Mullet was our driver and guide. I have to say we always felt safe because of the terrific staff. We had decided to take the boys with us. Mullet seemed a bit concerned about our decision but honored it. I think he was concerned it would be too much for the boys and us. Caution to the wind, we all went together.
About 10 of us climbed into the van and we headed to go shopping. Driving in Ethiopia takes special skills. The roads are narrower and you are dodging people, chickens, goats, cows and the occasional sleeping person. The exhaust is choking. I don’t think there’s much in the way of garbage removal. The garbage was everywhere. At the stoplights the beggars plead for money. Others try to sell tissue, gum or what ever. It’s really hard to resist the temptation to give money. 
We arrived at this nice mall. It didn’t require haggling over prices. When we got there I put K on my back in the snugly. Rick had T. Rick needed to stop at the bank for money. Mullet offered to take care of T. Rick went into the bank and Mullet took everyone up stairs to the third floor. He tried to get me to come but I didn’t want to just leave Rick alone at the bank. What if he came out and no one was there and started to wonder only to get lost. So there I stood not listening to Mullet’s instructions. After he got everyone situated he came back down and told me to go up stairs. I explained my concern and he said he would wait for Rick. Off K and I went. Only communication with Mullet isn’t the best. He speaks very good English but I didn’t pick up all of what he said. Like where up the stairs I was suppose to go. Instead of Rick wondering around lost I was. Someone noticed my distress and pointed up to the third floor. They took a chance I belonged with the other white Americans.
On the third floor were many wonderful shops. My goal was to buy a Christmas present for the boys for each year until they reached 18. Until I saw this beautiful painting. It’s of people with their umbrella’s at Timkit. The colors are beautiful. When Rick joined me I showed him the picture and he fell in love too. That took a big chunk of the spending money we had brought. We did get other cool stuff too but not enough to make sure the boys have a present from Ethiopia for each Christmas. We’ll just have to go back!
After we were done shopping we went to a coffee shop and a bookstore. We picked up some traditional Ethiopian stories in English. While waiting for the rest of the group to finish T, K and I waited at the front of the store. At one point T called me to get my attention and pointed out the glass door. When I looked I saw a beautiful man standing there. Apparently he had been playing with T. When we left we asked him if we could take his picture. He said yes with a twinkle in his eye. His eyes were the same as our birthfather’s eyes, smiling, warm and friendly. After we took his picture we slipped him some money. This is a bit tricky because others who have already gathered around can become more aggressive. Notice the handmade shoes.
After shopping we went to an Ethiopian museum. It was very informative on their culture and history. T started to get cranky because he wanted his dad to carry him. Dad wanted T to walk because Dad was getting tired. After the museum we went back to Horizon House. There we ate lunch and put the boys down for their naps. Rick and I packed for our return trip home. We knew that once the boys woke we wouldn’t have much time to do any packing.
After the boys woke up we needed to attend the coffee ceremony, eat dinner, say our good-byes and go to the airport 3hours early. The rest in another post.
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