On the drive there we pass by all the different countries embassies and see lots of military:
Stopping at America World's office to get someone who knows the way to Kingdom Vision. The office is right across from the Transition House where we me tour boys. These are the famous gates you drive through!
America World office:
John Eyob LOVED looking out the window as we drove as well as wearing his sunglasses, always upside down:
Mommy and Ryan Ephrem (note no care seats of seat belts):
The sign (well part of it, we were driving at the time) for Kingdom Vision Orphanage. We were not allowed to take pictures once inside.
John did not want to get out of the van (in fact made Mike close the doors and windows) so I toured the facility and then swapped places with Mike so he could have a look. It was very nice! Attentive and caring nannies, precious children, a living area room with a television (and a Sesame Street poster - we LOVE Sesame Street!!), a clean kitchen, and a doctor;s office. We learn the boys were only there for TWO DAYS!!! They arrived right as we received our "on deck" email telling us that we were 1-3 months away from a referral and asking us to verify our age range. It was at this time we informed them we were open to children aged 0-5, so America World brought the boys to the Transition House. SO GOD!!!!More of everyday life in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
The coffee factory tour, bags and bags and bags of coffee beans:
Two rows of women look through all the coffee beans by hand:
Machines that are getting the beans ready:
Hand checking the beans:
Then every single bean is checked by hand:
Our coffee factory tour guide with members of our travel group in back. This is the room where the coffee taste testers come to taste the coffee. this company ships their products to Europe and particularly Germany.
Given enough time, John would have figured out how to turn the water on:
Roasting coffee beans:
I selfishly added this picture to show off how well John holds a crayon and colors!! This is all America World Transition House Staff and none of me!
Mike enjoys a cup of Ethiopian coffee. he said it was wonderful and strong.
On our way back to the Guest House for lunch. It is very dusty in Addis and there are shoe shines all over the place:
Many people carry umbrellas for the shade:
More street scenes and everyday life:
After lunch, we hired David (one of America World's drivers) to take us to the top of Entoto Mountain.
Two rows of women look through all the coffee beans by hand:
Machines that are getting the beans ready:
Hand checking the beans:
Then every single bean is checked by hand:
Our coffee factory tour guide with members of our travel group in back. This is the room where the coffee taste testers come to taste the coffee. this company ships their products to Europe and particularly Germany.
Given enough time, John would have figured out how to turn the water on:
Roasting coffee beans:
I selfishly added this picture to show off how well John holds a crayon and colors!! This is all America World Transition House Staff and none of me!
Mike enjoys a cup of Ethiopian coffee. he said it was wonderful and strong.
On our way back to the Guest House for lunch. It is very dusty in Addis and there are shoe shines all over the place:
Many people carry umbrellas for the shade:
More street scenes and everyday life:
After lunch, we hired David (one of America World's drivers) to take us to the top of Entoto Mountain.
Along the way there are women, ages ranging from early teens to 60s, carrying loads of sticks on their backs. the loads weigh around one hundred pounds and these women make the trip two times a day. the wood is used at homes for fires or can be sold for about 15 birr (Ethiopian currency). 13 birr when we traveled equaled one American dollar. Puts our "wealth" and "work" in a whole different perspective:
There are high bench like fences for the women to rest their loads.
There are high bench like fences for the women to rest their loads.
Some scenic pictures as we traveled up the mountain:
Upon reaching the top view of the mountain, we got out of the van and David announced, with such pride is his voice, "Here is Addis!" You can hear the singing from the churches when looking down at the city. And I know the pictures don't begin to do it justice, but this was AMAZING!!
Traveling just a little further is a Museum (we were not allowed to take pictures there) and a church:
This is the first church built in Ethiopia:
Our Ethiopian American family!
The Ethiopiain Orthodox Church at the top of Entoto Mounatin.
There was also a palace and different officers buildings used in the past:
My boys!
Our guide, who showed us the Museum and around the palace and officers complex, is on the left. He was a wonderful gentleman!
Riding back down the mountain:
You can see school children playing on the wall. They are wearing red uniforms:
Driving back to the Guest House:
That is an Ethiopian police offical in the middle of the picture in the brown uniform:
Climbing the steps at the Guest House:
Posing with David our driver, left, and T, our guide. Words seem to fall short of how wonderful and amazing they are!
The Yebsabi Guest House:
Mike took this one:
Eating popcorn:
While big brother crashes!
Thoughts/Advice to those coming after us:
Upon reaching the top view of the mountain, we got out of the van and David announced, with such pride is his voice, "Here is Addis!" You can hear the singing from the churches when looking down at the city. And I know the pictures don't begin to do it justice, but this was AMAZING!!
Traveling just a little further is a Museum (we were not allowed to take pictures there) and a church:
This is the first church built in Ethiopia:
Our Ethiopian American family!
The Ethiopiain Orthodox Church at the top of Entoto Mounatin.
There was also a palace and different officers buildings used in the past:
My boys!
Our guide, who showed us the Museum and around the palace and officers complex, is on the left. He was a wonderful gentleman!
Riding back down the mountain:
You can see school children playing on the wall. They are wearing red uniforms:
Driving back to the Guest House:
That is an Ethiopian police offical in the middle of the picture in the brown uniform:
Climbing the steps at the Guest House:
Posing with David our driver, left, and T, our guide. Words seem to fall short of how wonderful and amazing they are!
The Yebsabi Guest House:
Mike took this one:
Eating popcorn:
While big brother crashes!
Thoughts/Advice to those coming after us:
1. Definately travel up to Entoto Mountain - it is an AMAZING way to appreciate the city even more!
2. Buy lots of coffee (you order it through Famy the night before but pay for it and pick it up at the coffee factory). Mike says it is excellent! It stays fresh in the freezer for up to six months and it make great gifts!!
3. Enjoy this lastday - it goes REALLYfast!
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