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