The urge to get out of Addis has been
great, especially with a nine day half term holiday, but there is stuff i want
to get sorted at school – not least resource sourcing and purchasing. But
nothing is straightforward in Addis.
After an aborted trip last week where i
totally couldn’t find local manufacturers, i am forced to ask for Dr No for his
assistance in getting me over there. The thought of spending “alone” time with
him in a car is totally horrendous, so i persuade Ms J to join us and go mad with the cheque book.
However, when we do locate the compound all the managers are out in a meeting
and not expected back for the rest of the day. There is nothing else for it,
but to turn back to school again empty-handed.
The school has nothing, nada, vunsun. No
counters, dice, cards, toys, building blocks, rulers, pencil holders, et
infintum. These can be sourced in Mecato – Addis’ sprawling and claustrophobic
market-place. It’s a complete labyrinth so i want Yasin (weaselly purchasing
officer) to take me round with my “floating budget” of Birr 3,000. It’s my
money but apparently i am not allowed to be given it, but i think if Yasin is
with me, i might be trusted. However, unexpectedly Yasin has had a “Ring
Ceremony” (he can now kiss his bride-to-be) he has been given the entire week
off. This closely follows his mysterious 7 day medical certificate.
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