Contributed by Sara Genene

This week we are very pleased to bring you a series of photo essays from a part of the world not featured frequently on our site – Africa.  We are privileged to have our guest writer Sara Genene bring you the world of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Sara, a native of Addis brings you her perspective on the top five reasons to make a visit to her hometown.  When I finished looking at her posts, all I wanted to do was board the next flight over.

We hope you enjoy this multi-day journey through Sara’s lens (her words and photos).

Here’s the start of Sara’s invitation to visit her homeland.

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia.  The name Addis Ababa contains two Amharic words, which simply means “New Flower”. Addis Ababa is also referred to as the “Capital City of Africa” because of being a lively nucleus of social, political and economic activity and home to such prominent headquarters as the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.  It is the city where you can really capture the essence of Ethiopia and the spirit of Africa in general. Here are the top five reasons why you should visit Addis Ababa.

Reason 1:  Witness The Hidden Treasures Of Ethiopia

No matter who you are or where you from, Addis Ababa is the only city in the world where you can visit your ancestors.

Addis Ababa is home to a 3.2 million-year-old fossilized skeleton called “Lucy” (Ethiopians call her “Dinkinesh”) discovered at Hadar in the Awash valley of Ethiopia’s Afar Depression in 1974.

The Ethiopian National Museum preserves this historical antique along with many other prehistoric discoveries and provides you with a once-in-a-life time opportunity of taking yourself back to the Stone Age.

Ethiopia is ancient and the land of kings and legends.

Addis Ababa is the vibrant city that flaunts compelling Ethiopian history and culture to the world, through many historical Orthodox churches and museums that preserve a wide array of artefacts including an elaborate 1st – Century-AD bronze oil lamp, fascinating 4th- Century – BC rock-hewn chair emblazoned with mythical ibexes and ancient Sabena inscriptions.

Ethiopian art ranging from early (possibly 14th – century) parchment, to 20th – century canvas oil paintings.

Traditional weapons, jewelry, musical instruments, clothing and so many more astonishing testimonies of Ethiopia’s remarkable antiquity.

Stay tuned for the number two reason to visit Addis – (Hint – It’s a beverage!)