The Magical Allure of Ethiopia

By Elisha Mayallah
If travel is intended to offer a slowed-down perspective on a surprising world, my recent visit to Ethiopia has clinched it. When life becomes too mechanical, or routine, try to do something different.

I had only three days, and the whole of Addis Ababa and its surroundings to explore. Phew! For many people all over the world, the mere mention of Ethiopia brings to mind its unrivalled warmth and friendly nature of the Ethiopians.

Addis Ababa or ‘new flower’ in the local Amharic language is one of the most populous cities in Africa (with about four million people) and believed to have been founded around 1887 by Emperor Menelik.

It is a sprawling city of congested thoroughfares and hidden residential neighbourhoods with narrow streets, and is a perfect place to start an Ethiopian lifetime sojourn.

It is aptly described as the ‘political capital’ of Africa due to its tumultuous history and diplomatic and political significance for the continent. African leaders troop there time and again, as the need arises, under the auspices of the African Union (AU) headquartered here. Read more.