners and for transporting oil and kerosene.  However cans, glass, plastic bags and anything not wanted is always thrown.  Thankfully, a new teacher to the college has started a petition to collect money to tidy up the place.

---

Share your photos with Windows Live Photos – Free. Try it Now!

Eggs, oil and salt

I may have lost a certain amount of weight, however, I think my increased intake of eggs, palm oil and salt should counteract any benefit I may have achieved.  Bacon sandwiches, sausages and a rare steak will be first things ordered from the menu when I return.

---

Windows Live Messenger just got better. Find out more!

Summer Plans

For those not already aware, my brother and fiancé shall be visiting over the summer.   The college dean has approved me spending the holidays touring Ethiopia.  The basic plan is to take in 10 sites in 5 weeks starting from July 21.  Part of the trip is to the Omo Valley where Lou shall be joining us before she returns to the UK.  I've opted for flying as I've had enough of buses as day journeys really are not that much fun anymore.  Hopefully I will have a vast amount of photos, videos and memories to share.

---

Get the New Internet Explore 8 Optimised for MSN. Download Now