Meskel

There are two holidays resulting in one and and a half days off for the students. But not for two of the school managers.

Demera sees the school close at lunch-time on Wednesday which is followed on Thursday by Meskel - the "finding of the True Cross" apparently. After eating a dodgy burger my bowels won't permit me to join up with Derbo - my Ethiopian brother for the festivities and mass bonfire in Meskel Square here in Addis.

Meskel also marks the end of rainy season. So every one tells me, but i remain sceptical. This is after all the 21st century and our climate has been completely screwed over by mankind. And anyway, there are no schedules in Ethiopia. Time has little or no meaning here. 

But once again i am proved wrong, it's the first completely dry day (and night)  i have experienced. 

The rainy season has played havoc with the poor Chinese constructed Addis roads with scores of deep pot-holes even on the major highways, let alone the unpaved tracks by school.