How things change.

I'm at the Peace Corps Resource Center in Addis, where they recently installed satellite internet. And guess what? I can actually see my own blog, for the first time in months (bad formatting and all...).

How amazing is it that the way we see the world can change, and just in a few months? I remember the first morning here, after having arrived into Addis late at night, getting up and looking out the window of the hotel onto Mexico Square (really a large traffic circle) and being just overwhelmed by all the traffic (both vehichle and pedestrian). Venturing out onto the street for the first time that afternoon was downright terrifying. I knew not a single word of Amharic, knew no places except for the name of the hotel we were staying in, and was absolutely paralyzed at the thought of navigating the city on my own. This morning, on my way to the Peace Corps office, I had to transfer mini-bus taxis at Mexico, and I felt so calm about the whole thing. Addis is still huge and intimidating, but here I am, figuring it out. Neat.

Had a couple of really good meetings this week, and am actually enjoying Addis Ababa for the first time. Nice to have a little break from the everyday grind, as well.

Slight Acheivements

Things I've accomplished in the last week:

1) A woman from the Ethiopian Telecommunications Communications
Corporation called me this morning to tell me that my bill was due.
And I understood. I even heard her say "she speaks Amharic!" to a
colleague as she hung up the phone. And I managed to pay the bill in
only 4 steps (a security guard and 3 different desks).

2) I bought an umbrella for the sun. Everyone has been telling me that
I need one because I'll turn black (tan, I'm guessing). They think
it's funny when I say I'll actually just turn into a beet. The
surprising thing about this purchase? I love it! I carry it
everywhere. Bright green and floral. I think I love it mostly because
I blend in ever so slightly better.

3) I found a good tutor and am finally learning to read. Huzzah!

I'm leaving for Addis, then our In-Service Training, then a short
hiking trip, on Thursday. No idea what the Internet situation will be
like. I'll update sometime in the near(ish) future.