So about my first day here. Millie Varley and I arrived in Addis Ababa Sunday night (Ethiopian time) around 9:00, so we didn't get to see too much of the city except for all the lights. I couldn't help but notice how many people walk to get places! People were all over the road! (No, not sidewalk, the ROAD.) If a car was coming, they would take their time to get out of the way. It was... different than what I'm used to. I'm used to people walking on the sidewalks or the very side of the road and hurrying as fast they can to get out of the way. Not here!
Something else that threw me for a loop was how there aren't any lines on the roads! The cars try the best they can to drive "in lanes" but there aren't any markings so it's hard to know. I don't think I could handle that.... I'd probably be everywhere! A little driving on the left side.... then the right side..... then the middle....... everywhere. The roads aren't even straight either. There's so many curves it's hard to follow. I'm kind of curious why they didn't make the roads straight because that seems like it would be so much easier to drive on!
Millie and I got to our hostels and moved right in. Thankfully, we have hostels right next to each other! :) They're like a little, tiny apartment! They're very nice, but the shower and toilet were a little difficult to get figured out and used to... Here's a few pictures of the inside and outside!
Everyone at ILRI is very friendly and willing to help you out if you ever need anything. They're all understanding that I'm still trying to get used to everything and adjusting to the culture here. It's a very welcome and open environment.
Our first day at work was basically just an orientation. Millie and I got a tour of the whole campus. It's extremely beautiful and colorful! There are so many interesting plants all over the campus! I've never seen most of them before, so it's really cool! Also, just about all of the plants are labeled with their scientific name, so if you want to look up some information on one of the plants, feel free! :) Now, legitimately at work today, we just got a tour of the building we'll be working for the next 8 weeks, was shown the labs, and started on some of our research! Pretty exciting:)
Funny story that happened today! First, I dressed in a long-sleeved plaid shirt, jeans, a belt, and boots. So as Dr. Jean Hanson was giving Millie and me a tour of the building, she also introduced us to some of the people we will also be working with. The funny thing was that one of the workers asked if I was from Texas because of my belt and plaid shirt! Talk about stereotypes! Well, overall it was a great first day, and I can't wait for my second day of work! :)
Very nice -- not boring at all! And your own little house, quite the deal!
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