Another Step Closer

Good day today. 

Today was the day to file for passports for the kids.  We received Ibssa’s Ethiopian birth certificate yesterday.  We were to check it to ensure all info was correct.  It was Ibssa Paul Gresty – has a nice ring to it.  Although his name will become Ibssa Jemal Gresty after we come back to Canada.  Their Ethiopian certificate must have the father’s name contained in the child’s name.

 We were all meeting downstairs to leave at 9:30.  Once we got together Rob mentioned that Ephram’s certificate showed that Rob was from a different country other than Canada – Ooops that’s a problem.  A couple phone calls later and all would be fixed up by the time we got to immigration.   We all left and met Grematchew at Immigration Office.  It didn’t seem to be a big deal as we were done in about an hour.  It did seem however that we were given expedited service.  We’re not sure if it was because we were being represented by Grematchew, or because we were adopting or maybe just because we were white.  After seeing the long lines it really didn’t seem fair to the rest of the people. 

The other 2 couples headed back to the guesthouse while Karen, Ibssa and I were going shopping.  We had setup Markos to pick us up at immigration.  The rain started once again but this time it came with hail.  Good thing we were in the car.  People were running like crazy.  I think it would really hurt if you were caught in that. 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcos took us to the perimeter of the city.  A lot of the thread for the scarves are made there.  There is also a lot of pottery shops.  He took us to a small one where everything is handmade.  It was good price so Karen stocked up.  As I’m not a shopper, I wouldn’t know what was a good price so I just tagged along.  The next stop was a small enterprise market.  This is a market that small entrepreneur can sell their wares at a fair price.  Again prices were cheap.  It’s nice to shop where there are not beggers at every turn. Markos seems to know where to go.  Karen purchased an outfit for Ibssa, a shawl and a purse.  Next stop – the holy market.  This is a market that happens for two weeks after the orthodox 16 day fast. This market is similar to what we would see at a home show and fair combined.  There were many buildings with separate booths of just about anything. Karen bought spices, tea, and a Tom and Jerry outfit for Ibssa.  We ended our shopping with the purchase of honey wine.  First we tasted the 3 varieties.  Non- alcoholic, medium alcohol, and strong.  We decided to purchase 2 medium wines and one non-alcoholic for the kids.  This is a traditional drink and it is really good.  How could it not be with honey in it!

We returned back to the guesthouse where we relaxed for about an hour before supper.  The group of us decided we would order out and get a smorgasbord of food from the Greek restaurant and share it all.

 Without a nap, Ibssa was out like a light by 7:30 so the day was done.

Chow for now

Paul