Instead had beakfast, called Wendensen, the local "GSK" approved taxi driver and got myself just after 8 am to the internet shops near edna mall, opposite the Medhane Alem Cathedral.
I went in to the only open shop of 4, and was told that the modems were 1700 - 1900 birr ( about $120). Nearly feel over as didnt expect it to be so much. Apologised and retreated to the ATM in the adjacent mall and luckly got some money out. Went back only to find that shop closed and noteh ropen, The cost was higher at 1955 birr and afre some failed negotiation bought it. After the paper work was filled in went upstairs to the Ethiopian Telecommunication office to register the modem - another 230 birr. After about 20 min back to the shop to buy the pre-paid cards ( 700 birr for 4GB a month) whilc is recharged on the first of every month. Needed about 2 mths worth as these cards may not be available up north.I had been watching all the people entering the cathedral grounds opposite for the end of the fast days and celebrating the feast day. I wandered over and watched awhile - so passionate are people about their christianity, I was impressed. Later having a coffee the ashedne girls came singing and dancing along the street.
(its one not too dissimilar to what I saw). The festival Ashenda is a Tigraian traditional festival which takes place in August to mark the ending of fasting called filseta. This event is mostly for girls and young women, which they await very eagerly every year. It is unique to the people in the state of Tigrai which is in northern Ethiopia. The name of the festival "Ashenda" comes from the name of a tall grass that the girls make into a skirt and wear it around their waist as a decoration.i got into teh office for teh first time and meet up with Bridget and Laura and was introduced to all the folks. The office is located in Haya Hayulet area. It is a fascinating area with clothes shops and other household items, live sheep and goats everywhere.
We went for lunch ( Birkti, Laura, Bridget and myself ) down the muddy and water filled street. We passesd a 24 hr condom stall and finally made it to a restaraunt which served kitfo (raw meat) and Tibs ( cooked meat) wrapped in enjera and dipped in a spicey sauce. The restaraunt had a hut where men were cutting raw meat from hooks into pieces to be served. We sat in a courtyard area and placed an order - the cooked meat was a bit dry but tasty with the sauce. We then strolled back and sat in a coffee shop for a while, watching kids wsh cars, shoeshine boys offer to do our shoes and a couple of beggars.
It was an intersting day, immersing more into ethiopian culture.
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