Timkat (Epiphany)...and Tedi!!

Gary got quite the sensory treat on his first day in Ethiopia.  It was full of culture, religion, tastes, smells...and smiles. 

Today is Timkat -- a very important Ethiopian Orthodox holiday which celebrates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. 

Right outside our hotel we watched the procession of priests, in their colorful robes and umbrellas, accompanying a model of the Ark of the Covenant--called The Tabot.  Apparently, The Tabot represents the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah when he came to the Jordan for baptism.

The festivities and celebrations include the clergy performing dances and songs, the elderly marching, women dancing freely and children playing with sticks. The celebrations will last long into the night until the Arc is safely returned to its regular home and tomorrow families will feast together.

I was especially happy to share this fun day with my dear friend from Denver, Tedi Bicha, who is back in Ethiopia for a visit.  Tedi was born in Ethiopia and moved to Israel with his 3 younger brothers when he was a young teenager.  In 2009 he moved from NYC to Denver and lived with me for about a year.  When I got my referral for Bamlak, he was visiting Ethiopia and was one of the first people to ever meet my new daughter--when she was still at the Biftu orphanage.  He couldn't wait to see her again!

Gary, Jennifer, Tedi and I went out for a truly delicious Ethiopian meal at Addis Restaurant.  Gary ensures us that it is the best injera he has had yet in Ethiopia.  Here we all are in front of our Angel/driver Mengistu's Fiat taxi.  Mengi claims it a 2003 but we are thinking more circa 1975.  Sadly, an hour after this, it broke down with a clutch linkage issue. 

A coffee stop was also part of Gary's first day.  Gary, Jen, Bami, Bedasa and I walked to THE coffee spot--the place which Rick thinks is the best coffee in Addis.  Since some people consider Ethiopia to be a major coffee capital of the world, that was a pretty big recommendation.

Love from Addis,
--Jen and ....