July 2007


Ethiopia is about to celebrate her huge occasion beginning 12th September 2007, the day her new year begins. This coming one will not be celebrated like any other, neither will it only be a new year.

It will be a new millennium, the beginning of her 2000

Distinctly different from the rest of the world, Ethiopia follows its own calendar which is based on the Julian system which is roughly seven and half years behind the western Gregorian calendar.

This time occurrence will make Ethiopians look back to the ancient times of the country’s history, the beginning of the first millennium AD at which time much of its history began.

There we find Aksum, an ancient kingdom which was counted among one of the most powerful kingdoms of the world.

Aksum is thought to have owed its importance to its position. It was a rich and well organized society, technically and artistically advanced with its own government.

It was an era of an unparalleled coinage in bronze, silver and gold with extraordinary monuments being built.

Ethiopia, is one of the best-kept secrets of the world and wants to share this great and golden history of hers with the rest of the world on the occasion of her millennium, making it Africa’s first continental celebration.

There are huge preparations underway to celebrate this moment of history that Ethiopia brings forth its hospitality and rolls out its red carpet to her guests.

There will be many kinds of festivals that will add color to the year long celebrations, showcasing the peoples traditions, cultures, history, and hope for a better future.

Of course one may come to visit at anytime to see the famous ancient architectures, the wonderful history, the spectacular countryside, or the friendly people, but one will always leave with a hankering return. I have seen many people already surrender to it many times and I know they’ll be back for more.

But what makes this time special?

The country is expecting to have a series of year long festivities and celebrations featuring its diverse and amazing beauties. And it seems that the country is determined to invite its guests to be part of this “once in lifetime moment”.

Ethiopia has an indefinable atmosphere that begs deeper examination. The people, history, culture, scenery or where ever you turn in the country there is something you feel that runs deep. You will find yourself discovering something new and fascinating each time you visit Ethiopia.

Eskinder Hailu - Manager, Highway Tours

Eskinder Hailu
Turning Your Dream Vacation Into a Reality

Imagine how boring life would be without fun…fun…those moments enjoyed with those closest to us, especially family. A vacation where lovers share romance, workaholics take a break and become rejuvenated and family members become closer to each other.

Family and fun are the most important parts in ones life

People need fun to be part of their life, to enjoy life.

We want work to be fun and enjoyment instead of a burden, we want to take a vacation and spend our leisure time relaxing or enjoying different activities. We want something different in a vacation that perhaps we don’t get in our everyday lives.

We need time to share our thoughts, dreams, desires, and feelings for a free, flowing and intimate relationship where nothing is hidden or restrained and where there is no fear or embarrassment.

A vacation often provides the relaxed setting where people feel a greater freedom to express themselves.

Some people lead lives thinking their jobs should take precedence over their families. That is sadly and all too frequently a mistake. Your family especially your spouse, should come first.

Getting your priorities in order

If you are too busy to spend time with your spouse and the rest of your family too, I think your priorities are out of order. You need to spend sometime rethinking your priorities and make a commitment to making some changes in your life.

Devoting time to family should be the major activity one should be engaged in. Some people sadly spend much of their life carrying their work home in a briefcase. This is definitely not a recipe for spending time with the family.

Family time may consist of time spent with parents or close friends, time spent in visits and vacations. It may mean time spent with small children, teenagers, or adults.

What better pleasure would there be for parents and children than taking timeout for a vacation. A time that leaves children with an unforgettable experience, young lovers filled with excitement and for some perhaps a rekindled relationship.

A family vacation is important because

  • It is a basic human need. People need to relax, take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, to refresh and breathe a new air
  • It fosters love and relationships, builds bonds, mends broken friendships and brings families closer together
  • It rejuvenates oneself for better work, greater performance, relieves burdens and stress
  • It gives one a chance to experience other places, people, culture, food etc

This is the exciting part, an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a vacation, the restaurants, exotic foods, nature, scenic views, beautiful beaches, etc

We make time for the things and people we love

A lack of time should not be the excuse for not enjoying the benefits of a family vacation.

You should plan your weekends, summer, or winter to visit nearby or remote places. Or, to experience something different a new interest, some exotic foods, different cultures, to visit and talk with people who are outside your normal social circle.

Money should also not be an excuse for not planning your family vacation. What you need is just a little research to find that special deal, the vacation that fits your pocket and of course your interest. You may want to plan for short-stay vacations 2 to 3 days, instead of 7 days or 10 days instead of 14 days.

Start planning your family vacation today

G|ive quality time to yourself and to your family. Decide on the best time to spend and check for some practical tips and advice, but whatever else you do, take a vacation.

I guarantee you and your family will be rewarded with the joy and blessings that only a family vacation can bring.

Eskinder Hailu - Manager, Highway Tours

Eskinder Hailu
Turning Your Dream Vacation Into a Reality