Jupiter International Hotel Addis Ababa

... even a first floor. Perhaps even more amazing than this, as yet, unexplained work of structural engineering, is the fact that along with the churches (dating from the 12th century) the spiritual life of Lalibela has stayed in tact. Robed priests bless passers-by with their big, ornamented crosses as they walk the streets or pray in the church. Believers pilgrim to the churches to stand at the door in references, kiss its frame and then lie or kneel before a picture of a saint. Hundreds ...

... and landed at the new, very modern airport. I had a four-hour layover, which seemed longer and then we boarded another Ethiopian flight for Paris. This one is full. I'm sitting next to a young Zambian boy scout on his way to Germany for a camp. And in front of me to the left and behind are parents with very young children (read: crying babies). I've put my in-ear phones on, turned on the ipod, and hope to get some sleep.<br>

... to make an onward connection. London's the best place in the world from which to see the rest of it, but I have a strict rule against two consecutive nights on board a plane, so I booked a cheapie room in advance. In London that means Earl's Court or Belgrave by Victoria Station. I got a killer deal close to the Vic Station for twenty-four quid with breakfast, Internet too if I'm lucky. Of course he doesn't have change, 'pay ...

... as our taxi driv** seemed to be driving around in circles and then again we couldn't find anoth** recommended travel agency - it had recently moved locations. Running short on time (we had an aft**noon flight to catch and wanted to visit the M**kato), we decided to hunt for a 4th agency (no long** th**e, of course), but luckily found a 5th one a few doors down. Aft** a couple of hours (and much foiling by the credit card machine), we decided we had to leave if we ...

... to southern Sudan that got high**********shore of Somalia - we will probably need some time as well, the queue was horrendously long. We are still hopeful that we can make it through to Egypt and onwards. This evening we will celebrate 12 and a half years of marriage. We still have to congratulate Joyce, Wendy with their birthdays, and Eric with the one that can be celebratyed tomorrow. Addis

... Obama indeed bring an element of cooperation and dialogue that has been lacking in recent American politics?  Will Obama, or any American leader for that matter, really deliver sound governance to Ethiopia?  In the last matter, at least, I fear real risks for dependency and disillusionment on the part of the Ethiopian people.              If nothing else can be said for sure, however, it is clear that Ethiopians are allowing themselves the audacity to hope.   

... and the growth and accomplishment being worked out in each of us individually as a result of our having taken this step. It's been a month now since my friend returned home, but I am thinking of her especially tonight, when another gloomy rainfall marked the departure of yet another friend. Their leaving is a reminder of how personal this experience is, providing a unique journey and meaning to each that undertakes it. And to both of them back in the U.S., each for very ...

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... if he agreed this should be. No more than 5 seconds could have actually elapsed from the time Arvid had been spit on. After seeing his aim true, Arvid turned to leave. People had stopped in front and back of the three of us on the sidewalk and one man shouted, "The man is mad, he is mad!" Maybe he was, but maybe he was the embodiment of an evil African spirit testing Arvid to see if he was worthy to enter sub-Saharan Africa and acquire the secret wisdom of the dark continent. Irina ...

... before our scheduled meeting with the worldwide director of Peace Corps, who, due to the importance of Peace Corps' reentry to Ethiopia, would be attending our swearing-in ceremony later in the day. (And whose last name sounds exactly and tantalizingly similar to a certain kind of cheese, definitely unavailable in Ethiopia, which we have all been missing terribly.) It was a nice gathering in which we presented our training staff with certificates, spent ...