Women of Addis (I): the Alene sisters at St George’s gallery
As I am getting to know Addis and its people better, I was struck by how dynamic and entrepreneurial Ethiopian women are. Some of the most successful medium size niche … Continue reading
St Patrick’s in Addis
With the numerous Irish Diaspora scattered in the four corners of the World, the celebration of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, on the 17th of March, has become a … Continue reading
Old and new Harar
I spent two days wandering around Harar, enjoying its bustling atmosphere and unique culture. I quickly realised why I liked the city so much: I could walk around at leisure, … Continue reading
Harar and Rimbaud
Before Dire Dawa and the train line were built, Harar was a major trading centre on the Eastern route between the Red Sea and the Abyssinian high-plateau. It was and … Continue reading
Addis “Women First” 5 kms Run
Running is the national sport in Ethiopia as can testify the many gold medals Ethiopian runners won at the Olympic games or World championships. Running is one of the few … Continue reading
French legacy in Dire Dawa
There’s nothing like a trip outside the city to lift up one’s spirit again. This time, we went East to Dire Dawa and Harar, the famed walled city, home of … Continue reading
Trouble at home…
I have been relatively silent in the last few weeks, as I felt I didn’t have much to write about. As a matter of fact, I was preoccupied with domestic … Continue reading
A trip to the Danakil (part V): on top of the volcano
All the clichés come to mind when standing on the edge of the crater on top of the Erta Ale volcano: being on top of the world, taking the trip … Continue reading
A trip to the Danakil (part IV): the antiquated salt extraction techniques
As the heat was quickly rising, we had to make a move to the salt extraction plains, another unexpected sight. It was already midday and the sun was getting very … Continue reading
A trip to the Danakil (part III), the amazing sulphur plains
For visitors, Hamadila is the base from which to see the salt extraction sites as well as the famous sulphur plains of Dallol, one of the main attractions in the … Continue reading
Salambo in Addis 