Tuesday, October 23, 2012

road trip picinic

Expat Moms all over the city are scrambling to find things to do with their children this week during fall break.  The international schools are closed and everyone is frantically texting one another to piece together activities during the day so both Mama and kids don't go crazy.   I can't tell you how awesome it is to be connected to a great group of ladies who are currently staying at home with their children.  Many of them are doing so because they have recently brought a newborn back to Addis Ababa after being medically evacuated for the delivery.  There are tons of little ones at post now and I am loving all the Mom company that comes with that.

Five big SUV vehicles with diplomat plates left our neighborhood yesterday morning in a huge caravan to drive out of the city to Bethel Women's Center for a big picnic/BBQ.  The minute we hit the open road I sighed with relief.  Being in the city is so wearing and seeing the gorgeous rolling hills and eucalyptus forests as you get out of the city is so refreshing.

Bethel Women's Center is about 45 minutes outside of Addis Ababa.  It's a large enclosed forest area set up for group picnics.  Women in need of shelter live on the compound and create pottery, woven textiles and grow potted plants for sale to visitors.  You can bring food to grill on the large outdoor grills that the women will set up for you.  There is also a coffee ceremony that produces delicious tiny cups of Ethiopian coffee that are piled high with sugar.  Delicious!  There were twelve Moms or Nannies with children in our group yesterday.  It made for a fun afternoon and lots of play time for the kids.


All the moms packed something for the kids to eat.  Cheese burgers were grilled, precious bags of chips were opened and shared, vegetables were forced into the mouths of the children; the usual.  Everyone sat and ate, the kids ran and played and we all enjoyed the sun filtering through the eucalyptus trees.  It was a beautiful day to get out of the city.

The best part of the day was when the women brought out the small pottery wheel so the kids could have a turn at spinning pottery.  Both Adelaide and Arabella didn't want to quit when their turn had ended.
I think I see some pottery classes in our future.

5 comments:

The Gunning Family said...

Their Uncle Brian will be so proud of them!

Melinda Renee said...

Oh, pottery is sooo much fun - and I LOVE how Addie's tongue is almost sticking out... *grin* Cute!

Heather P. said...

What a nice day with your kids and friends. Your pictures are great, Sara!

Anonymous said...

beautiful photos as usual! You guys always find such fun and interesting things to do around where ou live! How do you do it??

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