Thursday, August 20, 2009

My Ethiopian Dress (no Sophia's!)



Greetings from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia! Today is our second last day in Addis. We were supposed to be in Makele yesterday to visit one of the regional sites of the I-TECH Ethiopia. The purpose was to see on hand how the regional office processes its requisitions and send them to the headquarter.

Yesterday, Dennis, Kristen of I-TECH Seattle, Kidist – Operations Director of I-TECH Ethiopia and me were at the airport for our flight to Makele. While we were walking up to the lounge area, Dennis was asking me if I would go shopping in Makele. As usual, he offered to lend me his money if I run out. However, I told him I won’t buy anything as my luggage is packed already. I was even planning of checking my carry on bag. Anyhow, as we were sitting on the bench and we have plenty of time to kill until our flight at 1pm, there were boutiques in front of us. My curiosity of items on display brought me to a store which has beautiful Ethiopian dresses hanging on the stand. One particular off white dress with red piping got my attention. And with the price the sales lady gave me, I couldn’t refuse to try it on. Kidist helped put it on me especially the long scarf that goes with it.

Kristen took a picture of me and gave me her thumbs up. And with the encouragement of the three sales clerks who thought I should get it. They said I should match it with red shoes and told them no problem as I have two pairs of red shoes. The other sales clerk also mentioned about a red purse as well. Again, no problem as I have one to match. To make the story short, I bought the dress at $20 US dollars. However, since our flight and all the flights to Makele were canceled, we were given a refund of 100 Ethiopian Birr. Taken this money into consideration, my Ethiopian dress cost me a little over $10. Isn’t it a great deal!!!

So, my fellow Purchasing Mavens, you will see me with this dress with the scarf properly put on my shoulder on Halloween!

See you all in September!

Sophia

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