Today was a very special day. We were invited to spend the holiday traveling out of Addis with our friends, Zebene and Hiwot, and their 4 children. We had an amazing day! We headed out early that morning from Debre Zeyit. It is a town approximately 60 miles West of Addis Ababa.
First we stopped at a hotel to take in the view. The hotel's restaurant overlooked one of the many crater lakes in the region. Our taxi driver for the day is from this area. He was telling us how he would swim across this lake as a youth. We also learned that he was on the Ethiopian National swimming team.
Photo op with one of Zebene's awesome kiddos! This young man is so kind!
Hiwot, "M^", and 3 of Hiwot's kids! We all enjoyed a Coke as we enjoyed the view. The tables at the restaurant we really neat too. In each section they had different types of grain or beans that were grown in the region.
No particular reason for this picture of a dimmit (Amaharic for cat). However, it reminded me of our friend and adoption agency worker, Julie!
After our sodas and looking at the lake from on high we headed to a recreation area. It is a different lake in the same region. There were boys swimming back and forth across the lake.
There was a playground and the kids had a great time on the swings!
Then . . . the bigger kids had a great time on the swings!
It was so fun watching the kids have a good time running around the playground!
The wildlife here if very interesting. So many of the birds have very vibrant colors. This was some sort of goose/duck we found. He was a little grumpy!
We took a boat ride out into the middle of the lake. The lakes all around were formed long long ago by meteorites crashing into earth. On the far side of the lake is a worship place for a cultural Oromo religion.
After we arrived back on shore we headed up to the restaurant area and enjoyed our picnic. Hiwot fixed vegetables and tibs fir fir (meat with lots of injera). It was delicious. We all had plenty. Afterward we sat and talked and watched the kids play some more. The afternoon was beautiful and relaxing. There was a clean and crisp coolness in the air and it was a much appreciated break from the city!
The flowers in this area are absolutely fantastic. Here are just a few pictures that Kevin took of God's amazing creation!
There are also many interesting animals as well. It is a little hard to see, but here is a beautiful brilliant yellow bird. They build their houses hanging from the branches of thorn trees.
The lake and area was so peaceful. I kept thinking to myself, "Wow, we're here on a lake in Africa!" How cool is that!
The kids found many photo ops! This was one of the best ones in a huge old Eucalyptus tree!
All of the kids talked Kevin into trying out the rings on the playground. Not too bad!!!
Of course once Kevin did it they talked Zebene into it as well!
After the recreation area we headed to the Air Force Officer's Club for drinks.
We had a great time being silly and taking pictures!
taking pictures and having coffee!
After a while our taxi driver and Josiah decided to go swimming! Here's a great pic with Josiah wearing his swimming trunks on his head!
We enjoyed watching them play and looking on as brave people climbed the stairs to the diving platforms.
There are not many pools in Ethiopia. Even if you live near a lake you don't necessarily learn how to swim. Hiwot grew up around lakes. She told me how she was leery of the water. She told me she saw too many of her friends drown in the lake.
After the swimming adventure we headed back to Addis. This little guy was so excited for some ice cream. Our last treat for the day and we all had a scoop of ice cream at Allebnanny's. Super yummy!
The big kids enjoyed their treats as well!
We had a wonderful day with the Zebene family!!! It was such a treat to spend the day with all of them. We are very fortunate to have such special friends!
Language lesson for the day!
Bird - Amharic . . . woof, Oromifa . . . simbre
Car - Oromifa . . . cocalata
No comments:
Post a Comment