Addis Ababa

The city is much more modern than I would have possibly imagined. There are loads of tall buildings, and so much traffic I have trouble dealing with it. However, the Ethiopian approach to crossing the road is much like the college approach; walk out and make the traffic stop. However, that only works when the traffic is moving slow. If its going fast you still walk out, but just dodge the cars as they pass. I feel like walking on State's campus definitely prepared me for city life. The major road in Addis is known as Bole Road, and is where the up and coming business class hangs out. The guest house I will be staying in for most of the semester is located just off of Bole, so i should have lots of places to hang out. I think my favorite part of the city is the taxi service. There are three types of public transportation, taxis, minibuses, and buses. The taxis are more expensive and I tend to take the minibuses. They fit about 12 people in a minivan size vehicle. Needless to say, my knees don't really fit in the seats. I tend to have to sit at an angle, or get the back edge seat that has more leg room. I have been told not to take the buses because they are always packed, and you can get stuff stolen really easily. There was actually a goat that road in the minibus with us one day. It is less money for the sheep to ride though, since it sits on the floor. Overall, Addis is a very exciting city, and I could see myself living here in the future. Nick would be a big fan as well, seeing as everything is always chaotic, just how he likes it. Hope everyone is doing well back in the States.