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We believe when a child can read, they can learn to do anything.
For nearly 50 years we have been working with partners in the developing world to build literacy. To find out more visit http://www.codecan.org/.
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Monday, November 19, 2007

Windy roads and jagged mountains

Here's to the long road again as we set off for an 11 hour journey to Lalibela on highways that hug the road and give us all breathtaking views of canyons, mountains, quilts of terraced farmland and the never ending stream of walkers on the side of the road carrying bundles. Out Timeless Tour guide knows exactly when to pull over for the best shots and always has an answer to our endless curiosity about his incredible country. It takes seconds for kids to come running through the fields to greet us with huge smiles, waves and giggles. They enchant us. As the road passes through miles of road construction we jump to close the windows in a vain attempt to reduce the dust- which by mid day coats our clothes, hair and mouth.


Knowing that we will be rewarded with a hot shower and fluffy white towels at Tukul Village Hotel keeps the group - now known as the Canadian Group of seven - in good spirits.

We arrive and Lalibela is as magical as I remember it. Built on a natural 2,600-metre rock terrace and surrounded on all sides by rugged mountains, Lalibela was once the thriving and populous capital city of a medieval dynasty. The passing centuries have reduced it to a small village- a quite refuge for the 11 ancient churches we’ll see tomorrow. We close another incredible day with a fine meal, a cool beer and wonderful company.
jana at

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Our Itinerary:

Nov 9-10/07: Travel from Canada to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Airport pickup by Timeless Tours.
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Nov 11/07: Free morning, wake up to a rich Ethiopian coffee and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Ethiopia's capital city Addis Ababa, which means "New Flower" in Amharic. Attend a reception with CODE Ethiopia Board of Directors who are leaders in the world of education.
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Nov 12/07: Visit CODE's warehouse in Addis Ababa. See how locally published and donated books are distributed and catalogued. In the afternoon, visit Lidetta Reading Room and see what children are learning through CODE's work. In the evening enjoy free time in Addis Ababa.
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Nov 13/07: Spend the morning at Addis Alem reading room, which has just moved to a new location. Learn how an established library of its size has changed the community. Eat traditional Ethiopian food for lunch and spend the afternoon at Holletta Reading Room, where representatives of the Women's Affairs Office and director of the school will share their stories.
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Nov 14/07: Depart early in the morning for a day of overland travels through windy roads and past small towns to Bahir Dar.
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Nov 15/07: Visit Addis Zemen Reading Room and meet a local education officer who works with school children in the area. Take a boat tour across the majestic and mysterious Lake Tana, one of the fabled sources of the Nile. See the famous Blue Nile Falls and explore some of the area's ancient churches and monasteries. Meet an author who has been working on developing some children's books.
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Nov 16/07: Drive north through the Simean Mountains to Lalibela. In Lalibela meet community leaders who will share their thoughts on the role of education, tourism and the future of their country.
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Nov17/07: Of Lalibela's 9,000 people, more than 1,000 are priests. Take this day to explore some of the world's most astounding sacred sites: 11 rock-hewn churches, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level.

Nov 18/07: Watch as farmers from surrounding towns come to Lalibela's vibrant weekend market. Finish the day off with a glass of tej, Ethiopia's famous honey wine.
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Nov 19/07: Return to Addis Ababa for a day of souvenir shopping and an evening of cultural dancing. Watch a traditional coffee ceremony, where raw coffee beans are roasted and brewed right in front of you. But remember - it is impolite to retire until you have consumed at least three cups, as the third round is considered to bestow a blessing.
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Nov 20/07: De-brief with CODE Ethiopia staff, reflect on the trip and prepare for return home.
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Nov 21/07: Return home to Canada