Sadly, the rats returned to my house after only 2 or 3 days of freedom. Perhaps they were there the entire time, but I didn't notice any rat droppings for a few days, so I was optimistic. Last night though, I couldn't sleep. I heard at least two rats scurrying around in the kitchen and in the attic/ceiling above my bed. I felt foolish to be afraid of them, but I didn't want to encounter another rat in my bed. I slept with the light to deter them from coming into my bedroom. The traps are set, so there's not much else that can be done. I may or may not be changing housing arrangements...not because of the rats, but for logistical reasons. Apparently, the guesthouse that I'm currently living in is only for short-term guests. This week, I had to share the house with other people for the first time. Two men and one women stayed for two nights. I didn't really mind the company, but it was awkward to have people in what has become my private space. I also wasn't happy with their level of cleanliness...the bathroom was left muddy and full of water and crumbs and wrappers were left in the living room. I might be moved to more permanent staff housing if there is an apartment available. The good thing would be having my own space and privacy, but the not so good thing would be having a lower quality house with spotty amenities (the water goes out almost daily). Anyway, I spend so much time in my office that it doesn't really matter where I live!
Yesterday, I taught the high school Access students in Harar for about one hour. We did a speaking/pronunciation lesson which covered consonant clusters, minimal pairs, and tongue twisters. I think the students enjoyed the opportunity to speak freely and make "silly" noises. After teaching, I had to stop by the travel agent in Harar to book my ticket to Addis Ababa. In about a week and half, I will be traveling to Jimma (in the western part of Ethiopia) to present at a conference about "Maximizing the Conditions for Language Learning". I'm really excited to partake in my first teacher training! I also used an ATM for the first time here (I needed to pay for my plane ticket in cash). I've been worried about whether or not my American Visa card would be accepted here. The first bank I tried was an unsuccessful attempt, but I was able to withdraw money at the second bank I tried.
Yesterday, I taught the high school Access students in Harar for about one hour. We did a speaking/pronunciation lesson which covered consonant clusters, minimal pairs, and tongue twisters. I think the students enjoyed the opportunity to speak freely and make "silly" noises. After teaching, I had to stop by the travel agent in Harar to book my ticket to Addis Ababa. In about a week and half, I will be traveling to Jimma (in the western part of Ethiopia) to present at a conference about "Maximizing the Conditions for Language Learning". I'm really excited to partake in my first teacher training! I also used an ATM for the first time here (I needed to pay for my plane ticket in cash). I've been worried about whether or not my American Visa card would be accepted here. The first bank I tried was an unsuccessful attempt, but I was able to withdraw money at the second bank I tried.
After paying for my ticket, I met my friend, Mesfin, for kitfo. While eating, we talked about traditional clothing. Mesfin said that he'd be more than willing to help me communicate with some of the vendors and merchants in order to purchase a traditional dress. Since the market was just across the street, we stopped by there after lunch. I looked around at all of the various bolts of fabric. There were a lot of neat patterns, but a certain design caught my eye. It was "topshelf" and about $2 USD more than the others, but still a steal at $8 USD for a simple dress and cover shawl/scarf.
When I got back to campus from Harar, I tried on my new dress. This traditional dress style is still worn by many women in the Oromia and Harar region. Younger women in urban areas are more likely to be found wearing skinny jeans, blouses, and heels, but in the countryside "dria" is still the typical attire. Luckily, the "dria" fit me although the head hole was barely big enough for me to squeeze through. I decided to wear it the rest of the evening. I had been invited to have dinner at my housekeeper, Almaz's, house. She lives just outside of campus in the town of Bati.
When I got back to campus from Harar, I tried on my new dress. This traditional dress style is still worn by many women in the Oromia and Harar region. Younger women in urban areas are more likely to be found wearing skinny jeans, blouses, and heels, but in the countryside "dria" is still the typical attire. Luckily, the "dria" fit me although the head hole was barely big enough for me to squeeze through. I decided to wear it the rest of the evening. I had been invited to have dinner at my housekeeper, Almaz's, house. She lives just outside of campus in the town of Bati.
I walked to town and met her; she was so surprised to see me wearing traditional clothing. Her house was meager, but warm and welcoming. She prepared doro wot, a sort of chicken stew. She told me that she owned two chickens, but killed one of them to prepare this meal. I felt honored. The food was delicious and even though we couldn't communicate well, we had a great time! After dinner, we each had a shot of "double ouzo" liquor to aid our digestion. Then, we had a typical coffee ceremony; Almaz burned some incense and made the coffee in a traditional pot. We ate popcorn along with our coffee. While I stayed at Almaz's house for about three hours, so many people came and went. Almaz provided 7 people with dinner that night! She is a very generous woman and helps out everyone that she can. One of the girls that stopped by is living in a tiny house that Almaz owns (her son used to use the room to study). Almaz found her crying in the road one day and stopped to ask her what was wrong. The woman had been abandoned by her husband; they had been together 6 years, but he left when she hadn't borne him any children. Almaz's cousin also stopped by with her two beautiful children. I immediately took to her daughter and held her in my arms; she was so tired that she fell asleep in my lap. It was wonderful to share such time connecting with locals. It was the first traditional style house that I've been inside of; even though it was small, plain, and simple, it felt like a home!
I added a few new photos to my album, Ethiopia Month 2:
https://plus.google.com/photos/113203084550986862848/albums/5939121436542437361
I added a few new photos to my album, Ethiopia Month 2:
https://plus.google.com/photos/113203084550986862848/albums/5939121436542437361