Next stop?

We are in count down mode here in Ethiopia...

Yesterday I booked our flights out: first stop - Brussels to spend some much needed time with my brother and his family before heading to my hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Only one of my four children has been to Canada and that was 6 years ago when he was 3 1/2! So this trip is looooong over due.

So what is the next stop after spending the summer in Canada? This is still undecided, which is both exciting and...well...annoying!

Life in Ethiopia...This time last year

This time last year - everything was still fresh and exciting to us. Fasika (Easter) in Ethiopia is a very important holiday and celebrated differently to the way it is at home. 

Last year we went to Ababa Villa (www.abbabasvilla.com) for their 'fasting' (vegan) brunch. It was a beautiful day spent eating great food, relaxing in their amazing garden while listening to a live jazz band & meeting new people from all over Addis Ababa. 

We hope that Ababa Villa chooses to do it again ~ we'll be there!

1. welcome - and we felt it

2. the two angels

3. exploring her new surrounds

4. little fingers exploring

5. the front entrance to the house

6. balcony dinning

7. The space was enhanced by beautiful quotes such as this

8. This one is always running...with a car in his hand!

9 & 10. the boys - looking for gum nuts

11. little gardener

12. Zoe loved this butterfly banner

13. locally made chairs set up in a sunny spot

14. traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

15. another great quote to live by

16. little pockets of seating dotted throughout the garden

17. getting set up for the vegan buffet

18 & 19. such a lush garden setting 

Layers of rugs...

piles of carpets make me weak at the knees   I love the combination of the colours & textures at play
raw, rustic yet comfy Turkish Delight natural rug beneath a pop of colour
masculine neutrals natural blending with kilm pattern & colour anchored by the natural and kilm rug combo

I confess: I LOVE RUGS!!!

There I did it...I said my truth: that rugs are my weakness. I love to look at, shop for and buy rugs. 

My obsession for rugs began in 2006 when my husband and I moved to the Middle East for two years. Shopping for rugs there is an 'experience' that requires you to take the time to explore all the rugs made from different regions in various techniques and most importantly, to sit for awhile on a pile of carpets, sipping homemade mint tea, chatting with the owner.

Secret Gardens...

love the archway.. Garden of Her Love one of my weaknesses...lavender Can I move in? How perfect!     I could sit here all evening...   

My mother is a gardener - in fact, in my opinion, she is a floral magician.  She was taught by her mother and then by the amazing women that were a part of her life, and her community. She knows everything about plants and loves nothing more than having her hands in the earth - encouraging something to spring forth and grow.

I would not consider myself a gardener...yet. 

So far life has had me busy focusing on other pursuits - education, teaching, traveling, yoga and of course being a mother to our four children. But in each place we make our home I try to build a garden, even if it is just a few plants in pots. I make mistakes (aka..kill things) and learn lots. 

These are the times when I wish I could have my mom beside me teaching me the things I want to know now, but was too busy as a younger woman to listen to. 

But with her living in Honduras and me here in Ethiopia I have to rely on emailing her my gardening questions and exploring the pictures of other people's gorgeous gardens.

What about you? Is there something you wish your younger self had learned from your parents or family?

Life in Ethiopia: Negash Lodge

When we went to Wenchie Crater we stayed at the unique Negash Lodge...

 

Photos in order:

1. Excited to check out our lodging

2. Staying in the traditional Dorze style house

3. An amazing woven structure

4 & 5. children love stairs!

6.  hand crafted

7. lantern love

8. a fabulous door

9. secrets being shared

10. this girl LOVES water

11. trying to feed it rose petals

12. beautiful garden setting

13 & 14. exploring

15. looking skywards

16. My third son Tal exclaimed: "Mommy...someone drew on that house - uh-oh!!!"