Yesterday was long. I never really got to sleep, so today and yesterday have blended together, making it feel like one miserable stretch of time. Despite my lack of sleep, the actual day was great.
In the morning I went to work for my final goodbyes. I can’t believe that just 24 hours ago I was in the Hawassa office. I took part in the morning prayer/devotion, wished everyone well, and then off I went.
Although the Hawassa airport is very minimal, I was happy to pass my time in waiting drinking a cup of coffee.
I’m really getting used to this loose type of airport security these days. I accidentally brought a pocket knife not just through security but through the metal detector and all they did was put it back through the luggage screener—I’ve previously been put on some type of list in the U.S. for the same mistake. The flight from Hawassa to Addis (my first of three) was only about 40 minutes.
I was very glad to be able to spend the day in Addis. The team there is very kind and I just enjoy the city. I arrived just in time for lunch and then I spent the rest of the afternoon doing tourist activities with a buddy from WFG who took the day off to act as my tour guide.
We went to the National Historic Museum (or something like that) in the heart of Addis. It was a great museum. It wasn’t packed to the gills with artifacts, there weren’t a million people, and it cost under $1 USD. It was also set out in a way I really enjoyed. There were interesting facts and stories on the walls, accompanied by paleontological artifacts, and observing everything took only about an hour.
I got to the airport at 7pm, five hours before my flight. Everyone from the office had gone home, my driver for the day wanted to do the same, and so I was dumped at the international departures.
I had dinner, did a bit of work and then failed terribly at trying to nap. If I had one recommendation for airports, it wouldn’t be cots, beds, nor loungers (although that’s not a bad idea), but a dedicated dark and quiet space for those who need a little nap.
My flight left at 12:30 (technically overstaying my visa by 30 minutes) and over the course of the night I made my to Mwanza and am now on my way to Shinyanga. I am very tired, so all of those travels will be included in tomorrow’s blog.