Sunday 15th

Up at the crack briskly. Have to meet kids this morning for special treat.
We're taking them up Entoto mountain.
Brief shower - water was off all yesterday, then out the door. Kids arrive
one by one, then we walk to mini bus to Siddis Kilo. Another short bus to
Entoto market then begin our walk stopping at cafe for coffee, cake and
water for walk.
After fourty five minutes of huffing and puffing, one of the girls has a
hissy fit and says she can't walk any further (thankyou!). We catch mini
bus up rest of the way and get off at top about 500 meters above Addis,
itself at about 2100 meters. The main feature here is the Orthodox church,
being Sunday, there is a service going on with the crowd spilling out the
door. We walk to the other side and find a hidden gem. Emperor Menelick II
built his first palace here. A humble collection of cottages in the
traditional Ethiopian style. The view is spectacular. An old guide takes
us around then we all run amok in the various buildings.
The kids love it here, most have never seen.
Back through the church grounds where wedding party has just left the
church - it's mad. Singing and dancing in a procession. All in traditional
costume. We follow, then dart to the right to a little museum. Take guided
tour then begin the descent, by foot again. Much easier.
Arriving back home, I make plans on my own again. Probably the last time
before our trip north.
Mini bus to Arat then Sheraton. Navigate the bus system here like a pro now.
The Sheraton is really a western theme park - bizarre. But the heated
pool, palm trees, complimentary beach towel and lounge chair bar service
is enough to convince me of it's reality. Laps of the pool, G & T, watch
the sun go down.
Walk to Klaxanches (new spelling), then Atlas, then Hiya Houlett. Shola
for quick Panorama internet stop. No taxis so walk up Shola market street
to ring road, then mini bus traffic plice stop then home.
Re-heat lunch pasta and movie with Tim on couch.