Touring Ethiopia

I just returned from a trip through the historic route of Ethiopia with a tour group totaling ten members. Our trip was planned to last 16 days and to cover most of the northern historic routes and eastern Ethiopia ‘Harar’.

Although my work as a tour operator keeps me engaged in Ethiopia’s tourism attractions, I always find myself wondering at the many and diverse attractions of the country, just as visitors do.

Bahirdar, Blue Nile falls, Lake Tana, and Island Monasteries

We started our tour heading directly to a city named Bahirdar. The city itself is beautiful but probably better well known for being a base to explore the two nearby great attractions.

The first one is 32 kms away, the ‘Blue Nile falls’ the legendary and longest river in the world. We crossed most of the Blue Nile gorge walking and climbing up the mountain escarpments.

Some of the group enjoyed climbing up the mountain slopes and hills when ever they could, whilst others were busy taking photos.

We also had a picnic lunch as we crossed over the gorge and enjoyed the lunch sitting under the shadows of beautiful trees in a green field. We ate Shiro, vegatables and Injera an Ethiopian like pan cake.

The falls are truly spectacular. At the time it was the rainy season, so we were lucky to see the river at its full might and could feel and here the river from far away.

As we got closer, we felt the water shower us like heavy rain. The roar of the water was tremendous so much so that we could not hear ourselves speak.

It was like being in another world standing close to the power and might of the river and made it difficult to describe using mere words. Some of the group members were terrified, others felt as if they were in a dream and some wanted to come back again the next day to experience the excitement all over again.

And yet, we were told that what we were seeing was just 25% of the water, the rest being diverted to the hydroelectric power station. I thought what it might be like had we experienced all the water thundering over the falls.

However, even the part of the water that we had seen, left us with lasting memories of an exciting experience. When we returned back to our Hotel at Bahirdar, we were very wet but above all still excited by what we had seen.

Siding Bahirdar lays Ethiopia’s largest lake ‘Tana’ covering 3,500sq.km

On the lake there are beautiful islands and ancient monasteries, most of them built in the 17th century and which house many important medieval time treasures.

The next day we planned to have a boat trip to these islands that include the Zege Peninsula and where we would find the famous Ura-Kidanemihiret.

Unlike the falls and cities this is another world ‘quiet’, ‘jungle’, ‘ancient’, ‘spiritual’ and ‘atmospheric’.

Some of us felt deeply moved by the 17th century beautiful paintings of ‘Kibran Gabriel’ and the 16th -17th centuries beautiful church paintings and treasures of ‘Ura-Kidanemihiret.’

After finishing our trip to the islands, we took our boat to the place where the lake and the Blue Nile River meet. It’s an amazing site to see the two waters within the lake.

You see the river darker and faster running water against the contrast of the calmer still water of the lake. Here the river crosses the lake and if you turn off the engine of the boat, you still find yourself moving in the direction where the river is heading.

Gonder Royal Castles
Having completed our tour around Bahirdar, we headed to the 17th century Gonderian, a very impressive royal enclosure.

Here we visited the beautifully built ‘fairy tale’ like castles in which former kings once lived and where we found palaces, a chancery, library and even a play ground.

Athough some parts are just ruins most are still in a good shape and some were also quite functional even to this day.

I found myself wondering what it must have been like to live in those times. The castles have an indefinable atmosphere that seemed to take me back centuries into Ethiopia’s past.

After dining at a traditional restaurant our group spent the night at Gonder enjoying local traditional music at “Azmari Bets” where traditional amhara songs and dancing takes place and for which Gonder is well known.

In part 2 my journey continues through the Simien Mountains to the cradle of Ethiopia’s earliest civilization.

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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.

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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.

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Visitors never cease to wonder at seeing things in Ethiopia that are unusual. Among the varied food and dishes served are many notable for their uniqueness and delicacy, tempting anyone whether hungry or not.

Of course travellers can find a wide selection of restaurants catering for Indian and Chinese to European or American cuisine. But Ethiopia has a cuisine and a style of presentation that make it unique and endemic, much like its wildlife.

You would almost never leave someone’s house without eating, whether you are a guest or not. Before eating the hands are washed with water caught in a special bowl and poured over the hands of each person.

