Monday 03/02/03

Do you realise that it is only 1995 here.

Does that make me seven and a bit years younger? If only.

I am now really getting into the in country training. I was rather apprehensive about the language training today. Quite uncertain about my ability to learn Amharic.

I have never done languages before but was determined to try my best.

The teacher was very friendly and he made the sessions interesting and interactive in a none threatening way.

I tried to keep track by writing things down, my memory is so poor. We did some basic greetings and I now know that 'TADIAS' means hello and 'AMASAGINALAH' means thank you.

We said lots of other things too but I’m afraid I’ve forgotten most of them – whoops.

I remember that 'AND' means one.

To help us with the language we went on a scavenger hunt. This was a small group exercise in pricing and purchasing goods.

I was with Robin and David. It was great fun. Really got us out and about in Addis Ababa.

We began by hiring a taxi and asking to be taken to 'Confusion Junction'.

The taxi driver had no idea where that was. We just asked him to drive and shouted 'WARAJ' when we saw the junction ahead.

'WARAJ' means stop by the way.

It cost 55 cents per person.

The roads are dusty and busy but not too noisy. We just walked slowly, taking in all of the shops and trying to ask for prices in Amharic.

It was not easy and I have to say the friendliness of the people got us through.

They were not at all annoyed that we were not buying. We did get harassed a little but I have to say it was very minor indeed.

My main problem was dealing with the numbers. It all seemed easy in the classroom but when we get out there it all seemed so different. In the end everything was 'ISHEE' - which means OK.

The little booklet that we’ve been given says we'll learn 'Amharic in Eight Days' - No chance.

I feel very contented and happy today. The support is very good and I am really optimistic about the future here. It all makes me want to learn and experience as much as I can.

We have seen beggars and we have seen obvious poverty but as yet I think we are still quite shielded from a number of things.

Note: My baggage still hasn't arrived.

To think I took all that trouble to pack and take care about what to take and at this moment I have nothing at all.

Not to worry, maybe it will turn up tomorrow. And of course tomorrow is another day.

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