Ethiopia is one of the few countries in Africa that maintained its independence and wasn't colonized by Europe, a fact of which they are very proud. One of the reasons why I passed up the seashore in Dar es Salaam to go to Ethiopia is its place in history and possibly the origin of human kind.
A visa is needed to enter the country but you can purchase one at the border or airport for about $20USD. Just make sure the bills are not older than about 2006 and that they are in great condition...no tears, writing or wrinkles or they will not take them. I would recommend converting dollars to their local currency or using the ATM machine at the airport for local currency. Many times they will not take credit cards or they will charge you a fee for use. Travelers checks are RARELY accepted so don't take them
If you leave the country to go to Kenya or Tanzania you WILL need a yellow fever card or you will have to take the shot at the boarder or you can't get in. I witnessed someone who was not allowed in Kenya without there yellow fever card.
Traveling in Ethiopia is more economical than in other E.African countries. Airfare is expensive but accommodations and food is very cheap. I will write a blog about Food and Accommodations in a few weeks.
What I didn't realize when I made my plans was that the African Union meeting was taking place in Addis Ababa along with the South Sudan Mediation talks.
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| Addis Ababa the capital of Ethiopia. Many people are in western dress but Muslims will wear head coverings while Christians cover their heads when going to church |
There were guards (w/large weapons) everywhere even around my hotel. A guide and I were speaking outside of a museum when he abruptly ended our conversation but I figured he felt he should get back to work. While walking back to my hotel I noticed many more armed security on the street and on top of the buildings. My heart skipped a couple of beats when I realized that the very busy boulevard was suddenly void of vehicles. I considered turning down one of the side streets in case something unexpected was about to take place but just as I was about to I noticed people were stil on the side walks. Then a motorcade came into view and it occurred to me they stopped traffic for the prime ministers and presidents. Talk about being relieved!!
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| Private Jets of the Presidents We were not allowed to be dropped off at the departure terminal at the airport because the government officials were also parting on the same day I was leaving. |
The Other Jerusalem
The flight to Lalibela was short but it requires traveling to several other cities before arriving at the Lalibela airport which is only about 40 mins from the capital by air. If you decide to go you will want to make sure that you pay attention to which airport the plane has landed so that you deplane at the right airport. You may or may not receive a boarding pass showing the various stops.
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| Lalibela |
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| St. Mary Church |
The 11 churches carved out of rock are centuries old and some as old at the 11th century! This is a very holy area where there is some sort of religious ceremony going on every day.
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| St George |
Ancient Monasteries
This holy area is also home to ancient monasteries and one of the oldest is Ashetan Maryam, built inside of a cave and is an architectural template for some of the churches in Lalibela. It was such an honor to touch walls around 1000 years old. It was worth the hike!
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| Monastery in the Mountains |
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| These leaning sticks come in handy for long sermons |
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| Not Used to Seeing People of Color in Ancient Religious Art |
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| Worship Center and Housing |
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| Devoted Followers from Europe & other counties, made a special request to have their bodies buried here because of the holiness of this area. |
The Countryside
I love getting a chance to take in the countryside to see how people live everyday. In this area many people are farmers and the women and children gather wood. The region is also know for making beer and raising bees for their Honey Wine which is tasty. While traveling I witnessed several wedding processions that we stumbled on. The bride rides piggy back on someone's back and the groom rides a donkey.
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| Wedding Procession - Groom |
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| Hops for Beer |
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| Homes in the Country made of mud and Straw |
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| Honey Wine |
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| Benjamin wants to be a lawyer |
I loved the Ethiopian people! The were warm, loved to talk about current events and were very curious about me. The kids were absolutely adorable and had beautiful smiles. Benjamin was my 15year old tour guide who took me around his neighborhood and gave me the inside scoop on the "going ons".
Many of the priest's kids do very well in school because they learn to read the scriptures at an early age before they actually have a chance to attend school. Those in rural areas have to attend boarding schools in the larger towns and cities away from their families.
The people of East Africa LOVE Obama often greeted me by asking about him. There was one gentleman who wants me to send Obama a picture of his shop. From my conversations Ethiopians like the US for its pop culture, wealth, power and humanitarian support but they don't totally agree with capitalism, strings tied to humanitarian aide, excessive live style and "superiority". Having an American in their home gives them a certain status among their friends and peers and it can also be financially beneficial. They recognize that saying positive things about Americans can result in good tips and increased business. That is a good business strategy!One individual asked, "can the US peoples' views be much different from the the government's when the people are the ones who vote them into office?"...insightful.
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| Yellow Water Container |
I noticed these plastic yellow containers everywhere especially being carried by children. These are water bottles that children are required to take to school because there is no running water.
Also, transportation here is expensive and public options are limited so if anyone is going your direction you catch a ride.
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| Taxi Service |
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| Rural The landscape during this time of year is dry but still beautiful. Warm Days very chilly nights |
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| City View from my hotel |
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One of My Most Memorable Moments
One of my most memorable encounters was at my hotel in Addis, the capital. I was able to speak with someone from South Sudan who was part of the mediation team. It was fascinating and sad hearing first hand about what was going on in the new country and how they were trying to resolve the issues. Even though I enjoyed our discussion I was a little uncomfortable that I was staying in the same hotel as the delegation and realized why there were so many guards around.
Hopefully, one day I will be able to come back to visit the southern part of the country and some of the other religious cities. It was a very enjoyable and unique experience!! One of my best trips.
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