For our sunday afternoon trip we went to the Addis Zoo. Although it was sad to see the animals in such small cages, we felt it was important to see this site and to help put money back in the Zoo. Since the cages were smaller than at home we did get to see the Lions up close and they were beautiful and VERY lazy! They are descendants of Selassie's lions and there was even one with a black mane! Since it was sunday many of the locals were also at the Zoo, so it was nice to feel like we were having a family outing as if we lived in Addis.
Afterwards we went to the Sheraton to see their beautiful gardens and fountains. We went with mixed emotions. We wanted to see the beautiful grounds but we couldn't help but feel a bit upset to see this huge beautiful rich hotel amongst such poverty. People struggle on a daily basis right next door to a hotel where people pay almost $400 a night. We still appreciated the experience and Mawerdi enjoyed seeing the fountains, she loves seeing water, while we enjoyed seeing the gardens. It was a quick trip and we were glad we went well.
“Be happy. It's one way of being wise.”
~ Sidonie Gabrielle
Hey... is that Dr. Who in the red phone booth with Mawerdi? Love these pictures of Mawerdi as I can see her physical and emotional growth. She is a natural before the camera and certainly loves being with Mommy and Daddy all the time. The gardens must have been a nice relief from some of the squalor that you have seen even though it was tinged with some guilt. You are trying to take in everything possible during your stay, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. Mawerdi will appreciate all the photos and stories that go with them all. My love to all three of you! hugs and kisses all around!!! Grandma
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