Wednesday, July 20, 2011

My Apologies to Africa

Many, many times in my life I've said the phrase, "Wow, it's like AFRICA hot out here!" For as long as I can remember I've used "Africa hot" to describe instances of extreme-feeling heat, and we live in a climate where the temps are in the 80s or 90s or even near 100 degrees F for about 6 months out of the year!

But, lo and behold, now that we are actually preparing for a trip to Africa, do you know what we had to do?

Buy LONG-UNDERWEAR for the trip!

True story. Oh YES we did!

Apparently the temps. in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia range from 50 to 70 degrees F this time of year and the guest house where we are staying does not have heat!

Now I realize 50 degrees in not all that cold to many of you Northerners, but to us, it's winter, y'all!

So, I really must extend my apologies to Africa for grossly misrepresenting it as a completely hot continent! I will now refer to unbearably hot weather as "Texas hot" or "Oklahoma hot".

_________________

While shopping for long-underwear on Amazon.com, my husband came across these




and we had a good laugh over the thought of actually purchasing them, but in the end decided to go with 2 piece models. I know the other families sharing the guesthouse with us are sad with this decision.

_________________


Another funny moment from our Ethiopia trip planning was when my husband was studying the Ethiopia Amharic phrasebook and suddenly announced: "Wow, the Amharic word for 'diarrhea' is like 8 syllables!"

Praying we don't have cause to actually utter that 8 syllable word during our trip!

I am packing multiple toothbrushes because I know at least one of the four of us (and likely we'll all do it at some point) will forget and run our toothbrush under the faucet instead of going to the bottled water!
_________________

Speaking of not being able to drink water from the faucet. Remember this post about 1st world problems? Well, I did show my kids the video, they requested to watch it several times. And I've heard them say to each other several times since, "That sounds like a 1st world problem" when they catch each other whining about something minor. I love it!

_________________

Happy Friday Everyone!

Mommy's Idea


6 comments:

  1. Cool. In so many ways. Not just in your choice of firehouse undies. I live in a developing country, and it's not half as hot as Africa. or Michigan. The toothbrush thingie is way overrated. There's always a pill for those amoebas, parasites, etc. Don't sweat the small stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh wow, my good buddy just came from addis ababa meeting her children. i pray you have a wonderful and fulfilling trip!!

    aw, those long johns are great!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an interesting post! I too have always said, "It's like Africa hot!" hahaha Guess I will have to change that...Have a good week-end!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It sounds like we're having the same weather as Ethiopia right now. Logically I know Africa has got to have cold spots but it's a little like South America in that I always just think "BUT it's SOUTH of here so it MUST BE HOT!" Which is so stupid, I know haha!

    Have a safe trip, it sounds really amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I forgot and ran my toothbrush under the water in Africa. I had to take Pepto Bismol. You might want to take some tablets too just encase you need them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so excited for you Alison! I hope you have a wonderful trip...and get to bring your baby home soon :)

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you think!