Ethiopia...The First Days of 2015

Happy New Year’s! It’s hard to believe another year’s cycle has passed. This time last year, I was watching Michigan State dominate in college football at the Rose Powl in sunny Pasedana, California. The year before? I was with my family at a resort in Ohio, pool-side in a simulated 75 degree climate. This year? I was jet-lagged (among other things) but was in a completely new and unfamiliar culture!

Oh look - New York in Addis! 

My day stated at 1 PM with a yummy Ethiopian breakfast kincha, hearty (and organic) oats flavored with spices and the secret ingredient in the best Ethiopian dishes: butter. Lidet and I ran some errands, where I had my first opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s version of rundown van-like “taxis,” which carried anywhere between 10 (legally) and 15 (illegally) passengers and helped us get all around the city including Mexico (the “times square” of Addis). While the pollution and dust were noticeable as we walked, I couldn’t help but think that it wasn’t as bad as other countries I’d visited and that there was something notable about the city’s state of development. Lidet explained that the pollution was actually considered bad to them, and that the construction happening on every corner of the city (literally) was a recent phenomenon related to the country’s development plan. Among the major projects – a dam at the head of the Nile River (who knew Ethiopia was completely landlocked!) and an intercity rail system!

Tucked away in the back of the "taxi"

Mexico Square: the "Times Square" of Addis.

A view of Mexico Square, where there's currently an expo.

Construction everywhere!

The new rail system!

Lidet and I went to TA MA CO, one of the first coffee shops in the country, and I a delicious machhiato with…soy milk (which was surprisingly, to me, available at several places). We went to Lidet’s favorite juice joint – literally the thickest juice ever – for an avocado, pineapple, and guava juice blend. We looked at the gardens and local artist gallery at the Alliance Francaise. We ate lentil samosas from a street food stand. The night ended with some relaxed socializing, starting with a meet-up at a café and later live Ethiopian jazz and classics at Mama’s Kitchen.

Soy machiatto! Yum!

A local memorial museum commemorating a past youth movement.

Look at that juice!!

Jazz night! 

The next day, my last in the city, was quite memorable. After a six-hour ordeal with Ethiopian Airlines, I got my luggage and the evening could finally start! I got my last fix of injera and tasted some of the most delicious pastries at Lidet’s friend’s cake shop. We drove around the city, strolled a lively neighborhood home to the few remaining old Ethiopian houses and with shiny displays of silver and gold EVERYWHERE! We went for my last soy machiatto at the Ethiopian version of “Starbucks.” And then, that night we danced, danced, danced!

Get excited!

It's like I've know Nabi (Lidet's friend) all my life!

After only a few days, leaving Ethiopia felt like leaving home! I had such an incredible experience – led by an amazing host and her loving friends and family. I ate my way through the city (more on this coming soon!), and learned about a unique African country, different from any other I’ve been to so far. All in all, a FABULOUS way to start what promises to be the best year yet! 

Ethiopia and I are clearly not on the same calendar...