Scott's African Adventure

Here I am in Ethiopia. The horn of Africa. Right around 8000 miles from home. And I am sick. Yesterday I ate "in" from room service. It was good! But something didn't work out right. My stomach is trying to exit the meal, but very slowly. You know the feeling. Nothing is moving the way it should be. On top of all that I have a fever and feel a cold coming on. Don't worry I am watching all of this closely. Generally I am pretty tough. I will update that as the days go on. I need to get up and start a new class in the morning. We will see.

Despite this, I was determined to get out of the hotel complex. I tried every excuse I could, but I needed to do it. I readied my pack: phone...to call for help, water, medicine, and I stole a roll of TP....awaiting the impending departure of last nights meal.

On my way down stairs, I stopped at the front desk to ask about how to get to the National Museum. It just so happened that Mr Taxi guy was walking by at that moment. I was now commited. I purchased 4 candy bars for lunch, just in case this lasted a while. The price was agreed upon, and we were off. During the short 10 minute drive, we stopped at Mr Bentres home...to say hi to mom and dad, his office to see where he worked...and finally the museum. More frisking.

I wasn't sure how to get back in touch with Benres to get a ride home. It was agreed that he would return 1:30 minutes later. My hopes where not high for my ride home. He would not except any payment until I was back at the hotel....OK, that sounded better.

The Museum was very cool. About what you would expect in Africa. It was small, but 4 levels. I took many pictures, but what blew me away was Lucy!

I am sure you have heard of this girl. She is quite possibly an old relative. 3.3 million years ago. She was in Seattle a couple of years ago. Imagine seeing her in her home!

I could not get a picture of the actuall Lucy. For some reason it was really dark.

I was through the exibiits in about an hour. Then I went out to wait by the street for my ride. I am sure I looked really out of place, But everyone pretty much left me alone except for two cute little kids. I have seen these children or children like them all week. Walking up and down the rows of cars asking for handouts. They don't push as much as the mothers with babies do, so they moved along. But there I was with a couple extra candy bars to share. Now they were my friends forever! I was hoping they diddn't have cell phone to call all there friends. Luckily, I wasn't swamped.

I asked there premission before I took any pictures.

Then as the time passed, I was approached by two young fellows. I was about to be introduced to a problem that I had read about. People looking for Sponsers. These two young guys were nice, and non threatening in any way. But they made it very clear that what they needed was a contact in the US. I would never give them my e-mail address. Normally it would be cool, but not for what these guys wanted. So, I did the most prudent thing and gave them my Sister-in-laws e-mail. Hiedi has a soft heart for these types of things.

 My driver showed up at exactly 12:30. He pointed it out to me, so I would be impressed...and I was. It was a good couple of hours. After another stop at his office to meet another relative, I was home again at the hilton. Then I started to really feel like crap. And that is where I stand now.

I took a bit of a nap, and now feel slightly better. I am sure I will manage just fine.

Take care

all

scty

Posted by Scott at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Something new for me here is Addis Ababa.....a couple of days off!

Days off are really a waste a money for me as I don't get paid while I am off. I did work an extra day though so that will help.

I have been glued to the tele all night and day watching the earthquake news.

I have had an opportunity to sit down and eat some truely traditional Ethiopian food....finally. I finished my first class and to celebrate, we all went out for lunch. I tried it.....I still didn't like it. But thats ok.

I really want to go out and walk around and see some of the city. I have asked many people, what they would recomend that I do or see on my day off. Everyone just shrugged and didn't say much. But I still want to see this museum. That is tomorrows adventure. Today, well, I am enjoying doing NOTHING. I am going to drink my fill of coffe that I make that doesn't remove the lining of my stomach. Too cloudy to sit by the pool. I still have a few more hours till I have completely caught up on my internet surfing....I have "in room" internet for two days.

More later.

scty

Posted by Scott at 11:03 PM | Permalink

Well, I have been here a few days on my second trip. I will say that things are different this time.....and also the same.

