I have to say, the idea that a doctor comes to your house and gives you vaccinations on a Sunday afternoon without a surcharge strikes me a big mark for civilization. I had a quite a cocktail today of immunizations. Yellow Fever, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and to be followed with anti-marial tablets starting the day before I go and DEET spray against the bugs that carry Dengue. I feel more adventurous already just with the vaccinations!

After cocktail hour, we went for a long walk because it was momentarily dry and the boys had been waiting patiently all day. Today we had two young businessmen come to the door. Well, to the stoop in front of the door because Henry scared them with his barking. They were about 8 and they were interested in doing chores for ice cream money. I was very impressed and gave them the recycling to take out and bring back my carrier. Which they did. They were thrilled with the 2 euro coin I gave them. They couldn’t believe their good luck. I hope that whenever they get their ice cream, it is good. Of course, one scoop is about 1.50 euros so they still had to earn some more from my neighbors.

I have been practicing the banjo more regularly since I have some free time. It is coming along. I think by Wednesday’s lesson, my teacher will be able to tell that I have practiced.

I have been doing some research today on Ethiopia so I can have somewhat of an idea of what to expect. Tomorrow it is off to get the visa. And once that’s done, then travel can be booked. Oh, and during this week I have to pull together everything that I am going to be teaching for a week. It is a good thing I can improvise when necessary.

I am trying to strike the balance between my mom’s method of travel and mine. To prepare just enough without building up too many preconceived notions or anxieties. Mom always had me to be her logistics coordinator so she could just have big dreams about going and what she might see. I have to figure out how to fill both roles – dreamer and logistics. I will let you know how that goes!

Eliza is back in Amsterdam tomorrow night for one last work thing so we have plans to meet up. I am looking forward to it. It seems like everyone else I know right now is either just leaving for vacation or going within the week so it will be quiet around here for a few weeks. Hah, that sounds like I am Super Socialite. Definitely not!