Aaaaah! Resort Spa Day

The care center is closed on Sundays so we all went out to a resort about 45 km outside of Addis Ababa. The drive took about 90 minutes and we were able to see how big Addis is. Driving out of the city, the countryside looks nothing like we think of when we think of Africa- because of it's elevation in the mountains this area is green with trees and plants. Because of the frequent heavy rains everything is kind of muddy right now and many of the roads are in bad shape, in part due to the rains. Traffic is interesting. We have seen no incidents of road rage despite the fact that, to us, people appear to be driving wherever they please. Another driver made a left hand turn in front of us and our driver just stopped and indicated for him to go ahead. In the US horns would be blaring, people yelling and fingers flying- but here it isn't like that at all. There are also people everywhere- including crossing 4 lanes of freeway like road. It all makes being a passenger more interesting than in the US. Oh and I can't forget the random cow, ox or goat crossing (or sometimes standing in the middle) of the road. Although, just in case someone reading thinks cows in the road are an Ethiopia thing, we have had the same experience in southern rural Utah.

The resort was very nice- they had a pool, lake, kayaks and a spa. They also had hot dogs for the kids which went a long way in changing their behavior this trip. They are not enjoying the food (travel tip- bring lots of snacks) and the things they want they can't have due to concerns about water contaminations. I was able to get an hour long full body massage for 160brr which is yes, read it and weep, about 18 dollars. The kids were able to go swimming and all in all it was a good day- although seeing the babies would have been even better.

For dinner we went to the Hilton (and yes to check it out to see about switching hotels- no decision has been made about changing but it never hurts to look around.) We actually ventured out without our guide in taxis and it has been the most authentic thing we have done so far which was nice. The taxi the rest of the group was riding in was in an accident before they even left the hotel so it's always an adventure. The big issue right now is that our hotel is in a predominately Muslim area which, in and of itself, is no issue. However, the mosque is within earshot of the hotel and the call for prayer is broadcast over a loud speaker and each day has been earlier and earlier and louder and louder. Today the call began at 3:50 am and of course it wakes everyone up. It continues for hours (although usually quiets enough to go back to sleep eventually.) We have heard this has been an issue for all the travel groups so travel tip- bring a white noise machine or earplugs. Also, there is still the matter of the rooster. Do you know that roosters crow around the clock, not just at sunrise? We do now!

Tomorrow we are getting custody of the babies so it should be a wonderful hectic crazy day!