There is a wonderful pool area off to the side of the hotel. There is a smaller pool and a humongous pool. The big pool has staring blocks for racing and both spingboard and platform diving. They even have the 30m platform. We saw a couple very brave teenage boys dive off yesterday. Yikes!! Around the pool, there is a childrens area. It has a playground, Merry-go-round, rides like at Chuck E Cheese and a Santa Clause that you can go visit 365 days/year. We have found that we really enjoy eating at the cafe by the pool. The temperature is always so pleasant here. The food is pretty good too. We'll have to try out the ice cream soon.
We have had some interesting issues with our hotel. We had reserved a "Riviera Suite", but since we got in so late, we had to take a suite in the main hotel the first night. It was a nice room, and was very convenient to the grill and bar for our late dinner. The next morning (well, actually afternoon), the staff got us switched over to the new room. They were so gracious about it, and refused to let us lay a finger on any of our luggage. The room was upstairs, which was a little bit of a bummer since the altitude is getting to us a little bit, but it was very spacious. All was well until the clouds burst open during the night. The entire bathroom got soaked. The side room where we were storing our luggage got a bit damp too, but no damage. We were only given two towels. Linens are in short supply here because laundry is done by hand and hung to dry. That was not near enough to take care of the wet, slippery marble tile. After speaking to three people on the phone to find one that spoke enough English, they brought us two more towels. The man that brought them to us was appalled at the conditions, and assured us that we would get a new room. We'll cross our fingers, and hope for the best when we head up to the front desk after our visit in the Cyber Cafe.
3 comments:
Sounds like the hotel is nice. I wouldn't mind staying there by the way you describe it. I hope that your beds are comfortable. Good luck shopping. I hope you find everything your looking for. I love you!!!
Love,
Kayla
Sounds like you have the beginning of a wonderful adventure. Something to remember the rest of your life. By the way - our roof leaks too.
It appears your flight was an exagerated version of Southwest airlines. No seats assigned until you get to the boarding station. It can be fun to meet friendly new people, even though you two are separated.
Good luck with your shopping. Pretend it's a variation of the internet. A possiblity is buying some energy bars if they are available. Maybe if you meet some more starving people that tug the heart strings too hard, you could give them a bar without starting a mob scene.
Enjoyed your stories. Keep them up.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love
Grandmom and Grandad Mac
Looks like we are going to check out of the Ghion and head to the Hilton. Today's problem was that we had no hot water. Maybe we are spoiled, but I think that hot water is not too much to ask for. If I were in America, spending $80 a night at a hotel, I would expect hot water. I wouldn't expect much more, but hot water is essential. Anyway, after being in the wrong room one night, a flodded room the next night, and a room with no hot water last night, that makes strike three for the Ghion. We didn't figure going to a lower rated place would be too wise so we are going to try to book a room at the Hilton for the rest of our stay. They only hotel that is rated higher in Addis is the Shereton. The Shereton is very expensive so they won't do either. Hopefully, all will work out with the Hilton.
One nice thing about the Ghion is that many adopting families have been staying here with their newly adopted kids. It's great to see how happy the kids seem.
By the way, I had the pleasure to hear an Ethiopian guy singing "My Way" last night. That is hard to beat :-)
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