I have been working out, and because food doesn't smell really good around here, I have benn able to keep to my diet. What I mean is Ethiopian food lacks real flavor. It seems to me that there is about one spice for everything. I still need to go out and really taste the food, but around the hotel at least it is pretty bland. This is good for me. I am a couple pounds below my 220 goal, so I am happy.

Work is the same, but I have a good groove going and that makes the time pass faster.

More later

scty 

Posted by Scott at 07:32 AM | Permalink

My second of three trips to Addis Ababa will start in two days. I am going to be teaching the same course as before. There will be a difference this time. I get two days off while I am there!! Maybe I will see something other than the hotle and the airport.

Since Christmas, Ang and I have been eating better and trying to loose a little weight. I have lost a few pounds. I can't really tell, but I feel a little bit better.  I can also report that I have not been snoring as much lately. At least I havn't been getting punched at night. Ang on the other hand has lost more weight, and looks amazing. We are having fun. Anyways, what better place to loose a few more pounds than to go to Africa right? I am going to try and keep eating healthy and working out. I will be reporting on my progress. I want to get below 220. I have not been at that weight since I was a kid. I need to loose 5 more pounds. Wish me luck!

Scty

Posted by Scott at 01:23 PM | Permalink

Day 15

Yeah there is a day 15. When I last made an entry I was waiting to leave the hotel and head to the airport. I found out that I was suppose to check out at 0800 NOT at 1800. They didn't like that very much. So I had to pay for a half day. I guess it is yet another unexpected expense to put on the expense form. I thought I was done with all that.

Anyways, I was whisked through security faster than I have ever been. I still can't believe it. Made me take off my belt, but didn't blink at my bag with 2 computers and a projector! I would think they would have really checked a US Inbound flight. Ah well.

This whole time I have been here I have been wondering about the really nice couple I met on my flight to Addis. The people from Iowa who were going to Nairobi to adopt a little boy named Cooper. I have seen many of these families over the last few weeks. I also wonder what they were thinking about the super cold temps in Iowa. Anyways, as I topped the steps in the international terminal....there they were! It was such a nice surprise to see them again. They have had a long couple of weeks I guess. Mostly paperwork issues, but here they are, on there way to Iowa with a cute little guy named Cooper. Nice people!

So I forgot about this business class stuff. I was given a pass to “The Lounge”. everything I could need for a 3 hour sit till departure.

I will write more when I get to Dullas.

scty

The flight stayed about an hour late all night. I was seated next to a total prick. And an Indian couple across the isle from me were not very pleasant either. The captains family was on board. I must say, they received a lot of attention from the flight crew, and the little boy, 5 or 6, made frequent visits to the flight deck during the flight. very strange. I knew the captain too. I had met him while I was at the “club”. Other wise it was an easy 19 hours. I watched Harry Potter twice, and some Christmas movie with Vince Vaghn. The food was ok, but the wine gave me a terrible head ache. I had met a really nice couple from DC who travel all over the world. They were just ending the 8^th visit to Africa. Really nice people.

I got to Dulles and I must admit, I got a really excited when I saw StarBucks. It was so damn good. Anyways, I got a window seat, but could not check my bag until 4 hours prior to departure, so that means that me and my big bag have to hang out in the main terminal until around 1300.

I got to talk to Ang and the kids for a sec. Still pretty early there. It's good to be back. I am just waiting for the jet lag to catch up. In a few hours it is going to be getting late for my body. I really want o stay up, but I just don't think I will be able to. More Starbucks? Hmmm.

Posted by Scott at 10:18 PM | Permalink

Day 14

I woke up this morning at 0700. Not really sleeping “in” for the first day in about 30 it seems, but I had a feeling the front desk would call to tell me “the driver was waiting”. Yup at 0740 the phone rang and it was my driver.

“Captain Scott. I am here....on time today! It's good no?”

He didn't understand yesterday when I told him to NOT pick me up.

