Expat life carries on as AU celebrates its 50th anniversary
I don’t need to mention that Addis Abeba was in the news this weekend with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union, the pan-African organisation based in … Continue reading
Job not permitted
There are days I really have no inspiration to write so limited my life in Addis feels. If I didn’t constantly make an effort to get out to expose myself … Continue reading
Ethiopia in America
Back into my golden cage after a temporary escape to NYC. Hard to come back after two weeks of freedom. To my surprise, what I enjoyed the most there wasn’t … Continue reading
Women in Addis (V): Amakeletch and La Parisienne pastry shop
Amakeletch Teferi is another woman entrepreneur who runs a successful business in Addis. Initially trained as an agronomist, she set up the chain of café-bakeries La Parisienne a with her family 15 … Continue reading
Women of Addis (IV): Bethlehem and her soleRebels organic shoes
Everybody in Addis is wearing soleRebels shoes or sandals, the fair trade shoes developed a few years ago by young woman entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu. At just 32, she is … Continue reading
Women of Addis (III): Mitslal and her ECOPIA jam and soap
I met Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie for the first time last year in the café at the Hilton. At the time, she was moving back permanently to Ethiopia after many years living … Continue reading
Women of Addis (II): Hiruth Gougsa’s MELA label
Inspired by the Alene sisters, Hiruth Gougsa set up her own business making handbags made in Ethiopia, which she sells in her attractive ethnic store in the Bole area. For … Continue reading
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
Salambo in Addis 