Friday, June 11, 2010

Seeking Travel Advice for Tigray

Both of the boys were born in the Tigray region of Ethiopia--one in Mek'ele and the other in Adigrat. We are considering taking some time to visit Tigray while we are in-country, but we don't know much about what to do or see or visit while we're there.

If any of you have traveled to Tigray, we would love to hear any thoughts you have in terms of how much time to spend there, what cities to visit, sights to see, things to do, places to eat/stay, etc.

Thank you!!!

10 comments:

AprilM said...

Tracy,
Lidya was born in Mekele...We didn't get to travel there, but we will be going back in the future and we're going to take her when she gets a little older...We already know that we're going to adopted again, we're just waiting on God's timing...Keep in touch!!!

Carrie said...

Very jealous that you guys might get to go up to Tigray. Take lots of pictures because I'd love to see them! We will be in July 5th-Oct. 7th. We'll be traveling in and out, but will base ourselves out of The Woodlands. We would love to see you guys. And meet your hubby! We will be gone until the first part of August, but maybe after that?

Carrie said...

Very jealous that you guys might get to go up to Tigray. Take lots of pictures because I'd love to see them! We will be in July 5th-Oct. 7th. We'll be traveling in and out, but will base ourselves out of The Woodlands. We would love to see you guys. And meet your hubby! We will be gone until the first part of August, but maybe after that?

Sparkz said...

I have no advice as Nataga is from a different region but I think it would be a great thing to tell your sons about (and maybe visit again someday). I bet if you asked Gladney-- Belay or SOMEONE could give you advice and help you in what to do, where to go, etc. Or at least give you an idea of someone to contact.

Rahel said...

I have visited Mekele several times and think it is a wonderful city! Maribeth visited recently so check out her blog at mcunited.blogspot

The H Family said...

Tracy,
I would love to take pictures of your boys for you. My email is akholdcroft at gmail dot com.

Anonymous said...

I am simply thrilled that you will have your two boys home with you soon. Love and congratulations to all of you. xoxo the fan

J said...

Tracy, a friend of mine posted this on Facebook, and I thought it might touch you and this blog's readers even more than it touched me. And it touched me quite a bit.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cathleen-falsani/an-open-letter-to-madonna_b_625496.html

Tracy said...

Thank you, Julie! I just posted it to my Facebook profile. I cried when I read it.... The amazing thing about that child's story is that he is only one of millions of orphaned African children, many of whom are fending for themselves and are (of course) the most vulnerable.

Kat & Stacy said...

Hi-thanks for your comment on my blog (btw, our twins are a girl and a boy...everyone thinks they are two boys but trust me, if you could see their faces you'd know she's all girl :-) Our twins are also from Mekele in Tigray! I hate we didn't have a chance to visit the area but I know we'll go back lots so it's ok for now. My advice: Go visit if you can swing it. And no matter if you visit or not ask for Solomon Habtom to be your driver while in Addis. He's a gladney driver from the Tigray area and is WONDERFUL in every single way. Obviously, he speaks Tigrena (sp?) and he knows the area. So whether you can visit or not, he would be a huge wonderful resource. He helped us get a map of the area, spoke to our twin's relatives for us, gave me tons of info and descriptions of what their life would have been like -the good and the bad- had they stayed in Mekele. And did I mention he is the most wonderful man. I miss him every day. I'm not sure if you can request drivers ahead of time but I think it would be worth your while to ask for Solomon (explain the Tigray connection). And if you can't have him as your driver, ask Travis to arrange a meeting so he can answer any Tigray questions. And please give him our (Kat, Stacy & the Twins) love! Good luck on your courtdate!