So today I rode a camel. Epic!!! Now, I know you can ride camels in America. In fact, when I told my family that one of my goals while in Africa was to ride a camel they informed me that you can ride camels in America and that I didn’t need to travel all the way to Africa to accomplish this goal. I understand that, but is it cooler to say, “I rode a camel in Illinois!” or, “I rode a camel in Ethiopia!” The answer is Ethiopia. Obviously. So, I rode a camel in Ethiopia!
It was a fantastic time. Just wonderful. Last weekend, we told Amen that we needed to ride a camel before leaving Ethiopia. He said he would take us to the beer factory this weekend…because clearly a beer factory is the place to find camels? Strangely enough, it’s true. Don’t worry, I was sure to remind him every day this week. I had my hopes way up. He followed through, and my dreams came true today when Kendra, Kaela, our new guest (who just arrived from America today, and jumped right on a camel!), Amen and I all headed to the beer factory for some camel riding. There were also monkeys running around, which just made my day even better.
We all had a pretty awesome time, I believe. I know I did! Oddly enough, Amen was the most afraid. He keeps claiming that the camel tried to “kick him” in the face with his head. It was kind of hilarious to watch him. I went first, and after struggling to climb onto the little fellow was instantly surprised at how tall he was when he stood up. Woah! I was high! Luckily, it turns out it’s pretty darn easy to ride a camel. He even did a little running while I was on him, and I didn’t fall off. Because I’m the best camel rider ever.
The area was called Sebata, and it was very pretty. It was just outside of Addis, and there were lots of pretty trees and even a waterfall! It was like a little paradise. Especially since there was a camel there. I’m just so happy I got to ride one today…time is running out and I was seriously concerned that I wouldn’t achieve my goal! But, worry no more, I’ve done it. AND, big news, I’ve also checked “befriend donkey” off of my list. I know I see donkeys all over here (everyone else knows too, because I still point them out all the time, even though I’ve lived here for nearly three months), and so befriending one should be easy enough. But generally they just walk right on by and the opportunity just hasn’t presented itself. A few days ago, however, a donkey just turned and walked right over to me! It was pretty clear that he wanted to say hi and be my best friend forever. Good thing, cause I really needed a donkey friend. I’m feeling so accomplished these days…donkey befriended, camel ridden…oh it’s so fantastic.
Let’s see…what else can I tell you…
Nothing much besides the ordinary day care and after school stuff has been going on here. I still love the kids, and I’m getting a little bit stressed out about saying goodbye to them. Two weeks from today, and I’ll be on a plane heading back to America. I can’t believe it! Time has gone by so fast. I mean, I’m totally pumped for that burrito that I requested be waiting for me at the airport (okay, and to see all my peeps back home) but I’m going to be super bummed to say bye to all my peeps here! We’ll see how that goes. Until then, Kendra and I plan on having a fantastic, awesome, wonderful, exciting last two weeks. We’ve got more souvenirs to buy, a list of things to take pictures of, and all sorts of other things to do!
Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now! Time for me to go eat some shiro. I’m pretty pumped to make some for everyone at home, btw…. J
You have accomplished so-o-o much in 3 months. It's amazing! I'll check on that burrito.
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