Interesting day though. I took my time. I pigged out on Bar food last night. It was gooood. I slept pretty good, and then the day has been filled with the most amazing thing! Huge thunder storms. It's really cool. Lots of thunder and lightning.

I had tons of fun shopping. I really didn't buy anything with any one person in mind....or at least I can't tell you that hear....I have a following ya know. Anyways it was cool. I screwed up on only one transaction. Zak and Ellie T-shirts. I didn't look and just handed the girl my card...$50! Ouch. they are cool, but holy buckets. Everything else was a pretty good deal. Everything but Gary and Robyn's Christmas present. Holy buckets of African rain water was it hard to find and bloody expensive. Damn near broke the bank. All this work and .000001% of my pay has to go to the In-Laws Christmas gift. Damn! Love you guys! Can't wait to see you next week!!

I sent off a bunch of frantic e-mails to Ang about little things that I can't do while I am half way around the world, but that need to get done. I will be so good to turn on my phone in 24 hours and connect......all I want to do is connect!

Ok, Gotta go check out.

Love you all

scty

Posted by Scott at 06:46 AM | Permalink

Day 13

Last day. At least I think. I am doing Cockpit Procedures training today with crews. This mean an FO and Capt. I have worked with the Fo's in the CPT, but today its both. Should be easy and fast.

I officially said yes to the next training event. I thought about it and decided that I really only wanted to do the short program again. Hopefully with some time off next time. Someone else will do the first part of each group. i will do he same as I am doing now.

DONE!!

I made it through the day. Even my troubled kid showed some improvement. So I put in about 6 hours extra with him. We will see.

On the way home tonight I was treated to an unusual sight. An African thunderstorm! Very cool, but it has put a really weird smell in the air. Like all the dirt has been disturbed and the once resting smell has been awoken.

I have been hanging out with a couple of Bombardier guys for the last couple of days. I climbed into the car as they were talking about the Q400. they didn't know who I was, so it was an entertaining listen. After awhile I had to let them know who I was. It was funny. They were really interested in the fact that not only I was there to teach the ET pilots on there airplane, but that I have been flying this airplane since it's inception. They had as much questions for me as I had for them. It seems I have met a lot of people who are in this city doing almost the same kind of work.

well, I am going to post this for Day 13.

Take care all and far well Africa! (see you in two months)

Posted by Scott at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Day 11

Again, I awoke to the haunting sounds of some “holy man” cleansing his soul while wailing into an old scratchy PA system. It is coming from some place in the city. Possibly near the top of a hill close to the hotel. It seems to be always the same sad chant or song or scream or what ever the heck it is. The walls are pretty thin..as you know..so I can hear this guy every morning starting around 0500. At least the street dogs stop there constant howling and barking to listen to the story that this guys is trying to tell.

My daily ritual is pretty much the same everyday. I have given up on the “in room” internet. It is just too darn slow, and I only get about 2 hours use of it anyways. I might have to wait and upload more pictures later. Instead I use the “one hour” at a time wireless. It is faster and I can use it anywhere in the hotel. Like in the pub. It is good enough for me as I can't do much surfing anyhow. I log on, send and receive, and maybe chat with Ang and the kids a little bit. Not too bad.

I told my class that it was -5 degrees(c) in Seattle this morning. They had a hard time with that. Then I realized that they will be in Toronto in February! Most of these guys have never seen snow or even frost!

I concluded today that I am so tired at the end of the day because it's a long day! 12 to be exact. No wonder I haven't had time to see anything other than the hotel.

I suppose I should get back to it. I went for a walk around the ET complex today. It was a nice 75 degrees (F). I got a lot of funny looks, and couldn't go into any secure areas, but it was a nice walk anyhow.

I talked to Ang and the kids again tonight. Boy does that make the difference. I could not do this if I didn't have that contact. Being alone here is the toughest part.

Well, I gotta run and wait for a call from my boss.

Good night for now

scty

Posted by Scott at 06:36 AM | Permalink

Day 12

Boeing. All around the city and the ET complex there are stickers about the “coming” of the 787. ET will be the first African airline to get the new airplane. The funny thing is that all the stickers and posters and billboards have the arrival date of 2008! Too funny!

