Canada Day, turned New Years in Hawassa

Giant Storks!

Weekends stollen away for a quick visit to the country sided give us a chance to see a different culture here in Ethiopia. Canada Day was a perfect excuse to cash in on a day off and Fly south to Hawassa. A region rich in culture, hippos, monkeys and a famous fish market! The town sits on the side of a Lake (not one you should swim in but filled with fish and Hippos to see!). Take a look through a few photos to see a glimpse of our Canada day Weekend away!

Landed on the Tarmac of the newly opened Hawassa regional airport! 

Isaac the Inukshuk made the trip to the Halli Resort
Our room had a lake view! 

A moment captured during the Celebrations! Something that was so much fun

and not planned. Being caught up in the moment and seeing what the country has

to offer is important when traveling. Having a strict intinary can

lead to missing out on authentic moments and memories that you share

with only a few people! 

Coming into the town of Hawassa, we found the region was celebrating New Years!
Welcome to the year 2009! Men with giant sticks and spears, children and adults
sporting traditional clothing, celebrating their heritage and a new year!
In general Ethiopia celebrates New Years in September, however the southern region
celebrates in July! 

A birds eye view from the forth floor of a business building allowed us to take in the
celebration and see the square from above! 

All the beautiful green spaces in Ethiopia seem to be behind gates and walls!
Only to be enjoyed by a select few. Better to keep them hidden then share
and have them spoiled?!?!
I am not a fan of this!

Mel snapped this photo. A boy was tossing chunks of Fish to the Storks. It looked fun
I didn't want to be left out! So i grabbed a few chunks and gave it a try! 

Men fishing in the background, Storks searching for left over fish.
Clear mornings are a gift in the middle of Rainy Season. 

Exploring the local Park, amongst the trees and like views were families of Monkeys
and of course more Storks! 

Our local driver, turned tour guide for the morning, feeding the monkeys. 

Our "Captain" for the boat ride to see the Hippos!

At home walks on the Dykes would rarely include a motorcycle
driving past. TIA!

Roommate, co-worker, travel buddy, and blessing to have one another on this
adventure in Ethiopia. Sunday Morning walks are better together. 

A tiny fish marked on the edge of the lake, people bathing to the left, a Stork
stocking the nets for left over fish, and a couple of hippos in the lake grass.
Most days sitting and watching life go by can be more enjoyable then
 jumping into a white land cruiser for a "cultural tour".

Weekend trips always need to come to an end. 

Sad to say goodbye to our long weekend away.
Hand written boarding passes add a true
african feel to our weekend away