Return to Ethiopia 2010

We've finalized the details for our first 2010 Return to Ethiopia Trip which will take place from June 19th to the 27th. The tour has been arranged through Susan Parr Travel in Port Angeles, WA. The cost will be $2500 per person/double occupancy including round trip travel on nonstop Ethiopian Airlines from Dulles to Addis Ababa. Participants must make individual arrangements to get to Dulles Airport prior to departure and can do that if they wish with Susan Parr Travel. Cost is subject to change with fluctuations in airline prices but participants will be kept informed.

The trip is designed for older adoptees (12 +) and their parents or guardians but others may be considered on a case by case basis (younger children, older children traveling alone, etc.). We think we've organized an exciting week with many educational and relaxing activities including an overnight visit to Nazret's Safari Lodge and Awash National Park. Below is the daily schedule we envision and all transportation to and from activities as well as some meals are included in the package price. AAI staff in Addis will accompany the group during many of the activities. Not included are trip insurance, visas ($20 upon arrival), passports, vaccinations, family visits, and travel to and from the departure point.

Participants may choose their own departure date from Addis, thus acomodating the desires of many to see birth family and visit additional tourist destinations. Where possible, AAI staff will help participants make arrangements for adoptees to see extended family while in country. An add-on excursion is available through Susan Parr Travel to Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela. It includes airfare, 3 nights, four days including transfers, hotels, guide and transportation to historical sites. The cost is $459.00 per person.

To make a reservation, call Kathy DeBenedette at Susan Parr Travel (1-800-455-7277). A non-refundable deposit of $500 will be due by February 1 to secure your spot. We reserve the right to cancel if we do not have enough participants (minimum 20, maximum 40, a second guide will be added if there are more than 25 participants). The tour guide will be Susan Poisson-Dollar, AAI Director of Development. She has led several volunteer trips to Ethiopia and is an adoptive parent herself. If you have any questions or need clarification, you can e-mail her at susanpd@adoptionadvocates.org
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2010 Return To Ethiopia Tour Details

DATES—JUNE 19—27 (includes leave date from Dulles airport)

Included:
* lodging/breakfast at mid-range hotel in Addis and Nazret for entire stay
* all transportation for group activities
* some dinners and lunches (other dinners free for participants to explore local restaurants or meet friends)

SATURDAY--Leave from Dulles Airport on Ethiopian Air direct flight to Addis
SUNDAY June 20th arrival in evening on ET Air flight/transport to King's hotel


MONDAY—JUNE 21
Breakfast 7-9am
City tour and orientation 10—2 (w/group lunch and visit to university)
2-5 Orphanage visit to deliver donations/compound tour (or return to hotel for rest option if needed)
6-7 pm group dinner with Merrily, Susan Poisson-Dollar and other AAI staff members

TUESDAY—JUNE 22
Breakfast 8am

9- 12 pm *“Official Day” TBA by Temesgen/Gail---- ½ day program of meeting government officials involved in adoption work, informal reception

2-5pm ½ day volunteer opportunity or visit to a local site of interest

Dinner on own

WEDNESDAY
9am—leave for day of orphanage volunteering at various sites or other TBA volunteer experience

Dinner at Cultural Restaurant for traditional food and dancing

THURSDAY—FRIDAY
Overnight excursion to Nazret

* visit local sites followed group lunch at local restaurant. Overnight at Safari Lodge Motel with group dinner and opportunity to swim/relax.
Friday morning---Drive to Awash National Park, spend day there, return to Addis late afternoon

Friday evening--- dinner on own at hotel or local restaurant

SATURDAY
Volunteer/or Shopping Excursion Day
Farewell party at Layla compound
Group Dinner at informal local restaurant


SUNDAY June 27
Official end to trip after breakfast

(pool at safari lodge)