Walking distance from our house is a little leather shop. They make belts, wallets and purses. I had been looking for a bag since we got here. One with zippers and flaps to keep curious hands from taking my things. I was so happy to stumble on this shop because they made me a bag exactly what I was needing.
While waiting for me in the leather shop Warren got his shoes (and toes) washed. There are thousands of these children in Addis who carry around a jug of water and a sponge and maybe some shoe polish. Sometimes they set up little kiosks on the street. This little guy was irresistible. Probably one of the most beautiful children we have seen here. I think it was the dimples that did us in :) Warren just had sandals on but this little guy wanted so badly to "shine" Warren's shoes. He was very meticulous in scrubbing each little strap of sandal! Warren's feet were nice and clean too :)
Warren and I have spent some time lately going to different markets looking for a few furnishings and curtains. We have moved to a new location into a house with a bit more room. (Lots of room for company :) So the other day we spent an unexpected few hours walking all over an area of the city looking for a certain store that sold traditional furniture. We were sent all over the place and never did find the store we were told about. A couple of very common English words they know here are "maybe" and "possible" Now Warren and I joke and will say "Maybe this way, possible?" and point our hands in opposite directions.
We did end up finding a workshop where they make traditional style furniture. Here is the first thing we purchased (after mattresses to sleep on that is!)
This is one of the leather workers that makes the cushions for the couches and chairs.
Some orders ready to be picked up. The backs of the chairs is leather handwoven.
I had assumed that the carving on the tables, chairs, and couches etc, was done by machines, but we were shown into the shop where the carving is done...By HAND! Picture men sitting at different tables on stools, with wood shavings all around them on the counter and floor. The sun shining through the tall windows showing the dust in the air and the wonderful smell of wood. Pieces of furniture spread around partially finished or done and ready to be assembled. They sit at their tables using a utility knife to carve out designs that are stamped onto the wood. One man had been working there for 35 years. They are very proud of their work and want to show it off. It is very very beautiful. There is also a shop where they make hand woven cotton garments, blankets and window coverings.
This is where ladies are making Injera, the traditional bread that they wrap pieces of around their food and eat with their fingers. It is a large crepe like bread made from sourdough teff. I''m not quite sure how to describe the smell in this factory. It alternates between the yummy smell of fresh baking bread and something sour .....not quite sure what!
This has to be my favorite video yet. This sight is more common that you would think. Abote said that if it had been a goat there would be a ruckus, but a sheep has a very different nature.
This is what woke me up at 2 am last nite! Turn your volume up nice and loud and then try to go to sleep.....This same song had at least 8 verses of the same thing. Needless to say I was NOT amused but had to record it to play at the breakfast table the next morning and for future laughs.... I am not laughing yet
Last but not least: Comedy hour at the Kipp dinner table. Carolyn is always quick to say something that gets us laughing. This night she had brought her extendable fork to supper. Cameron was late to the table so we had time to set up a video. Rosemary was sitting between Cameron and Carolyn so you can imagine how long this fork is :)