When I first started thinking about coming to Ethiopia, I did some searching on the web about this airline. They had a pretty good history. Only one crash. It was the 767 that crashed in the water when some hijackers threatened the a bomb. Well, I have gotten the skinny! I will try and link the YouTube video here so you can see it.

Ok, can't get You Tube to hook up, I will link it later

The Captain and First Officer are still around and flying for ET. I might have even met them and not have known it. The captain has been hijacked 4 times! In this case, some passengers were drunk, and had a bottle of booze in a paper bag that they threatened faked a a bomb. They wanted the pilots to fly to Australia. They ran out of gas and crash landed in the water of an island. I am no sure where. The pilots survived but many people did not. The captain pleaded with the passengers to try and stop the hijackers. The only person who stepped up was a handicapped person.

I watched a little bit of Monday Night Football......this morning. Kinda funny.

Christmas decorations are popping up all over. I haven't even thought about that. It will be a busy couple of days when I get home before we head to Boise.

I have been officially asked to come back for the next group. They would like me to come for a month and teach the entire class, not just the stuff of these two weeks. It is tempting, but I would have to leave around the 5^th of February and come home the first week of March. I would also need a few days extra to go to Toronto for some training for myself. Despite what I think......I don't know it all.

I worked an hour at lunch with my one “problem child”. He is one of those guys that when I tell them “you need to know this”...he didn't believe me. So, a couple of days later, he doesn't know it! Well, we had a heart to heart about how he should study, and now I think he realizes that he needs to step up and spend some time studying. Hopefully he can pull it together so I won't have to work with him on Friday. I could really use a day off.

The power keeps going out at the airport. Nobody seems to be bothered, so it must be a normal thing.

Tonight I am going to sit down and complete all the paperwork that I need to do for this trip. There is plenty.

Oh yeah, the driver never showed this morning. The security guy called them for me. But instead of “my guy” who looks after “just me”, I had to ride with a bunch of other guys. This sounds like I am being a jerk about it, but these drivers don't plan there stops very well, and we end up going all over the place before I get to Operations. Late! Ah well, it all worked out.

The guys gave me a hard time.

Tonight my stomach is messed up. Maybe all the peanuts from the bar.

Bye for now

scty 

Posted by Scott at 07:26 AM | Permalink

Day 10

Last Sunday the driver didn't show. We found out later that he didn't think there was any training on Sunday. Well, the same darn thing happened today. And again, there was ab ET shuttle headed to the airport. It was crowded, so I got to feel the push and shove of tons of people crammed onto a small bus.......not chickens though.

I suppose I should clarify that “ET” is the ID for Ethiopian Airlines.....not extra terrestrial!

I was sitting in the Gazebo pub tonight and I figured something out. “Holy schnitzel(shit), I am in Africa! Sorry mom for the reference to weaner's, but I watched people for 3 beers and only spotted 2 westerners! Thats when I smacked myself in the head and figured that I am really here! I met a couple from Germany who were motor cycling all of Africa. Sounds really cool to me.

Anyhooo, today was tough. I was teaching the FO's flows and checklists in a mock cockpit. Three of the guys are pretty good. They can actually grasp what they are getting into, but one kid is really having a tough time. I am probably gonna have to work on my day off with this kid to try and help him out. I am not sure it will help, but I gotta try.

I think I will sign off for now. I am going to watch some Discovery Channel re runs and hit the sack. Not a real sack......more like a cement driveway that has been peed on by the dog all summer.......sorry honey I am going to use all of the cool bedding mist I got for you in Washington DC. It will mask some of the room odor.

Oh yeah, I found out last night that the room walls are VERY thin. Earplugs barely silenced the Asian couple's honeymoon last night.

Reminded me of cheap motel in Lake Tahoe Bill! hahheehehe.

scty

Posted by Scott at 07:15 AM | Permalink