Today, we bring you the final installment of Sara Genene’s top five reasons to visit her home town of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Needless to say no write-up on Ethiopia would be complete without a mention of its food.
Ethiopian cuisine is as unique and diverse as the country and is worth experimenting. It is in the city of Addis Ababa where the taste of Ethiopian adventure starts with the national staple “Injera” a fermented pancake like bread straight from the oven. Through these pictures, you can have a virtual introduction and enticing invitation to the world of Ethiopian cuisine.
Along with the national dish called “Wot”, a type of spicy stew that comes in many varieties and test.
It is a city where you tear off a piece of “Injera”, scoop “Wot” with your hand, and discover the exotic and real test of Ethiopia.
Being the hub of the country, Addis Ababa is where you can experience authentic regional delights that come from different parts of the country through many Ethiopian traditional restaurants.
Addis is the only city in the world that offers the genuine taste of Ethiopia
Sara Genene – The author of this multi-part Ethiopian journey.
PS from Lakshmi: We hope you enjoyed this multi-part journey through Sara’s lens on her homeland. To learn more about Ethiopia and continue your virtual journey, please do visit Sara’s blog at www.aboutaddisababa.wordpress.com
Today we bring you another compelling reason to visit Addis Ababa – Shopping!!
Addis Ababa is home to the largest open market in Africa called Merkato and other colorful markets and souvenir shops where you can find the real feel of Ethiopia. Take a look at these pictures and you’ll encounter the ultimate visual treat in armchair travel and inspiration.
Simply Addis Ababa is shoppers’ paradise, where you can find aromatic Ethiopian spices, collectable silver spoons, Ethiopian crosses, ivory, leather products, Ethiopian traditional clothing and so much more.
Ethiopian handicrafts are unique and expressive; almost each item has a story behind it.
Each region in Ethiopia tends to specialize in particular hand-made products that have been handed down over generations.
And it is in Addis Ababa’s colorful markets where you can find it all together.
It is just impossible to come to Addis Ababa and return home…
Empty handed!
PS from Lakshmi: A few years ago I happened to hear Liya Kebede, the famous Ethiopian model speak about her passion for traditional Ethiopian weaving and how her interest sparked a whole business to empower locals and sell things made in her home country. For those unable to visit Ethiopia, you can take yet another virtual journey through the country’s offerings at Liya’s website at http://www.lemlem.com/
We continue our journey on the top five reasons why you must make a trip to Addis Ababa. After speaking about discovering hidden treasures and coffee, we bring you the number three reason to make this city a mandatory stop. The culture of Ethiopia beckons you.
Addis Ababa is an arena for many colorful festivals, Ethiopian holidays and events, which are a perfect reflection of the distinctive Ethiopian culture and its people.
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) and Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) are holidays that Ethiopians celebrate colorfully and with great cheer in September.
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) falls on January 7. It is one of the religious holidays, celebrated by mesmerizing Ethiopian church service.
Two weeks after Ethiopian Christmas comes Timket (the feast of Epiphany). One of the greatest festivals in the country, it is a three-day affair with vibrant parades.
January and February are wedding season in Ethiopia and it is in the city of Addis Ababa where you can witness enthralling Ethiopian wedding ceremonies.
Fasika (Ethiopian Easter Holiday) is another religious holiday celebrated after 54 days fasting; it is also a three-day affair…
The many feasts of Fasika
If you have any special memories of a vist to Addis, please write in.
Tomorrow, we bring you reason number four for visiting Addis. Here’s a clue – Women in particular enjoy this!
