Saturday, January 31, 2009

Returning from Ethiopia

I am currently traveling back to Atlanta after a few weeks in Ethiopia. I am bringing pictures back with me, and soon will be able to share the sights and stories from my trip. I'm hoping I can get back soon enough, though, as I will have to immediately turn around and board a plane for New Mexico!

Keep checking in - I should have pictures up sometime in the next week or so.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Future Trips

While I'm recovering in my last days in Ethiopia, I got word from a friend that I may be traveling to Germany sometime in the very near future! Once I get the exact location and times set up, I will make sure to update my "Upcoming Trips" list as well as my Google map. Word has it I may be getting a tour of the Bitburg Brewery...I can't wait to check out their experimental brewery!

Also, make sure to keep me in mind if you have any trips to new places coming up (even if they are far off in the future) - the more I get to see, the happier I'll be!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Injury Update

My doctors in Ethiopia just sent an email home, and instead of me telling the story, I figured this would suffice. I will live to travel another day, but my walking days may be behind me.

GNOME was involved in a minor vehicle accident over the Ethiopian Epiphany holiday. He sustained multiple breaks in both legs. He was rushed to the Peace Corps volunteer clinic in Gonder, where he was placed under the care of four PCVs and two couch surfers from Maine who professed to have passing experience in Gnomish Medicine. They worked tirelessly through the night, armed with Gorilla Glue and their unshakable faith in humanity. Things were touch and go for a while, at times they seemed to be losing GNOME, but it was at these times that Head Doctor Josh threw forth his fiercest lifesaving efforts, crying defiantly, "NOT ON MY WATCH!!!" After several harrowing hours of surgery, I am happy to report that GNOME has been successfully reconstructed and is resting and recovering nicely in Debre Markos under my tender care. I am afraid I must tell you, however, that GNOME's right Achilles and lower calf was never found. The larger medical community told him he'd never walk again...but he's a fighter. He'll prove them all wrong. F--- the man and his rigid medical establishment.

GNOME would also like to take this time to draw attention to vehicle accidents as the "silent killer" of Africa and make note of the fact that Ethiopia has the highest rate of traffic deaths per vehicle in the world. He is happy to be alive and is devoting his life to the promotion of traffic safety and the establishment of sound traffic laws, for the cessation of these needless deaths.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Pictures From Florida

I finally got some time to myself, so I uploaded my pictures from my Christmas/New Year's trip to Florida! They can be found here.

I still have no word yet from the doctors on my status - they've been keeping me waiting, and I'm getting quite anxious to hear the diagnosis! As soon as I find out the news, I will pass it along.

Florida

Monday, January 19, 2009

Dark Times in the Dark Continent

I only have a moment, but I felt the need to report that I have been injured in my journey. My legs were the victim of a tragic bus accident, and I am going into surgery tonight to try to repair them. I don't know any more than that at the moment, so I will share the story of how this happened when I have news on my (hopeful) recovery. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks,
GNOME

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Reporting from Ethiopia

We don't have very much time on internet terminals here, but just thought I'd give you all a quick update that I have indeed made it to Ethiopia - my first trip through customs was completely uneventful! After having been scanned at the airport in Syracuse to make sure I was not carrying anything illegal, I thought I would run into tougher times...but so far, so good.

I just celebrated my second Christmas here, as Ethiopia is on a different calendar than the rest of the world. Two Christmases in one year? Yes, please!

Anyway, I must head off - make sure to watch out in the coming days as I'm sure I'll be adding pictures from Florida in the near future. See you soon!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Back from Florida

Well, I got back into Atlanta today and I must say that I had a heck of a trip down in Florida. I got to see so many places, met so many new people, and may have even met some friends who will let me visit them in Sweden! All in all, I really had a great time and cannot wait to post pictures for you to see - I just need to wait for my friends to email them to me.

Tomorrow I'm off to Knoxville to meet Christen, and then it's time to hop on a plane for Ethiopia where I'll be through most of the month. Internet will be scarce out there, but Christen tells me we can check my email from time to time, so feel free to send me a message if you want. See you soon!