Last night it rained hard. The first real test for my tent. The good news, it held up well and I was completely dry. Yay!!! The rain stopped by morning in time for riding. It must have been a cold front because today was cool enough that you needed a jacket for riding. Some difference needing a jacket versus 100+ degrees a week ago.
Today's ride ended with a great long downhill. That was the highlight for the day. It was a bad day with the kids. I got hit with rocks in three separate incidents with another five that missed. But the proverbial straw that broke the camels back was ... a kid spit on me this morning (a lot of riders got spit on, must be a new tactic in this area). The scenery is beautiful here in Ethiopia but I would never come back here. I would never tell anyone to visit here. I would tell people to avoid this country. The kids are out of control and are doing whatever they want. Even when adults are in the vicinity they mostly do nothing when they see it. These are "Children of the Corn" type kids.(Movie reference to an old horror movie).
I say ENOUGH! Beam me up Scotty! I want to be out of Ethiopia. The kids can have this country. Many riders are voicing the same...
I have seen a reason behind the kids. They have come to see a caucasian face as someone who is going to give them something. Example: the Red Cross had just been through the last couple of days and the kids were holding up new pens that they were given. As we rode by they held them up and said, "you give". And since we didn't give them anything they would hit us or throw stones. The kids have gotten an entitlement attitude. When they see us they expect us to give them something. When we don't, they act. The Red Cross, Missionary groups, Aid workers, etc. have created this horrible situation by handing out things. Unlike an organization like Habitat for Humanity where you have to work and show responsibility to earn the help. There is so much the kids could do to help this country like pick up the trash or help with the schools. Anything to earn the handouts that they have come to feel entitled to.
I'm sorry, I have resorted to preaching. Not appropriate. I am just at my limit with the situation.
One of the riders had his free wheel hub damaged by a large rock. It was an internal gear hub which means the bike is done until parts can be sent which is a very long time.
Oh Mike, that's terrible, frustrating, irritating, and so many other adjectives. When do you leave Ethiopia?
ReplyDeleteGlad you got a downhill Ride in today. Sounds like you needed it after all the climbing.
It's just cold cold cold and more cold here in dismal Chicago. Depressing doesnt even come close to describing my feelings about the current weather conditions. Even though you have kids throwing rocks (which is wrong on so many levels) be grateful for the sun on your face, trees that have green on them & warmth.
Best, Pam
Mike-Your assessment of Ethiopia coincides with Englishman Ted Simon's comments regarding his motorcycle trip described in his book "Jupiter's Travels", "In Ethiopia, for once, I allowed myself the luxury of a generalisation. Two words described them all to me. F#%&ed up!" Next he said, "In the south of Ethiopia, it's better. ....the people are are softer and not so paranoid..." Another account indicated that NGO's like the Red Cross have had their personal interests way ahead of the people and had done little to improve anything (Bill Rogers -in "Adventure Capitaist"). Well,we hope that the attacks will subside as you go South and you can enjoy 100% of the trip".
ReplyDeleteBob and Linda
Mike, we really hope for you that kids in the next country (Kenia?) will behave like children normally do.
ReplyDeleteJohn and Hetty
Sorry to hear about the kids again. I hope things get better. I guess the good news is your tent didn't leak. Tomorrow and a rest day, I think. Keep you chin up and a rest day will be there. Take care.
ReplyDeleteRay Van Ostran
Michael
ReplyDeleteluv your blog! We look forward to it every morning with our coffee. I am so glad your tent didn't leak but I have to say, I am sure I will never have to worry whether my tent will leak in a rainstorm, because we don't have a tent..are you f#!&& crazy? Sorry for the digression, but we had to ask?
Dry tent aside, safe travels, I say a prayer for you many times a day.. be safe
Luv pam and dan