For our entire stay in Ethiopia we were in the capital city of Addis Ababa. This city is in the middle of a beautiful landscape full of mountain ranges and lush, green foliage. I truly wished we had seen more of the countryside. We may have to do so on our next trip back.
The city was a mixture of modern buildings and those of a very simple structure. There seemed to be no boundaries between wealth and poverty as we typically see here in the States.
There were people everywhere. In that sense it reminded me of NYC. So many people bustling about yet the nature was more simple. There were so many small, independent shops or fruit markets. Fresh foods were available everywhere. Another large difference was the number of children we saw out everywhere! So many little ones. I loved watching them walk to and from school in the morning and afternoon. They were truly all so full of hope and smiles.
Often while we were driving we had to stop for herds of cattle, donkey, sheep, etc crossing the road.
I don't believe I saw a single stop sign or traffic light. Road lanes seemed kind of non-existant yet I did not see a single car wreck anywhere.
We stayed at Grace Guest House in Addis Ababa. We LOVED it there. We were able to stay with many other adoptive families and we loved that special time with them. The staff incredibly hospitable and we felt like family staying there. Here is a picture of the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony set. This is a regular tradition in Ethiopia and I have to say that their coffee was the BEST I have EVER had. I miss it.
There was a great common area for families to gather and eat and spend time.
EEvery home and most building had a sort of "privacy fence" around it. It may have been made of sheet metal like this one or of stone or concrete. Family life seemed to be kept very private.
The Ethiopian flag outside of the Hilton.
A very large turtle outside of the National Musuem of Ethiopia.
One of the first churches in Addis.
At the top of "the mountain" in Addis where you can see the view of the city. It was a little hazy in photos but amazing in person.
The weather was incredible. Mid 70's every day and sunny skies. I could live in weather like this all the time. And I believe their weather stays pretty consistent year round (except during the rainy season). I always expected that every place in Africa would be HOT. Ethiopia is set among mountain ranges and so because of the high elevation of the land the temperatures stay lower.
I loved this country and the way it has shaped my heart. I knew it would change me and it has. We loved the people we met and were so humbled by their sweet nature to us. I can not wait to go back.
