Eyerusalem, Part II

Eyerus and Lucy
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Wednesday was shopping day when all of the families were taken to shops to buy gifts and souvenirs.  The first shop was too small for our large group and more expensive than the Haile Selassie shop I had heard about and we eventually did make it to that store.  Eyerus likes to shop and especially likes things packaged in shiny paper. I got her a few things to help remind her of her native country.

Thursday was Museum Day where we were taken to the National Museum which has the famous Lucy skeleton and other Ethiopian treasures including a throne used by Emperor Menelik II and some modern art.  We also went to the Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa University.  The highlight of this museum is that it is situated in Emperor Haile Selassie's former palace and some of the rooms have the original furniture complete with bullet holes from a coup attempt.  There are also exhibits about the lifestyle of the different peoples of Ethiopia.  This museum is more professionally exhibited than the National Museum.  Eyerus liked some of the art work but otherwise was not impressed. She liked it most when I took her picture in front of the real item I wanted to photograph.

Exploring Addis with Eyerus

Menelik's throne
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Friday was play and party day.  All of the children at the older children's care center were taken to the Ghion Park to play and then after their naps there was a Farewell Party for the children that were leaving.  The children sang songs for us, the nannies and teachers all said prayers for the children, and parents made statements of appreciation for the care the center gave their children.  It was an emotional affair.  Then we headed back to the guest center and said good-bye to all of the families that were leaving the evening.  Two other families were staying longer besides Sue and myself.  It was sad seeing them all go.