Discovering Ethiopia_Addis Abeba

Hello dear reader, this time you will have the exclusive chance to come on board on a rollercoaster experience in visiting the beautiful city of Addis Ababa, which just so happens to be the capital city of Ethiopia. In this article I will offer some strong motivational points on why you should plan your next abroad trip to Addis Ababa. I know that it might sound quite random and out of the box but hey life is all about spontaneity and taking chances to make our dreams and wishes come true. So if you have ever dreamed of a trans-continental trip continue reading this article as I will reveal some curios and interesting  things about my home-city, Addis Ababa.

Background of Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is a relatively young city and the biggest among all the other Ethiopian cities. Its name Addis Ababa means new flower often refering to this particular flower which can be found only in the first few weeks of September.

Source: this fragrant flowers dear to ethiopians are called 'adey abeba'

So here are some cool facts about Addis Abeba and Ethiopia as a whole:

• the unique history of Ethiopia will just marvel you because (this is the moment where I get to feel the privilage of being ethiopian) it is the only African country who was not colonized. Of course the italian troops tried for one whole year before they invaded the country and occupied it for five years, from 1936 to 1941. The occupation period was put to an end by the defeat of the Italian soldiers, with many who lost their lifes on both sides of the party. I will not go on without mentioning my great granfather who actually fought in the battle with the italian soldiers and fortunetly came back from battle alive and passed away later in his years.

Source: this monument located in 'arat-kilo' square commemorates the liberation of Ethiopia

• the food in Ethiopia will just marvel you regardless of being a vegeterian or a meat eater. What I really came to appreciate in the years is the social-sharing aspect of food consumption in Ethiopia. People always ask their neighbours if they want to join in and eat together and when actually eating all together with only hands (so no use of cutlery at all) gathering at one big plate full of delicacies from vegetables and legumes to meat and cottage cheese. As often as possibile food is shared among loved ones or even as a way to make new friendships, while strenghtning the existing once.

Source

• Heads up if while eating Ethiopian food someone tries to give you the so called 'Gursha' which means to feed someone who is dear to you. Accept when somebody offers you a 'Goursha' and do know that you never give only one 'Gursha', you need to give a second as well if not it is said that the two of you will have a fight.

Source

• another important aspect is the ancient and ongoing respect and tollerance among people of different religious practices. In Ethiopia it is very common to have muslim neighbours living next to orthodox people and still on the other part of the street some other catholics and protestants living together. On a given holiday, be it Christmass or Id al-adha, it is of no surprise that neighbours get together and invite, regardless of the religion, one another to share food and drinks. I find this phenomenon an example to the many comunities out there. No matter our apparent differences we should strive to accept and embrace one another.

Source 

What I really love about this country (which also happens to be my home country) is the fact that it has something special to offer for many types of tourist. For example the nature lovers can enjoy a nice treking in the highlands which can easily reach 4500m above sea level. While going up one of the many mountains you will be amazed by the view. Moreover it is often possible to spot some indiginous animals like mountain monkesy called 'Gelada'. This kind of monkey is found only in Ethiopia.

Source 

This is the only grass-fed monkey known to this day. All he does is eat green grass all day long. Though he has some big canines he never uses them for hunting. The canines are just to show off or scare an oponent in a feud to occupy a territory. Another typical cause of feud is when they have to mate: if on e female is calling the attention and more than one male wants to mate with this female, then the males start to fight and prove that they are the alpha in the group. So Ethiopia is home to this beautiful Geladas, which are wide spred in the natural reserve called Guassa.

Another amazing animal only found in Ethiopia is the Nyala. 

Attractions in the city of Addis abeba 

In the city of Addis abeba you can find this two interesting spots, famous among tourists and many children doing their school trips. The places I am referring to are: 

• The first spot is called Anbesa Gibi which means lion's zoo. Here you can find the most feared animal in the savana, the lion. Many are the lions you can look at in their cage. Some are young and others are adults with a nice fur  around their head. The lionesses are very majestic and calm. If you are lucky enough you witness a real lion's roar or if you come around their lunch time you will see them divour meat and bones without any mercy. Some of the saddest zoo incidents also heppened in this lion's zoo. A couple of years ago the fact that one of the zoo keeper was attacked by a hungry lion because the zoo-keeper somehow forgot to close the cage door behind him. This made headlines because with the aim of saving the zoo keeper another zoo keeper shot a gunfirea at the lion so at the end of the day both the attacked zoo keeper and the lion died.

Don't forget to check at least a couple of this attraction while visiting the beautiful city of Addis Abeba : Bole international Airport, National museum,Ethnological museum, Memorial Museum of the Red Terror, Mesquel Square, Entoto Maryam Church, Churchil Avenue, railway station and Lion of Judah Statue, Piazza Saint George Cathedral, Taitu Hotel, Mercato, African Union Headquarters.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog post. Cheers to you all !!