Also while eating you will find ‘gursha’ given as a mark of great friendship; usually given at least twice. It is a tradition usually carried out by the host who picks a morsel of the food and feeds you directly by putting it into your mouth.

Injera the national bread

This is a staple food that serves as the base of every meal. It is served in a mesob (a basket made of straw), spread out like a large thin pancake; with different kinds of wot (sauces) put on top of it. Don’t mistake this for a table cloth like an American tourist once did.

You will be passionate for Doro-wot, considered to be the most sophisticated and almost the national dish of Ethiopia.

Tasty chicken usually cut into 12 pieces and accompanied by hard-boiled eggs is served in a hot sauce of butter, onion, chili, cardamom and berbere (hot powder red-paper).

If you ask any Ethiopian which food they particularly love the most, you will undoubtedly hear he or she reply - ‘Doro-wot’. It has an exotic and delicious taste and an aroma that stimulates the appetite.

Also ‘Tre-siga’ a raw meat served with various spicy sauces and ‘Kitfo’ a minced beef or lamb served raw or warmed (lebleb) in butter rosemary and berbere are popular and much loved foods among many Ethiopians. You may also find yourself addicted to them like many a native Ethiopian.

Shiro-wot, a chickpea or bean puree lightly spiced and accompanied by vegetables is served especially on fasting days. It might be one of your preferences especially if you are a vegetarian.

There are also tasty local made beverages from a local shrub known as gesho and Tella and Tej (honey wine) served in beautiful flasks. You might also like to try Arake a grain spirit which has a pretty powerful kick.

If you really want to treat yourself with an exotic experience of Ethiopia, you should not miss the coffee ceremony. Ethiopians are rightly proud of their coffee, since Ethiopia is the original home of coffee.

High quality coffee is still produced today, noted for its flavor and often blended with other fine coffees from around the world.

For the visitor a real and exotic experience will be to take part in this traditional coffee ceremony accompanied by freshly cut grass scattered on the ground, burning incense and coffee beans roasting in a pan.

As the smoke rises you’ll be offered the delicious aroma, to draw toward you and inhale.

The beans are then ground with a pestle and mortar and brewed with water in a pan. When it is finally ready, the coffee is served in tiny cups in three turns served with ‘Buna-kurse’ a small snack, usually popcorn is the other part of what is a beautiful ceremony.

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A few weeks ago I was travelling to the western part of Ethiopia for some project work. The last time I had been there was five years ago.

At that time I remember, my journey was so exhaustive, due to the difficult gravel road which made the place almost inaccessible. I never thought I would go there again.

Improving Roads

But this time many things had changed. Though some parts of the road are still under construction, many parts of it are completed and are easing the difficulties travellers and drivers use to face.

Such infrastructural improvements especially on the road sector are also significant in many other parts of the country. Good quality roads are to be found now in increasing numbers, leading to all corners of the country.

Improving Air Transport

Not only the road sector but also the upgraded and growing air transportation sector has also added good value to travelling to and within Ethiopia.

The old terminal at Bole International Airport has been renovated to serve the domestic and international flights within the past five years.

The Bole International Airport also ushers in a whole new era for Addis Ababa, bringing the runway up to 21st century standards including capability to accommodate the largest jets. The main airports within the country have also been expanded and upgraded for better service.

The main and most visible improvement in the airport sector is, of course, the new terminal with its high and spacious design. Passenger convenience and service has been the guiding principle of the new building. Space has been increased to five times the previous main terminal, which is now a massive 40,000 sq meters.

Improving Hotels and Services

Many new hotels have been built and many others are under construction in the capital as well as in the main tourist destinations. Hotels offering very good services, ranging from the luxurious ones, to the budget types, are operating in many regions of the country.

Continuing improvements make Ethiopia an important and enjoyable tourism destination and it has emerged as one of the top ten must visit places in 2007. A testimony to which was recently given by Frommer’s, renowned for their travel expertise for over 50 years.

Of course there are still many remaining assignments before Ethiopia is able to fully offer her most hidden treasures to the world.

There are still areas that are difficult to access and where hotels, lodges or other facilities are hard to find, even though such areas make attractive and amazing tourism destinations.

However much has improved and there is a great and bright hope for Ethiopia to sustain and grow even more in the future.

Eskinder Hailu
Turning Your Dream Vacation Into a Reality

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